IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Band Descriptors Explained (2026)

How the Task 1 descriptor works for Academic

The authority is the official IELTS Writing band descriptors PDF (Updated May 2023). Task 1 has one descriptor for both versions of the test; under Task Achievement it gives separate lines for the Academic report. The tables below are our own summaries, not the official text.

IELTS describes Academic Task 1 as an information-transfer task: you report the facts in the visual, not speculate about causes outside the data (key assessment criteria). Examiners look at how well you pick out the key features, support them with figures, report accurately and compare the main trends or differences.

From ielts.org: spend about 20 minutes, write at least 150 words, use full sentences rather than notes, and remember that Task 2 contributes twice as much to the Writing band, so an overlong Task 1 costs you Task 2 time.

Task Achievement, band by band

For the Academic report, Task Achievement is about selection and accuracy: did you identify what matters in the data, sum it up in an overview, and back it with the right numbers?

Band	What it typically looks like	What separates it from the band below
9	Every requirement of the task is met in full. Nothing important is missing and nothing is wrong.	Complete and accurate coverage with no meaningful gaps.
8	All requirements are covered relevantly. The most important features are chosen with skill and presented, highlighted and illustrated clearly with figures. There may be an occasional small omission.	Key features are fully illustrated with data, not just named.
7	The report covers the task accurately in a suitable format. There is a clear overview of the main trends or differences, the data is grouped sensibly, and key features are highlighted, though they could be illustrated more fully.	A clear overview plus logical grouping of the data, instead of an item-by-item description.
6	The report stays on task and uses a suitable format. An overview is attempted, key features are covered adequately and supported with figures, but some details are irrelevant, inaccurate, missing or excessive.	Key features are adequately covered and backed by data, and an overview is at least attempted.
5	The task is broadly addressed, but key features are not covered properly. Detail is reported mechanically, often without the bigger picture, and figures may be missing. Irrelevant or inaccurate content appears in important places.	Some key features are selected and the response mostly relates to the visual correctly.
4	There is an attempt at the task, but few key features are chosen, and those may be irrelevant, repeated or wrong. The format may not suit a report.	The response still engages with the actual data, at least in part.

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Coherence and Cohesion, band by band

In a data report this criterion rewards a structure the reader can follow at a glance, usually an introduction, an overview and grouped detail paragraphs, and accurate linking and reference (the former, this figure, respectively).

Band	What it typically looks like	What separates it from the band below
9	The report reads effortlessly, with linking you do not notice and paragraphs that are perfectly judged.	Organisation is so smooth it never draws attention.
8	Information is sequenced logically, linking is well handled and paragraphs are used appropriately. A rare lapse is possible.	Lapses are rare, and the reader never has to re-read to follow the comparison.
7	The information is organised logically and the report progresses clearly. Linkers and reference words are used flexibly, with some errors or over-use.	A clear progression through the report, with flexible use of reference words.
6	The report is generally coherent and moves forward, but linking is mechanical or faulty, and limited use of reference words leads to repetition, such as repeating the full noun phrase in every sentence.	A clear overall progression rather than loosely connected sentences.
5	There is organisation, but it is not fully logical and may not progress. Sentences are not smoothly linked, connectors are too few or overused, and poor referencing makes it repetitive.	Underlying coherence: the reader can still follow how the pieces relate.
4	Information is present but not arranged coherently, with no clear progression. Linking is basic and often inaccurate or repetitive, and reference words are rarely used correctly.	Some basic linking holds parts of the report together.

Lexical Resource, band by band

In Academic Task 1, vocabulary range mostly means the language of change, proportion and comparison: verbs and nouns for trends, approximations, and accurate units.

