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IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answers - Band 7-9 Examples


Study high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answers for both Academic and General Training. Learn from band 7-9 examples with examiner comments.

Academic Task 1 Sample Answers

Sample 1: Line Graph - Tourism Trends (Band 8.0)

Task:

The graph below shows the number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample Answer:

The line graph illustrates visitor numbers to a Caribbean island over an eight-year period from 2010 to 2017, showing data for both tourists staying on the island and those on cruise ships.

Overall, the total number of tourists increased significantly throughout the period, with visitors staying on the island showing the most dramatic growth. While cruise ship passengers initially outnumbered those staying on the island, this trend reversed by the end of the period.

In 2010, the island received 1 million total visitors, comprising 750,000 cruise ship passengers and 250,000 staying on the island. The number of cruise visitors remained relatively stable until 2012, hovering around 750,000, before declining to approximately 500,000 in 2013. Subsequently, cruise tourism recovered gradually, reaching 1.5 million by 2017.

In contrast, the number of tourists staying on the island demonstrated consistent growth throughout the period. Starting at 250,000 in 2010, this figure doubled to 500,000 by 2011 and continued to rise steadily, reaching 1.5 million in 2015. After a brief plateau, it peaked at 2 million visitors in 2017, representing an eight-fold increase from the initial figure.

Word count: 175 words

Examiner Comments:
  • Clear overview identifying main trends
  • Logical organization with separate paragraphs for each data set
  • Good use of comparative language and data selection
  • Appropriate vocabulary for describing trends

Sample 2: Bar Chart - Energy Sources (Band 7.5)

Task:

The chart below shows the percentage of electricity produced from different energy sources in four countries in 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample Answer:

The bar chart compares electricity generation from five different sources (coal, gas, nuclear, renewable, and hydroelectric) across four nations in 2020.

Overall, there was considerable variation in energy source preferences among the countries, with each nation showing a distinct energy profile. While Country A relied heavily on fossil fuels, Country D demonstrated the highest use of renewable sources.

Country A generated the majority of its electricity from coal (45%) and gas (30%), with these fossil fuels accounting for three-quarters of total production. Nuclear power contributed 15%, while renewable and hydroelectric sources provided only 5% each.

In contrast, Country B showed a more balanced energy mix, with nuclear power being the dominant source at 35%, followed by gas at 25% and coal at 20%. Renewable sources and hydroelectric power each contributed 10% to the national grid.

Countries C and D presented contrasting approaches to clean energy. Country C derived 40% of its electricity from hydroelectric power, the highest proportion among all countries, while maintaining 25% from coal. Country D led in renewable energy adoption at 45%, supplemented by 20% from nuclear power and minimal fossil fuel usage.

Word count: 184 words

Sample 3: Process Diagram - Cement Production (Band 8.5)

Task:

The diagrams below show the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process, and how cement is used to produce concrete for building purposes. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

Sample Answer:

The diagrams illustrate the production process of cement and its subsequent use in concrete manufacturing for construction purposes.

The cement production process involves several distinct stages, beginning with raw material extraction and ending with the final packaged product. Initially, limestone and clay are extracted and crushed into powder using a crusher. The resulting powder is then mixed thoroughly in a mixer before being fed into a rotating heater, where it undergoes thermal treatment.

Following the heating process, the material passes through a grinder, which produces fine cement powder. This cement is then packaged in bags, ready for distribution and use.

The second diagram demonstrates concrete production, which requires precise proportioning of ingredients. Cement comprises 15% of the mixture, while water accounts for 10%. The bulk of the concrete consists of aggregates: small stones (gravel) making up 50% and sand contributing 25%. These ingredients are combined in a concrete mixer, which rotates to ensure thorough blending.

In summary, cement production is a multi-stage industrial process involving crushing, mixing, heating, and grinding of raw materials, while concrete production simply requires mixing cement with water and aggregates in specific proportions.

Word count: 187 words

General Training Task 1 Sample Letters

Sample 1: Formal Letter - Job Application (Band 8.0)

Task:

You recently saw an advertisement for a job position at a local museum. Write a letter to the museum director. In your letter: " Explain why you are interested in the job " Describe your relevant experience and skills " Say when you would be available for an interview

Sample Answer:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Museum Education Officer position advertised in the Daily Herald on March 15th.

Having visited your museum numerous times, I have always been impressed by the quality of your exhibitions and educational programs. This position particularly appeals to me as it combines my passion for history with my desire to make cultural heritage accessible to diverse audiences, especially young people.

My qualifications align well with your requirements. I hold a Master's degree in Art History from Cambridge University and have three years' experience as an education coordinator at the National Gallery. In this role, I developed and delivered workshops for over 5,000 school children annually, created interactive learning materials, and trained volunteer guides. Additionally, I speak three languages fluently, which would be valuable for international visitors.

I am currently completing my contract, which ends on April 30th, and would be available for an interview at your convenience any weekday after 4 PM or anytime during weekends. I could start the position from May 15th if successful.

I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your museum's educational mission.

Yours faithfully,
Sarah Johnson

Word count: 186 words

Sample 2: Semi-formal Letter - Complaint to Landlord (Band 7.5)

Task:

You are renting an apartment and have discovered some problems. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter: " Describe the problems " Explain how these problems are affecting you " Say what you want the landlord to do

Sample Answer:

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention some urgent maintenance issues in the apartment at 24 Oak Street that require immediate attention.

Since last Tuesday, there have been two significant problems. Firstly, the heating system has completely stopped working, leaving the apartment without any warmth during this particularly cold weather. Secondly, there is a persistent leak from the bathroom ceiling, which appears to be worsening daily and has already caused water stains on the walls.

These issues are seriously affecting my daily life. Without heating, the apartment temperature drops to below 10°C at night, making it difficult to sleep and forcing me to wear multiple layers indoors. The bathroom leak has made the floor dangerously slippery, and I am concerned about potential mold growth and damage to my personal belongings stored in the bathroom cabinet.

I would appreciate it if you could arrange for a qualified technician to repair the heating system and a plumber to fix the leak as soon as possible. Given the urgency, I hope these repairs can be completed within the next 48 hours.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Best regards,
Michael Chen

Word count: 195 words

Key Points for High-Scoring Task 1 Responses

Academic Task 1:
  • Always include an overview paragraph
  • Select and compare key features
  • Use appropriate vocabulary for trends
  • Include specific data to support points
  • Maintain objective, formal tone
  • Aim for 150-190 words
General Training Task 1:
  • Use appropriate letter format and tone
  • Address all three bullet points clearly
  • Organize ideas in logical paragraphs
  • Use suitable opening and closing
  • Maintain consistent register throughout
  • Write at least 150 words