DIAGRAM

Below is a practice exercise to help you improve your IELTS diagrams. You need to fill in the
gaps in the paragraph below with the appropriate article or correct form of the noun (a / an /
the / nothing / plural). These are the most common mistakes that students make with IELTS
diagram descriptions.
The diagram below shows how hydro-electric power is generated.

This exercise is to develop accuracy with grammar. Complete the paragraph below by either
adding an article (a/an/the/nothing) or by having a plural noun. Here is an example to help
you understand :
Example
(1) ___ (Electricity) is generated by (2) ___ (water) passing through(3) ____ (turbine).
Answer:
Electricity (no article and no plural)
water (no article and no plural)
a turbine (we must use an article here as this is a countable noun and we are
introducing it for the first time)
Diagram Exercise
It can be seen that (1) ___ (evaporation) is caused by (2) ___(sun's heat) and results in (3) ___
(cloud formation) which later leads to (4) ___ (rain). As rain falls, it is collected in (5) ___
(reservoir) which is controlled by (6) ___ (dam). The flow of the water from (7) ___ (dam), is
controlled by (8) ___ (valve) which opens and closes to allow water to flow to (9) ___(turbine)
below (10) ___ (production) of electricity.
ANSWER:
It can be seen that (1) evaporation is caused by (2) the suns heat and results in (3)
cloud formation which later leads to (4) rain. As rain falls, it is collected in (5) a reservoir
which is controlled by (6) a dam. The flow of the water from (7) the dam, is controlled by

(8) a valve which opens and closes to allow water to flow to (9) <strong>a turbine below
for (10) the production of electricity.
Below is an IELTS diagram model answer which is estimated at band score 9. It is possible to
have a diagram in your IELTS writing task 1 academic paper. A diagram is also known as a
process.
The diagram below shows the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process,
and how cement is used to produce concrete for building purposes.

Diagram Model Answer

The diagrams illustrate the way in which cement is made and how it is then used in the
process of making concrete. Overall, limestone and clay pass through four stages before
being bagged ready for use as cement which then accounts for 15% of the four ingredients
used to produce concrete. While the process of making cement uses a number of tools, the
production of concrete requires only a concrete mixer.
In the first stage of making cement, limestone and clay are crushed together to form a
powder. This powder is then combined in a mixer before passing into a rotating heater which
has constant heat applied at one end of the tube. The resulting mixture is ground in order to
produce cement. The final product is afterwards put into bags ready to be used.
Regarding the second diagram, concrete consists of mainly gravel, which is small
stones, and this makes up 50% of the ingredients. The other materials used are sand (25%),
cement (15%) and water (10%). These are all poured into a concrete mixer which continually
rotates to combine the materials and ultimately produce concrete.
This diagram gives a concise introduction. The overview contains key features of both
diagrams and also highlights the connection between them. The body paragraphs are
organised well and linking devices are used flexibly and accurately. Each body paragraphs
explained the steps of each process in a logical order. Complex sentences are accurate and
there is also passive voice used. Collocations are well used.

TABLE
Below is a model answer for the IELTS table for writing task 1 from IELTS Cambridge book 7.
It is estimated at band score 9.
The table below gives information about consumer spending on different items
in five different countries in 2002.

Table Model Answer

The table illustrates the proportion of national expenditure in Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden
and Turkey on three categories of items in 2002.
Overall, all countries spent most on food, drinks and tobacco, which was almost three
times that of the other items. The lowest expenditure was on leisure and education in the
five countries. The expenditure of Turkey overall was higher than the other countries.
In terms of food, drinks and tobacco, Turkey spent the most at 32.14%. The expenditure
of Ireland was also high (28.91%) compared to Sweden which spent the least (15.77%).
Spain and Italy spent 18.80% and 16.36% respectively.
Italy spent more than the other countries on clothing and footwear (9%) as opposed to
the lowest expenditure which could be seen in Sweden at 5.40%. The other three countries
spent on average around 6.5%.
The lowest expenditure was on leisure and education which accounted for under 5% in
all countries. Turkey spent most on these items at just 4.35% of their national expenditure
which was around double that of Spain who spent the least at just 1.98%.

LINE GRAPH
To describe a line graph, you must use give accurate descriptions of main changes over a
period of time. IELTS require you to use a range of language and sentences to relate the
informtion given in the graph.
Below is useful language and also a check list for you to follow to describe a line graph.
Adverbs: steadily, gradually, sharply, rapidly, steeply, slightly, dramatically, significantly,
considerably
Adjectives: steady, gradual, sharp, rapid, steep, slight, dramatic, significant, considerable
Nouns and verbs:

Sentences
The number of cases in Someland increased steadily from 100 to 200 between 1983 and
1988.
There was a steady rise in the number of cases in Someland to reach 200 from 1983 to
1989.
Time phrases: over the next three days, three days later, in the following three days, the
next three days show, over the period, from...to... / between ...and..., the last year, the final
year, the first year, at the beginning of the period, at the end of the period.

