IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary: Key Phrases and Sentence Structures

Preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 1 requires not only understanding how to interpret data, charts, or scenarios but also knowing how to express your ideas with precise vocabulary and clear sentence structures. Whether you are taking the Academic or General Training module, vocabulary is a crucial element that examiners assess when grading your essay.

In this guide, we will cover essential vocabulary, useful connectors, and flexible sentence structures you can adapt for different types of Writing Task 1 questions.

Why Vocabulary Matters in Task 1

Task 1 is not about creativity but about clarity and accuracy. The examiner wants to see how well you can:

• Describe trends, comparisons, and changes.

• Present information logically.

• Use varied vocabulary instead of repeating the same words.

• Write with correct grammar and academic tone.

For example, instead of writing “the number went up a lot,” you should use “the figure increased significantly.” The second version sounds more formal, precise, and academic.

Vocabulary for Describing Trends

When describing line graphs or any data that shows change over time, you need a range of verbs, nouns, and adverbs.

Verbs for Upward Trends

• Increase

• Rise

• Grow

• Climb

• Surge

• Escalate

Example Sentence:

• The number of students enrolling in online courses rose steadily between 2010 and 2020.

Verbs for Downward Trends

• Decrease

• Decline

• Drop

• Fall

• Reduce

• Plummet

• Shrink

Example Sentence:

• Sales of traditional newspapers declined sharply after 2015.

Nouns for Trends

• An increase

• A rise

• A decline

• A reduction

• A growth

• A fall

Example Sentence:

• There was a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting Cebu in 2023.

Adjectives and Adverbs of Degree

• Slight / slightly

• Moderate / moderately

• Steady / steadily

• Sharp / sharply

• Dramatic / dramatically

• Gradual / gradually

• Rapid / rapidly

Example Sentence:

• Employment in the technology sector grew dramatically in the last decade.

Vocabulary for Comparing Data

Comparisons are common in bar charts, pie charts, and tables.

Useful Phrases

• … is higher than …

• … is lower than …

• … is almost the same as …

• … is roughly equal to …

• … is twice/three times as much as …

• … accounts for the largest proportion …

• … represents the smallest share …

Example Sentence:

• The percentage of students choosing engineering was twice as high as those choosing arts.

Vocabulary for Describing Proportions

Pie charts and percentage data require special phrasing.

• Account for

• Constitute

• Represent

• Make up

• Comprise

Example Sentence:

• Women accounted for 60% of the workforce in 2024.

Vocabulary for Describing Stability or No Change

Not all charts show movement. Sometimes figures remain stable.

• Remain stable

• Remain constant

• Stay the same

• Maintain

• Stabilize

Example Sentence:

• The unemployment rate remained stable throughout the period.

Vocabulary for Describing Fluctuations

Sometimes data goes up and down instead of moving in one direction.

• Fluctuate

• Vary

• Oscillate

• Be erratic

Example Sentence:

• The price of oil fluctuated considerably during the first half of the year.

Vocabulary for Time Expressions

IELTS Task 1 often requires reporting time-based changes.

• Over the period …

• From X to Y …

• Between X and Y …

• During the first half of the year …

• Over the following decade …

• In the final year of the survey …

Example Sentence:

• From 2000 to 2010, the number of Internet users rose significantly.

Sentence Structures for Task 1

Knowing vocabulary is not enough—you must combine it into accurate sentence structures.

1. Simple Description

• The number of cars increased from 500 to 1,000 between 2010 and 2020.

2. Using “There was …”

• There was a sharp decline in oil production after 2012.

3. Using “Compared to …”

• Compared to 2010, the number of smartphone users doubled in 2020.

4. Passive Voice

• The data was collected from over 10,000 participants.

5. Using “While / Whereas”

• While the sales of tablets increased, the sales of desktop computers fell.

6. Using “By …” to Indicate Amount of Change

• The population grew by 20% in ten years.

7. Using “To …” to Indicate the Final Number

• The price of gas fell to $2 per liter by 2022.

Vocabulary for Academic Tone

Avoid casual language. Replace everyday words with academic equivalents.

Example:

• Instead of “The numbers went up a lot,” write “The figures increased significantly.”

Vocabulary for Task 1 Academic (Charts, Graphs, Maps, Processes)

For Graphs and Charts

• Illustrates

• Shows

• Depicts

• Demonstrates

Example:

• The bar chart illustrates the number of graduates in different fields.

For Maps

• To the north / south / east / west of …

• Adjacent to …

• In proximity to …

• Converted into …

• Replaced by …

Example:

• The park was replaced by a shopping mall in 2015.

For Processes

• First / initially / to begin with

• Next / then / afterwards

• Following this

• Subsequently

• Finally / at the last stage

Example:

• First, the raw materials are mixed. Next, the mixture is heated before being cooled.

