IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer (Band 7)
The IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires you to describe visual information such as graphs, charts, maps, tables, or processes. You should write at least 150 words within 20 minutes.
In this article, you'll find a Band 7 sample answer for a bar chart, along with useful vocabulary and writing tips.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The bar chart below shows the percentage of people who used four different methods of transportation to travel to work in a European city in 2025.
| Transport | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Car | 45% |
| Bus | 25% |
| Bicycle | 20% |
| Walking | 10% |
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 7 Sample Answer
The bar chart illustrates the proportions of commuters who used four different modes of transportation to travel to work in a European city in 2025.
Overall, travelling by car was by far the most popular method of commuting, while walking was the least common. The remaining two modes, namely buses and bicycles, accounted for moderate percentages.
According to the chart, 45% of people travelled by car, making it the dominant means of transportation. This figure was almost twice as high as the percentage of bus users, which stood at 25%.
Cycling was the third most preferred option, with 20% of commuters choosing bicycles. Although this percentage was lower than that of bus users, it still represented a considerable proportion of daily travellers. In contrast, only 10% of people walked to work, making it the least popular form of transport.
In conclusion, private cars remained the preferred choice for commuting, whereas walking was relatively uncommon among workers in the city.
Word Count: 174
Why This is a Band 7 Answer
✅ Clear overview included
✅ Accurate comparisons
✅ Logical paragraphing
✅ Good range of vocabulary
✅ Few or no grammatical errors
Useful Vocabulary
Simple Word Better Word shows illustrates many a significant number of biggest the highest proportion small relatively low more considerably higher less comparatively lower popular preferred use rely on difference disparity about approximately
| Simple Word | Better Word |
|---|---|
| shows | illustrates |
| many | a significant number of |
| biggest | the highest proportion |
| small | relatively low |
| more | considerably higher |
| less | comparatively lower |
| popular | preferred |
| use | rely on |
| difference | disparity |
| about | approximately |
Useful Linking Words
- Overall
- In contrast
- Meanwhile
- Similarly
- Furthermore
- Compared with
- Whereas
- By comparison
- On the other hand
- In conclusion
IELTS Writing Task 1 Structure
Introduction
Paraphrase the question.
Overview
Summarise the main trends without including numbers.
Body Paragraph 1
Describe the highest values and key comparisons.
Body Paragraph 2
Describe the remaining data and make further comparisons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving personal opinions.
- Writing fewer than 150 words.
- Copying the question directly.
- Forgetting to include an overview.
- Listing every number without making comparisons.
Examiner Tips for Band 7
- Include a clear overview.
- Compare data instead of describing each figure separately.
- Use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures.
- Organise your report into four paragraphs.
- Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 150 words enough for IELTS Writing Task 1?
Yes. The minimum requirement is 150 words, but writing around 170–190 words is generally ideal.
Can I give my opinion in Task 1?
No. Task 1 is a factual report, so you should only describe the information provided.
How long should I spend on Task 1?
You should spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
How can I achieve Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 1?
Focus on writing a clear overview, making accurate comparisons, using a wide range of vocabulary, and maintaining good grammar and coherence.
Final Thoughts
Scoring Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 1 is achievable with regular practice and the right structure. Always start with a paraphrased introduction, include a clear overview, compare key features, and support your report with relevant data. Practising different chart types—such as bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, maps, and process diagrams—will help you become more confident and improve your overall writing score.