IELTS Writing Task 1: Introduction Guide

Writing Task 1 Introduction: Structure and Purpose

Key Components of a Task 1 Introduction

  • Paraphrase the question statement
  • Identify the type of visual information
  • Mention the timeframe/comparison basis
  • Keep it concise (2-3 sentences)
Important:
  • Don’t copy words directly from the question
  • Don’t include data in the introduction
  • Don’t give your opinion

Paraphrasing Techniques

1. Using Synonyms

Original Word Alternatives
shows illustrates, depicts, presents, displays
changes variations, fluctuations, trends
compares contrasts, makes a comparison between

2. Changing Word Forms

  • Noun → Verb: consumption → consumed
  • Verb → Noun: increased → an increase
  • Adjective → Noun: popular → popularity

3. Changing Sentence Structure

  • Active → Passive voice
  • Simple → Complex sentences
  • Changing word order

Example 1: Line Graph

Original Question:

The line graph shows the number of visitors to two museums in London between June and September 2019.

Paraphrased Introduction:

The graph illustrates how many people visited a pair of London museums over a four-month period from June to September 2019.

Techniques Used:
  • “shows” → “illustrates”
  • “number of visitors” → “how many people visited”
  • “two museums” → “a pair of museums”
  • Restructured sentence order

Example 2: Bar Chart

Original Question:

The bar chart compares the percentage of people using different types of transport in a city in 2000 and 2020.

Paraphrased Introduction:

The bar graph presents data about the proportion of individuals who utilized various modes of transportation in an urban area, making a comparison between the years 2000 and 2020.

Techniques Used:
  • “compares” → “making a comparison between”
  • “percentage” → “proportion”
  • “people” → “individuals”
  • “transport” → “modes of transportation”
  • “city” → “urban area”

Example 3: Pie Charts

Original Question:

The pie charts show the main reasons for migration to and from Britain in 2007.

Paraphrased Introduction:

The circular diagrams depict the primary factors that influenced people’s decisions to immigrate to and emigrate from Britain during 2007.

Techniques Used:
  • “pie charts” → “circular diagrams”
  • “main reasons” → “primary factors”
  • “migration to and from” → “immigrate to and emigrate from”
  • Added “people’s decisions” for clarity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-paraphrasing

❌ Original: “The graph shows unemployment rates.”

❌ Too Complex: “The visual representation provides an insight into the statistical analysis of joblessness figures.”

✅ Good: “The graph illustrates changes in unemployment levels.”

2. Including Data

❌ “The graph shows that 45% of people used cars in 2020.”

✅ “The graph illustrates transportation preferences over time.”

3. Adding Opinion

❌ “The interesting graph shows the remarkable changes…”

✅ “The graph depicts the changes…”

Remember:
  • Keep it simple and clear
  • Maintain accuracy
  • Stay objective
1 / 6

– Miah’s

Introduction Paragraph Practice

Introduction Paragraph Practice

Task:

Study the question prompts and evaluate different introduction paragraphs. Learn how to effectively paraphrase and write concise introductions.

Original Question:

The graph below shows the percentage of people using different types of mobile phones in a country between 2010 and 2020.

Sample Introductions:

Strong Introduction:

The line graph illustrates how mobile phone usage patterns evolved in one nation over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020.

Effective because:
  • Clearly identifies the type of visual (line graph)
  • Successfully paraphrases key information
  • Maintains all important details
  • Uses appropriate academic language

Weak Introduction:

The graph shows the percentage of people using different types of mobile phones in a country between 2010 and 2020. This is very interesting data about phone usage.

Problems:
  • Copies directly from the question
  • Includes personal opinion
  • Lacks paraphrasing
  • Contains unnecessary information

Paraphrasing Tools:

Original Words Alternatives
shows illustrates, depicts, presents, displays
percentage proportion, share, portion
between from, over the period, throughout
people individuals, population, residents

Practice Exercise:

Evaluate these introductions for the same graph:

1. “The graph demonstrates changes in mobile phone usage patterns across a decade.”

2. “The graph shows mobile phone usage from 2010 to 2020, which is quite significant for understanding modern technology trends.”

3. “Different types of mobile phones in a country between 2010 and 2020 are shown in the graph.”

4. “The line graph illustrates the proportion of the population using various mobile devices in one country during a ten-year timeframe.”

Key Reminders:

  • Always identify the type of visual (graph, chart, table, etc.)
  • Paraphrase the main information
  • Keep it concise (1-2 sentences)
  • Avoid personal opinions
  • Include the time period if given
  • Don’t include data or numbers

– Miah's