IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answers

Academic Task 1 model: a line graph

Question: The graph below shows the number of visitors to three London museums between 2010 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The line graph compares visitor numbers at three museums in London, the British Museum, the Tate Modern and the Science Museum, over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020.

Overall, the British Museum attracted the most visitors throughout the period, while the Science Museum remained the least visited. Visitor numbers rose at all three museums until 2018, after which they began to fall.

In 2010, the British Museum received about 5 million visitors, well above the Tate Modern at roughly 4 million and the Science Museum at around 2.5 million. Over the next eight years, all three figures climbed steadily. The British Museum peaked at just over 6.5 million in 2018, and the Tate Modern reached a similar high of around 5.5 million. The Science Museum also grew over this period, though it stayed well behind the other two.

From 2018 onwards, the trend reversed. Visitor numbers at all three sites declined, with the sharpest fall at the Tate Modern, which dropped to about 4.5 million by 2020. The Science Museum, despite being the least visited, showed the most stable pattern across the decade.

Why this scores Band 8:

• The second paragraph is a clear overview with no specific numbers. This is the move examiners look for.
• The data is grouped into trends, a rise to 2018 then a fall, instead of listing every year.
• Approximation language like "about", "roughly" and "just over" is accurate and shows lexical range.
• Past tense is used throughout for past data, with no tense slips.
• There is no personal opinion, only objective description.

Academic Task 1 model: a process diagram

Question: The diagram below shows how glass bottles are recycled. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

The diagram illustrates the process by which used glass bottles are recycled and turned into new glass products.

Overall, the process is a continuous cycle with seven main stages, beginning when used bottles are collected and ending when new bottles are returned to shops for sale.

At the first stage, empty glass bottles are collected from homes and public recycling points. They are then transported by lorry to a processing plant. On arrival, the glass is sorted by colour into clear, green and brown, and any metal lids or paper labels are removed.

Once sorted, the clean glass is crushed into small pieces known as cullet. This cullet is then melted in a furnace at a very high temperature until it becomes a thick liquid. In the next stage, the molten glass is poured into moulds and shaped into new bottles.

Finally, the finished bottles are cooled, checked for quality and packed. They are then delivered to shops, where they are filled and sold, allowing the cycle to begin again.

Why this scores Band 8:

• The overview names the number of stages and says it is a cycle, giving the big picture first.
• The passive voice ("are collected", "is crushed") is used naturally throughout, which suits a process.
• Sequence words ("then", "once sorted", "finally") guide the reader through each stage in order.
• The present tense is correct for a process that is always true.
• No data figures are forced in, because a process shows steps, not numbers.

General Training Task 1 model: a formal letter

Question: You recently bought a piece of electronic equipment, but it did not work properly. Write a letter to the shop. In your letter: explain what you bought, describe the problem, and say what you would like the shop to do.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a wireless printer I purchased from your store on 3 June. The model is the PrintPro 200, and I bought it for use in my home office.

Unfortunately, the printer has not worked correctly since I set it up. Although it switches on and connects to my computer, it stops halfway through almost every print job and displays a paper jam error, even when there is no jam. I have followed the troubleshooting steps in the manual and contacted your support line, but the fault remains. As a result, I have been unable to print important documents for my work.

Given that the printer is still under warranty and clearly faulty, I would like a full refund or a replacement unit of the same model. I have kept the original receipt and packaging, and I am happy to return the item to your store at a convenient time.

I look forward to your prompt reply and a satisfactory resolution to this matter.

Yours faithfully,
James Carter

Why this scores Band 8:

• The tone is formal and consistent, with no contractions and a matching "Dear Sir or Madam" and "Yours faithfully".
• All three bullet points are covered clearly: what was bought, the exact problem, and the action requested.
• The purpose is stated in the first line, so the examiner sees the aim at once.
• The letter uses varied sentences and precise words like "dissatisfaction", "troubleshooting" and "warranty" without sounding forced.

General Training Task 1 model: an informal letter

Question: A friend has recently moved to a new city for work. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: ask how they are settling in, share your own recent news, and suggest a time to visit them.

Dear Sam,

It has been a few weeks since you moved to Bristol, so I thought I would write and see how you are getting on. How is the new flat? I hope the job is going well and that you have started to find your way around the city.

Things here have been pretty busy. I finally finished the evening course I was taking, and last weekend I adopted a rescue dog called Biscuit. He is full of energy and has already chewed one of my shoes, but I love him to bits. Life is certainly not quiet anymore.

I would really love to come and visit you soon. Would the last weekend of next month suit you? I could catch the Friday evening train and stay until Sunday. That would give us plenty of time to explore Bristol together and properly catch up. Just let me know if those dates work for you.

Write back when you get a chance and tell me everything about your new life.

Take care,
Anna

Why this scores Band 8:

• The tone is warm and informal, which suits a letter to a close friend.
• All three bullet points are covered: asking how they are settling in, sharing news, and suggesting a time to visit.
• The opening "Dear Sam" and closing "Take care" match the informal register.
• The letter sounds natural and personal, not like a memorised template.
• A range of sentences is used, from short and friendly to longer and detailed.