Band	What it typically looks like	What separates it from the band below
9	Word choice is precise and natural throughout, within what the task needs. Spelling or word-form slips are almost impossible to find.	Precision and naturalness everywhere, with virtually no slips.
8	A wide vocabulary conveys exact meaning, with less common words used deftly and only occasional imprecise choices or awkward word pairings.	Less common vocabulary is used consistently and skilfully, not only in a few phrases.
7	Enough range for some flexibility and precision, such as varying how trends and proportions are described. Some less common items appear, with a feel for register and natural word pairings, though some choices miss. A few spelling errors do not affect clarity.	Varied, mostly precise description of data, with awareness of collocation.
6	Vocabulary is adequate and meaning is clear, but range is restricted or word choice is imprecise, often the same trend verb repeated. Ambitious choices at this level tend to bring more errors.	Enough range to describe the data without constant repetition.
5	Just enough words to complete the task. Everyday words are often right, but expression is repetitive, word choice often misfires and spelling errors can trouble the reader.	Vocabulary, though limited, is adequate for describing the visual.
4	Vocabulary is basic and repetitive and may not fit the task. The report may rely on memorised phrases or wording copied from the question, and errors can obscure meaning.	Enough relevant vocabulary to convey basic information from the visual.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy, band by band

Range in a data report usually shows through comparatives and superlatives, tense control matched to the time frame, the passive for processes, and clauses that combine two figures in one sentence.

Band	What it typically looks like	What separates it from the band below
9	Structures suited to the task are used with complete flexibility and control; grammar and punctuation are right throughout.	Total control, with only the rarest slip.
8	Many different sentence patterns appear, handled flexibly and correctly. Most sentences have no mistakes, punctuation is handled well, and the rare error is random.	Errors are rare and unpatterned.
7	Longer sentences with several clauses appear regularly and mostly work. Overall control is good: many sentences have no mistakes, and the few errors left never block meaning.	Complex sentences are often fully correct.
6	Simple and multi-clause sentences both appear, but without much flexibility, and the longer ones carry more errors. Mistakes appear but rarely cause confusion.	Errors rarely interfere with meaning.
5	Structures are limited and repetitive. Complex sentences are attempted but tend to be faulty, accuracy is best on simple sentences, and errors can trouble the reader.	Complex sentences are attempted, and simple ones are mostly accurate.
4	A very narrow range, mostly simple sentences with few subordinate clauses. Frequent errors may block meaning, and punctuation is often faulty.	Some sentences are accurate and meaning generally comes through.

Bands 3 to 1 in brief

At band 3 the report misses what the task asked for, possibly because the visual was misread, and errors dominate. At band 2 there is little connection between the content and the task. Band 1 covers content that has nothing to do with the task and any response of 20 words or fewer; wording copied from the question is not counted.

Why Academic Task 1 reports sit at 6 to 6.5 instead of 7

This is practical advice from marking practice reports, not an official IELTS list.

No real overview. A sentence that only repeats what the chart shows, or no overview at all, is the single most common gap. Write two sentences naming the biggest trend and the biggest contrast, with no numbers, right after the introduction.

Describing every number. Listing each bar or year in turn is mechanical. Group similar items, compare them, and quote only the figures that prove your point.

Explaining causes. Saying why a trend happened adds content that is not in the data, which IELTS says this task does not ask for. Report only what the visual shows.

One trend verb on repeat. Rotate between verbs and noun phrases, and use approximations (just under a third, roughly double) accurately.

Tense slips. Past data needs past tenses, projections need future forms, and processes usually suit the present passive. Check every verb against the time frame.

Over-writing. Around 170 to 190 words is usually enough; anything longer takes time from Task 2, which counts twice as much.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an overview for band 7 in Academic Task 1?+

In descriptor terms, yes. Band 7 Task Achievement describes a clear overview of the main trends or differences, while band 6 only expects one to be attempted.

How many words should Academic Task 1 be?+

At least 150, per ielts.org. A short answer may not show enough for higher bands. Writing more is not penalised, but it takes time from Task 2.

Should I explain why the trends happened?+

No. IELTS describes the task as reporting the factual content of the visual, not speculating about causes outside the data.

How much does Task 1 count in the Writing band?+

Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1, according to ielts.org. Task 1 is still a third of the Writing weight, so a weak report matters.

Can I get my Task 1 report scored on these criteria?+

BandLadder AI scores practice reports on the same four criteria, so you can see whether Task Achievement or language is holding you back. It is a practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 band descriptors in plain English