The IELTS Academic Writing test is made up of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2.
In Academic Writing Task 1, you will be shown a visual representation of information; a graph, table, chart or diagram, and you are asked to summarise, describe or explain the information you see.
In this article, we will be focusing on phrases and collocations for describing diagrams and maps, which are also common types of visual data in Writing Task 1 Academic.
What are diagrams and maps?
First, let’s talk about what diagrams and maps are, and what you are expected to do when describing them.
A diagram illustrates a process or shows how something works. If presented with a diagram, you should describe what you see using your own words. More specifically, you will be asked to select and report the diagram’s main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Maps are generally used in Writing Task 1 to get candidates to make comparisons of two or more maps over different time periods. Just as with diagrams, when describing maps, you are expected to select and report the main features and, of course, make comparisons.
How can you describe diagrams and maps?
The best way to start your Writing Task 1 Academic is by introducing the visual data. Here are some phrases and collocations that you can use to introduce diagrams and maps:
According to the diagram/map(s)…
The diagram/map(s) show(s)…
The diagram/map(s) illustrate(s)…
The diagram/map(s) demonstrate(s)…
Looking at the diagram/map(s), it can be seen that…
Now let’s focus on phrases and collocations that you can use to describe and compare diagrams and maps:
Describing a process
1. Talking about the process:
a complex/simple process
a lengthy/short process
the process consists of (several stages)…
the process involves…
a man-made/natural process
2. Sequencing the process:
In the initial stages of the process…
In the first/second/third stage…
The first/second/third stage involves…
The first/next/last step is…
after which (it is sent to)….
in preparation for…
at this point
Describing how something works
The ___ consists of…
The function of the ___ is to…
various/different components
several/few component parts
main parts
continuous cycle
Note: Diagrams will provide you with labels that you can use to support your main points. However, make sure you produce your own words, including verbs, in the right tense and voice. Keep in mind that the passive voice is often necessary when describing a process.
How do you make comparisons for diagrams and maps?
main differences
considerable/significant differences
small/minor differences
significant/major changes
small/minor changes
increased/decreased in size
significant/exponential growth
over the course of __ years/decades
__ saw/has seen the most change
the change/growth in __ was more/less significant than…
Want more advice to help you to prepare for IELTS Writing?
Achieving a great IELTS score takes time and planning. You can’t just book and take your test in a matter of days – no matter how strong your English skills are. Successful test takers create a schedule to help them study everything they need to know before they sit an IELTS test. They make time to practise all four English skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking – as the format of each part of the test is different.
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