GUIDELINES
1. Have a clear introduction
2. Put all main trends in an overview statement this should be contained in one paragraph
3. Don't have a conclusion
4. Make sure you are using adjective + noun or verb + adverb
5. Don't repeat language of change use a variety of words
6. Use a range of time phrases
7. Dont always give from to for the amounts, sometimes you can give the difference it
increased by double
8. Add numbers or percentages to your sentences in the body paragraph
9. Organise your body paragraphs logically so it is easy for the examiner to read
10. Write 150 words or more. Dont write under the word count.
Line Graph Model
The graph illustrates the number of cases of a particular disease (disease X) in Someland
over 10 years from 1983 to 1992.
Overall, the number of cases of disease X remained below 200 over the period given
except for a considerable surge between 1989 and 1991 when the figures doubled. The
disease was completely eradicated by the final year.
In 1983, the number of cases of the disease stood at 100 which then rose steadily over
the following 4 years to reach 200 in 1987. In the following year, 1988, the figure returned to
the origin number of 100.
There was a dramatic growth in cases to a peak of 400 in 1989 after which it
experienced a slight fall to 350 in 1990. Over the following year, the number remained
stable at 350. In the last year, the number of cases plummeted sharply to zero with no cases
being reported.
Take time to read through the model and pay attention to:
The content of each paragraph
The use of verbs, nouns, adverbs and adjectives
The logical order of information in the body paragraphs
Please note: this is a practice exercise lesson. It is rare for IELTS to give a one-line graph. So,
use this to practice language and technique.

The line graph below shows radio & television audiences throughout the day in 1992.

Fill in the gaps to complete the sample answer for the above line graph. You can use
more than one word in each answer.

Answers:

Soal: The line graph below shows the number of overseas students who came from six Asian
countries to study in Australia from 1994 to 1997.
This line graph illustrates how many students went to Australia to study from six different
countries in Asia (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Korea) over a period
of four years between 1994 and 1997.
How to organize the paragraphs:
- 4 paragraphs: introduction, overview, body paragraph A, body paragraph B.
- Body paragraph A: put information about Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Korea
- Body paragraph A: put information about Japan, Hong Kong because they showed
different trends from the others.

IELTS LINE GRAPH MODEL (BAND SCORE 9)

This model line graph for IELTS writing task 1 is estimated at band score 9. Use this sample
writing as a template for structure, key features and language for any IELTS line graph.
There are also some tips given below to guide you and help you understand how to describe
this type of graph.
Tips for Line Graphs
1. Paraphrase the line graph information for your overview
2. Put main trends and highlights in an overall statement
3. Write one or two sentences about each line
4. Make sure each sentence in the body paragraphs have numbers and dates to support
them
The graph below shows the consumption of 3 spreads from 1981 to 2007.

The line graph illustrates the amount of three kinds of spreads (margarine, low fat and
reduced spreads and butter) which were consumed over 26 years from 1981 to 2007. Units
are measured in grams.
Overall, the consumption of margarine and butter decreased over period given while for low
fat and reduced spreads, it rose. At the start of the period, butter was the most popular
spread, which was replaced by margarine from 1991 to 2001, and following that low fat and
reduced spreads became the most widely used spread in the final years.
With regards to the amount of butter used, it began at around 140 grams and then peaked
at 160 grams in 1986 before falling dramatically to about 50 grams in the last year. Likewise,
approximately 90 grams of margarine was eaten in the first year after which the figure
fluctuated slightly and dropped to a low of 40 grams in 2007.
On the other hand, the consumption of low fats and reduced spreads only started in 1996 at
about 10 grams. This figure, which reached a high of just over 80 grams 5 years later, fell
slightly in the final years to approximately 70 grams in 2007.

MAP COMPARISON
Below is an IELTS map model answer which is estimated at band score 9. This is a
comparison of three maps in different time periods for the academic writing task 1.
The maps illustrate how Meadowside village and Fonton, which is a neighbouring town, have
developed over three different time periods (1962, 1985 and the present).

Tense
- Use Present Perfect: to write about something that started in the past until now.
There has been considerable development in Meadowside
Changes seen in the map: infrastructure, transportation, entertainment, buildings, size.
EXCEPT location and industry
Overall, Meadowside village increased in size and has become Meadowside Suburb as it
merged together with Fonton. Furthermore, there have been significant changes in
infrastructure, housing and facilities over the period given.
In 1962, both Meadowside and Fonton were completely separate with no roads or rail
connecting them. While Fonton had a railway line running through it to the north,
Meadowside, located to the west of Fonton, only had a small road from the west.
By 1985, there was a considerable growth in the size of Meadowside village and Fonton. The
small road in Meadowside village had been converted into a main road and was also
extended to the east to connect with Fonton. Meadowside, moreover, had also developed a
housing estate in the west, a leisure complex and a supermarket in the south.
Currently, both Meadowside, which is now a suburb, and Fonton are joined. The railway line,
which runs through Fonton, has been extended to the west where a train station has been
built. To the north of the station, a hotel has been constructed and opposite the station, to
the south, there is now a business park.

