In this IELTS Writing Task 1 lesson, you’ll learn how to accurately analyze charts, maps, and process diagrams. I explain how you can use a question checklist to practice your Task 1 analysis abilities. I also give an example of each kind of Task 1 data set.
Here are the checklist questions from the video:
Instructions:
To improve your ability to analyze Task 1 data, use the questions below when you see a new graph, chart, map, or process diagram. After you’re comfortable with the checklists, gradually try to use them less and less until you can analyze the data more easily.
Graph or Chart:
- What are the axes (x and y)?
- What are the units of measurement? (e.g. amount, %, age, etc.)
- Is there more than one group being compared? (e.g. 3 different countries)
- Does it show change over time? (this is common for graphs)
- What are the time periods shown? (past, present, future)
- What is the general trend? (increase, decrease, etc.)
- Are there any large differences between groups or charts?
- Are there any groups or charts that share similarities?
- How can I break it into two parts?
Maps:
- Is there more than one map being compared?
- What are the time periods shown? (past, present, future) Are they in different maps or the same map?
- What are the most noticeable differences between the multiple maps or time periods?
- What parts of the map are the same in both maps/time periods?
- Can the map(s) be easily broken into two parts? How?
Process Diagrams:
- Where is the start of the process? The end?
- How many total stages are there?
- What kind of process is it? Is it a cycle or a linear (start to finish) process?
- What does each stage do? And what is its connection with the previous stage?
- What is the end result? Is something produced?
- Can the process be easily broken into two parts? How?