IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. Different chart types in one task

Sometimes in Writing Task 1 you need to deal with a task that combines two different graph types. Typically, it’s a pie chart and a bar chart, but it could really be almost anything. In this case, you will need not only to identify and report the main features and trends of a particular chart, but also to find a way to connect the two graphs.

Before you begin writing, identify the following:

• what is the most significant information in each chart;
• what are the similarities and differences in the facts for different categories;
• how to connect the data in the charts.

Here’s one of the ways to organize a piece of writing that reports information illustrated in two different graph types:

In the introduction (paragraph 1), you should explain what you’re about to write; talk about the data presented in the charts. Don’t forget to change the wording of the original task.

In the main body, outline the key points shown in the first chart (paragraph 2). 

In paragraph 3, begin with saying how information in chart 1 is related to that of chart 2. Then, move on to describing the main aspects of the second graph.

In the conclusion, summarize the main elements of the charts, showing how they are interrelated.