BAR CHART
The report has been organised into logical paragraphs with flexible use of linking. The
overview is very clear with key features well highlighted. Accurate data is used to support
sentences in the body paragraphs. There is a range of complex structures and vocabulary is
use flexibly. This is an estimated band score 9 writing task 1 report for the academic paper.

The chart illustrates the amount of money spent on five consumer goods (cars, computers,
books, perfume and cameras) in France and the UK in 2010. Units are measured in pounds
sterling.
Overall, the UK spent more money on consumer goods than France in the period given. Both
the British and the French spent most of their money on cars whereas the least amount of
money was spent on perfume in the UK compared to cameras in France. Furthermore, the
most significant difference in expenditure between the two countries was on cameras.
In terms of cars, people in the UK spent about 450,000 on this as opposed to the French
who spent 400,000. Similarly, the British spent more money on books than the French
(around 400,000 and 300,000 respectively). In the UK, expenditure on cameras (just over
350,000) was over double that of France, which was only 150,000.
On the other hand, the amount spent on the remaining goods was higher in France. Above
350,000 was spent by the French on computers which was slightly more than the British
who spent 300,000. Neither countries spent much on perfume which accounted for
200,000 of expenditure in France but under 150,000 in the UK.

PIE CHART MODEL SCORE 9

How to compare two pie charts in IELTS writing task 1. This sample answer illustrates the
method of organising the report as well as useful language and sentence structures to get a
band score 9.
The pie charts below show the comparison of different kinds of energy production of France
in two years.

The two pie charts illustrate five types of energy production in France in 1995 and 2005.
Overall, in both years, the most significant sources of energy were gas and coal, which
together accounted for over half the production of energy, while nuclear and other kinds of
energy sources generated the least amount of energy in France. In all types of energy
production there was only minimal change over the 10 year period.
Energy produced by coal comprised of 29.80% in the first year and this showed only a
very slight increase of about a mere 1 % to 30.9% in 2005. Likewise, in 1995, gas generated
29.63% which rose marginally to 30.1% 10 years later.
With regards to the remaining methods of producing energy, there was an approximate
5% growth in production from both nuclear power and other sources to 10.10% and 9.10%
respectively. Petrol, on the other hand, was the only source of energy which decreased in
production from 29.27% in 1995 to around a fifth (19.55%) in 2005.
TIPS on PIE CHART:
1. Always highlight the largest and smallest proportions
2. If there are two pie charts in different time periods, then you must highlight the key
changes / trends
3. Use pie chart language: accounts for / comprises of / represents

PIE and BAR CHART

It is possible to be given two charts together in IELTS writing task 1. Below you will see two
pie charts followed by a bar chart. This exercise will focus on how to structure your report
and how to highlight the key features of both charts in one overview.
The charts below show the males and females arrested over 5 years and the reasons for the
most recent arrests.

Two Charts: Structure and Overview

Answer the questions below in order to decide your paragraphing for your task 1 report.
1. Will you put the introduction separately?
2. Will you have an overview or conclusion?
3. How many body paragraphs will you have?
4. What order will you put your paragraphs in?
5. Will your body paragraphs be equal lengths?
Answers
1. Yes, the introduction should go in a separate paragraph.
2. You must have an overview not a conclusion. The overview can go after the
introduction.
3. You should have 4 paragraphs in total.
4. You should have an introduction, an overview, one body paragraph for the pie chart
detail and one body paragraph for the bar chart detail.
5. The body paragraph with pie chart detail will be shorter than the body paragraph
with details about the bar chart
Now write your overview. This paragraph must contain key features from both charts. This
means you must write one sentence about the key features of the pie charts and one
sentence for the key features of the other chart. After you have written your overview, check
the sample overview.
SAMPLE:
Overall, over the five year period finishing in 1994, there were significantly more males
arrested than females. The majority of arrests were due to public drinking while no answer
was given for the least number of arrests for both genders.

A HIGH SCORE BAR CHART EXERCISE

Fill in the gaps to complete the high score bar chart for IELTS writing task 1. Use the
completed bar chart report to model your own writing as it gives the right structure to use
and a good range of sentence structures and language.
Below are useful sentence structures which are commonly used for bar charts for each
paragraph (the introduction, overview and body paragraphs) to make up a complete task 1
writing model.
You will see a full report for the bar chart below and you must fill in the gaps to complete it
by using the correct verb in their appropriate form.
The bar chart below shows the number of research students studying different subject in
2005.

ANSWERS: