Hello, I’m Sarah Thompson, IELTS Writing tutor and examiner.
The most effective way to improve your IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 skills is by studying Model Answers & Analysis. These help you understand what high-scoring candidates do — not just what they write, but why they write that way.
In this guide, we’ll examine Band 8–9 sample reports, breaking down structure, vocabulary, grammar, and examiner insights so you can model your own writing effectively.
Model answers provide a benchmark — they show you exactly how an excellent Task 1 response looks.
By analysing them, you can learn:
A Band 9 model isn’t about fancy language; it’s about clarity, precision, and control
Every Band 8–9 response follows a clear 4-part structure:
1️⃣ Introduction – Paraphrase the question using synonyms and varied grammar.
2️⃣ Overview – Summarise key trends or features without data.
3️⃣ Body Paragraph 1 – Describe the first set of main data trends or comparisons.
4️⃣ Body Paragraph 2 – Describe the remaining information or highlight contrasts.
Band 8 Tip: The overview is essential. Without it, your Task Achievement score is capped at Band 6.
Question:
The line graph below shows the percentage of households with Internet access in three countries between 2000 and 2020.
✅ Model Answer:
The line graph illustrates changes in the proportion of households with Internet access in the UK, Canada, and Australia from 2000 to 2020.
Overall, Internet usage increased significantly in all three countries, with the UK maintaining the highest level throughout the period.
In 2000, around 40% of households in the UK had Internet access, compared to roughly 30% in Canada and 20% in Australia. By 2010, figures for all countries had more than doubled, reaching about 90% in the UK and 70% in the other two. Between 2010 and 2020, access remained stable in the UK and Canada, while Australia saw a continued but slower rise to approximately 80%.
Overall, despite similar upward trends, the UK consistently led in Internet connectivity.
Criterion | Score Band | Comment |
Task Achievement | 9 | Clear overview, accurate trends, full data coverage |
Coherence & Cohesion | 9 | Logical paragraphing, appropriate linking |
Lexical Resource | 8 | Variety of academic vocabulary (proportion, approximately, consistently) |
Grammar Range & Accuracy | 9 | Complex structures used accurately; perfect tense control |
Key takeaway: Balanced tone, precise vocabulary, and excellent structure are more important than complex words.
Question:
The bar chart shows the number of international students in five countries in 2010 and 2020.
✅ Model Answer:
The bar chart compares the number of international students in Australia, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Japan in 2010 and 2020.
Overall, all countries experienced growth in student numbers, with Australia and the UK attracting the largest shares by 2020.
In 2010, Australia had the highest number of international students (around 300,000), followed by the UK and Canada. Japan and Germany had relatively smaller figures, at just under 100,000 each. By 2020, Australia’s figure had almost doubled to 600,000, while the UK rose modestly to about 400,000. Canada also saw a notable increase, overtaking Japan and Germany, both of which grew slightly.
In summary, Australia became the dominant destination for foreign students during this period.
Common mistake avoided: The candidate didn’t describe every figure — they grouped data logically.
Question:
The diagram shows how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station.
✅ Model Answer:
The diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity in a hydroelectric power station.
Overall, water stored in a dam flows through turbines to produce electricity, which is then transmitted to a national grid. The process operates in a continuous cycle involving both day and night stages.
During the day, water from the reservoir flows downhill through a tunnel to the turbines, which activate generators producing electricity. This power is transmitted to the national grid through high-voltage cables. At night, the water is pumped back into the reservoir using reversible turbines, preparing the system for reuse.
In summary, the system converts potential energy of stored water into electrical energy through a cyclical process.
Criterion | Performance |
Task Achievement | Describes all stages clearly; excellent overview |
Cohesion | Logical sequence, correct use of linkers (during the day, at night, overall) |
Vocabulary | Accurate technical terms (turbines, generators, high-voltage cables) |
Grammar | Accurate use of passive voice (is transmitted, is pumped back) |
Band 8 Tip: Always describe the full cycle — don’t skip the return stage in cyclical processes.
Question:
The maps show changes in the layout of a coastal town between 2000 and 2020.
✅ Model Answer:
The maps illustrate how a coastal town developed between 2000 and 2020.
Overall, the town became more urbanised, with the addition of housing, recreational facilities, and transport infrastructure replacing open land.
In 2000, the northern area consisted mainly of farmland and woodland, while a small residential zone was located near the beach. By 2020, most farmland had been replaced by new housing estates, and a hotel with parking facilities had been built along the coast. The woodland to the east remained largely unchanged.
In summary, the town was transformed from a rural area into a modern tourist destination with substantial development near the coastline.
Band 9 Tip: Write naturally, not mechanically. The best reports sound smooth, not memorised.
Read the following Task 1 question and write an introduction + overview only:
The pie charts show the percentage of energy sources used in a country in 1990 and 2020.
✅ Sample:
The two pie charts compare the energy sources used in a country in 1990 and 2020. Overall, renewable energy use increased, while the reliance on fossil fuels declined considerably.
Ask yourself before you finish any report:
If yes, your Task 1 writing is already examiner-ready.
Analysing Model Answers & Analysis helps you internalise structure, vocabulary, and tone — so you can apply them under timed conditions.
Practise rewriting these samples in your own words to build fluency and flexibility.
Next, proceed to IELTS Essay Types (Task 2) to explore the Academic Writing Task 2 section and learn about Opinion, Discussion, and Problem–Solution essays.
You can also revisit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills page or explore official models on IELTS.org.
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