IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 & Task 2 High-Score Guide
Updated for 2026 • 15 min read
1. Task 1: The Big Picture & 4-Paragraph Structure
In Academic Task 1, write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes describing visual information in your own words. Select main features, compare intelligently, and support comparisons with accurate numbers.
Introduction
Paraphrase what the visual shows (1 sentence).
Overview
Main trends, highest/lowest, overall shifts (1-2 sentences, no numbers).
Body 1
Report and compare first logical group of data (3-5 sentences).
Body 2
Report and compare remaining group of key data (3-5 sentences).
The [line graph / bar chart / table / diagram] illustrates [what is measured] in [place] between/from [time period].
Contrast & Concession: 6 Connectors That Work Differently
Structure first, nuance second: choose the grammatical frame, then select the right connector.
Transition Words
Connect two separate thoughts; followed by a comma.
However, · On the other hand, · In contrast,
Clause Joiners
Glue two halves of a single sentence together; no comma directly after word.
Although + clause · Whereas + clause
The Noun Hook
Cannot be followed directly by a full verb clause.
Despite + noun / -ing (or: Despite the fact that...)
| Connector | Grammatical Slot | Punctuation | Task 1 Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| However | Starts a new sentence (twist/reversal) | However, ... | Production rose in 2015. However, it dropped sharply afterwards. |
| On the other hand | Starts a new sentence (alternative side) | On the other hand, ... | Bus trips grew. On the other hand, train travel fell. |
| In contrast | New sentence OR hooks to noun | In contrast, ... / In contrast to [noun], ... | In contrast to wind power, coal usage decreased steadily. |
| Although | Joins two halves of one sentence (concession) | Although [clause], [main clause] | Although spending increased in 2010, savings declined. |
| Whereas | Directly balances two facts (comparison) | ... [fact 1], whereas [fact 2] | Country A produced 50 tons, whereas Country B yielded 15 tons. |
| Despite | Hooks strictly to noun or -ing | Despite [noun/-ing], ... | Despite dropping in 2014, revenue peaked in 2019. |
2. Task 2: All 7 Essay Types & The P.E.E. Body Paragraph Engine
For Task 2 essays (250+ words, 40 minutes), every body paragraph should be constructed using the P.E.E. Engine:
State the paragraph's main answer clearly in one single topic sentence.
Give a specific situation, policy, or realistic example ("For instance...").
Explain results, wider patterns, why it matters, and link back to your point.
| Question Type | Body 1 Focus | Body 2 Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion | Explain View A | Explain View B + Your Position |
| Advantages / Disadvantages | Explain Advantages | Explain Disadvantages |
| Do Advantages Outweigh? | Stronger Side | Weaker Side + Comparison |
| Problems & Solutions | Explain Problems | Directly Matching Solutions |
| Causes & Effects | Explain Causes (Why) | Explain Effects (Results) |
| Two-Part Question | Answer Question 1 | Answer Question 2 |
| Positive / Negative | Reason 1 for Judgement | Reason 2 for Judgement |
3. The 5-Minute Exam Planning Framework
1. Identify the Question Type: Circle key instructions (discuss, advantages, problems, etc.).
2. Formulate Your Thesis: Write a 1-sentence draft answer to the overall question.
3. Assign Paragraph Jobs: Decide what Body 1 and Body 2 will prove.
4. Outline P.E.E. Notes: 3-5 keywords only: Example -> Result -> Wider pattern.
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