About this IELTS Writing Template
Memorising complete essays is a poor strategy for the IELTS exam. Instead, learning the underlying framework of a high-scoring response allows you to adapt to any prompt. This Mixed Chart template for Academic Task 1 demonstrates exactly how to structure your ideas, connect your paragraphs logically, and deploy appropriate vocabulary to achieve a Band 5.5–6.0. Use the paragraph-by-paragraph plan below as a skeleton for your next practice draft.
Paragraph-by-Paragraph Plan
Detailed sentence formulas
Introduction
The introduction should succinctly introduce both charts. Begin by paraphrasing the task prompt. For example, 'The pie chart illustrates the distribution of household expenditures in 2020, while the table provides a breakdown of these costs over three years.'
Overview
The overview should highlight the main trends or significant features of both charts. For instance, 'Overall, housing accounted for the largest portion of spending, and there was a noticeable increase in costs over the years.'
Details 1 (The First Chart)
Start by describing the most significant data points in the pie chart. 'In the pie chart, housing expenses constituted 35% of the total spending, making it the largest category, followed by food at 25%.'
Details 2 (The Second Chart)
Shift focus to the table, detailing key figures and trends. 'The table reveals that the cost of electricity rose from $100 in 2020 to $150 in 2022, indicating a steady increase over the period.'
Conclusion
While not always necessary, a brief conclusion can summarize the main findings. 'In conclusion, the data underscores the predominance of housing in household budgets and the upward trend in electricity costs.'
Full Sample Response
Written by an expert IELTS examiner
The pie chart illustrates the distribution of household expenditures in 2020, while the table provides a breakdown of these costs over three years.
Overall, it is evident that housing accounted for the largest portion of spending, and there was a noticeable increase in costs over the years. Heating uses the most power, and the price increased every year.
In the pie chart, housing expenses constituted 35% of the total spending, making it the largest category, followed by food at 25%. In contrast, entertainment accounted for only 15%, and other expenses were the smallest at 5%.
The table reveals that the cost of electricity rose from $100 in 2020 to $150 in 2022, indicating a steady increase over the period.
Examiner Commentary
Why this response scores highly
The sample essay effectively meets the requirements of a Band 5.5-6.0 response. In terms of Task Response, the candidate successfully addresses both charts, providing a clear introduction and overview. However, the essay could benefit from a more detailed analysis of the data, particularly in the overview section.
Regarding Coherence and Cohesion, the essay is well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the task. The use of linking phrases such as 'in contrast' and 'while' helps to connect ideas, although more varied linking devices could enhance the flow of the essay.
In terms of Lexical Resource, the vocabulary is appropriate for the task, with some attempts at more advanced language. However, there is room for improvement in using more varied and precise vocabulary. Finally, the Grammatical Range and Accuracy are adequate, with mostly correct sentence structures and a few attempts at complex sentences. Further practice in using a wider range of grammatical structures would be beneficial.
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