IELTS Writing Task 1: Overview Paragraph Guide

Overview Paragraph: Purpose and Structure

What is an Overview?

  • A summary of the main trends or patterns
  • General observations about key features
  • The “big picture” of the data
  • Usually 2-3 sentences long
Important:
  • Must be included for Band 7+
  • Can be placed after introduction or at the end
  • No specific data or numbers needed

What to Include vs. Avoid

✓ Include These:

  • Overall trends
  • Major patterns
  • Highest/lowest points
  • Significant contrasts
  • General changes over time

✗ Avoid These:

  • Specific numbers
  • Exact dates
  • Minor details
  • Individual fluctuations
  • Personal opinions

Example 1: Line Graph

Graph Description:

The line graph shows the percentage of adults who read newspapers in three countries from 2001 to 2021.

Good Overview:

Overall, newspaper readership declined in all three countries over the 20-year period. While Country A consistently had the highest percentage of readers, Country C showed the most dramatic decrease, falling from the second position to the lowest by 2021.

Poor Overview:

In 2001, Country A had 82% readers, Country B had 74%, and Country C had 77%. The percentages decreased to 45%, 38%, and 25% respectively in 2021.

Why the good overview works:
  • Shows overall trend (decline)
  • Highlights key comparison (highest/lowest)
  • Mentions significant change (Country C’s position)
  • Avoids specific numbers

Example 2: Bar Chart

Graph Description:

The bar chart compares different modes of transport used by students in a city in 2000 and 2020.

Good Overview:

The most significant changes over the two decades were a substantial rise in bicycle use and a marked decline in car usage. Public transport remained a popular choice throughout the period, while walking showed minimal change.

Poor Overview:

In 2000, 45% of students used cars, which decreased to 25% in 2020. Bicycle usage increased from 15% to 35%, and bus usage went from 30% to 32%.

Why the good overview works:
  • Identifies main changes
  • Groups similar trends
  • Mentions stable features
  • Uses general terms instead of numbers

Example 3: Process Diagram

Diagram Description:

The diagram shows the process of water purification in a treatment plant.

Good Overview:

The water treatment process consists of four main stages, beginning with the collection of raw water and ending with the distribution of clean water. Both physical and chemical methods are used to remove impurities throughout the process.

Poor Overview:

First, water enters through pipes, then goes through screening, followed by sedimentation, then filtering, and finally chemical treatment before being distributed.

Why the good overview works:
  • States number of main stages
  • Identifies start and end points
  • Groups methods used
  • Avoids step-by-step details

Key Language for Overviews

1. Opening Phrases

  • Overall,
  • In general,
  • It is clear that
  • Broadly speaking,
  • Looking at the big picture,

2. Trend Description

  • significant increase/decrease
  • gradual/sharp change
  • remained stable/fluctuated
  • dramatic difference
  • marked contrast
Remember:
  • Keep language general but precise
  • Use appropriate academic style
  • Avoid repetitive phrases
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– Miah’s

Overview Paragraph Practice

Overview Paragraph Practice

Task:

Study the data below and evaluate different overview paragraphs. Select which statements should be included in an effective overview.

Global Energy Consumption by Source (1990-2020)

Energy Source 1990 (%) 2000 (%) 2010 (%) 2020 (%)
Fossil Fuels 85 80 70 55
Renewable Energy 10 15 25 35
Nuclear Power 5 5 5 10

Sample Overview Paragraphs:

Strong Overview Example:

Overall, there was a clear shift away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy sources over the 30-year period. While fossil fuels remained the dominant energy source, their share decreased significantly, with renewable energy showing the most substantial increase and nuclear power maintaining a relatively stable but small share until a slight rise in 2020.

Effective because:
  • Identifies main trend (shift in energy sources)
  • Mentions relative positions (dominant vs. small share)
  • Highlights key changes (decrease vs. increase)
  • Avoids specific numbers

Weak Overview Example:

Fossil fuels decreased from 85% in 1990 to 55% in 2020, while renewable energy increased from 10% to 35%. Nuclear power stayed at 5% until 2020 when it reached 10%. The data shows changes in different energy sources over time.

Problems:
  • Too many specific numbers
  • No overall trend identified
  • Lacks comparison between sources
  • Too detailed for an overview

Key Elements of an Effective Overview:

  • Identify 2-3 main trends or patterns
  • Compare relative positions or importance
  • Highlight significant changes
  • Use general terms instead of specific numbers
  • Keep it concise (2-3 sentences)

Practice Exercise:

Which statements should be included in the overview? Select Yes or No for each:

1. “The most significant change was the gradual shift from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources.”
2. “Fossil fuels decreased by exactly 30 percentage points from 85% to 55% over the period.”
3. “Renewable energy showed the most substantial growth while nuclear power remained relatively stable.”
4. “In 2020, renewable energy reached 35% while nuclear power increased to 10% of total energy consumption.”

– Miah’s