Vocabulary for Task 1 General Training (Letters)

If you are taking the General Training IELTS, Writing Task 1 requires you to write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal). Vocabulary choice depends on tone.

Formal Letters

• I am writing to inform you …

• I would like to request …

• I would be grateful if …

• Please do not hesitate to contact me …

Informal Letters

• How have you been?

• I just wanted to let you know …

• Thanks a lot for …

• Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Linking Words and Connectors

To ensure coherence, use a range of connectors:

• To add ideas: moreover, in addition, furthermore

• To contrast ideas: however, on the other hand, whereas

• To show results: therefore, as a result, consequently

• To illustrate: for example, for instance

• To sequence: first, next, then, finally

Example:

• Sales rose sharply in 2010. However, they declined in 2011.

Tips for Using Vocabulary Effectively

1. Avoid Repetition – Instead of repeating “increase” five times, use synonyms like “rise,” “climb,” “grow.”

2. Be Precise – Instead of vague terms like “a lot,” use measurable words like “significantly” or “considerably.”

3. Use Collocations – Natural word combinations such as “sharp increase,” “steady decline,” “dramatic rise.”

4. Practice Paraphrasing – IELTS rewards your ability to restate ideas differently.

Example Task 1 Description Using Key Vocabulary

Task: The line graph shows the number of international students in three universities from 2000 to 2020.

Sample Answer (excerpt):

• The number of international students at University A rose steadily from 5,000 in 2000 to 15,000 in 2020. In contrast, University B experienced a sharp decline, dropping from 12,000 to just 6,000 students over the same period. University C’s figures fluctuated considerably, with numbers ranging between 7,000 and 10,000. Overall, University A saw the most significant growth, while University B’s enrollment deteriorated dramatically.

Conclusion

Mastering vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1 is essential for achieving a high band score. By learning a variety of verbs, nouns, adjectives, and connectors, you can accurately describe data, highlight comparisons, and present your response in a formal academic style. Remember to practice these words in context rather than memorizing them in isolation. The more natural your writing sounds, the more likely you are to score well in Lexical Resource and Coherence & Cohesion.

FAQ:IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary: Key Phrases and Sentence Structures

What is the purpose of vocabulary in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Vocabulary in Task 1 serves two main goals: precision and tone. You must describe visual information—such as trends, proportions, locations, and stages—accurately, and you must do so in an objective, formal register. Examiners assess Lexical Resource, which includes your range (synonyms, collocations), accuracy (correct meaning and spelling), and flexibility (paraphrasing without distortion). Strong vocabulary helps you avoid repetition, convey exact changes (e.g., “rose sharply” vs. “rose”), and maintain academic style.

How should I structure answers to trend charts using key phrases?

Use a three-part structure: overview, main patterns, notable details. In the overview, summarize the biggest movements or contrasts without numbers (e.g., “Overall, smartphone adoption increased while landline usage declined.”). In body paragraphs, report figures with precise verbs and adverbs (“increased steadily,” “declined marginally”) and quantify change using by for amount and to for final value: “The rate rose by 12% to 48%.” Conclude with outliers or exceptions.

Which verbs and nouns best describe upward and downward trends?

Upward: increase, rise, grow, climb, surge, escalate (nouns: an increase, a rise, growth, a surge).
Downward: decrease, decline, drop, fall, dip, plummet, shrink (nouns: a decrease, a decline, a fall, a reduction).
Choose intensity that matches the data: “surge/plummet” for dramatic shifts; “edge up/creep down” for very small changes.

How do I express degree and speed of change naturally?

Pair trend verbs with graded adverbs/adjectives to signal magnitude and pace: slightly, gradually, steadily, markedly, sharply, dramatically, rapidly. For example, “sales grew gradually from 2015 to 2017, then rose sharply in 2018.” Keep combinations idiomatic: “a sharp increase,” “a gradual decline,” “a significant rise.” Avoid stacking intensifiers (e.g., “very dramatically”).

How can I compare categories effectively in bar charts and tables?

Use comparative structures and proportional language: “A is higher than B,” “C is roughly equal to D,” “E is twice as high as F.” For proportions, use account for, represent, constitute, make up: “Renewables accounted for 29% of total energy.” When many categories exist, group them logically: “High-share items (A, B) vs. low-share items (D, E).”

What vocabulary should I use for stable values and fluctuations?

Stability: remain stable/constant, stay the same, plateau, level off.
Fluctuations: fluctuate, vary, oscillate; nouns: fluctuations, volatility. Combine with degree: “considerable fluctuations,” “minor variations.”

How do I handle numbers, percentages, and units accurately?

Always attach units and be consistent: “million,” “%,” “km,” “kg.” Distinguish amount of change (by) from endpoint (to): “unemployment fell by 2 percentage points to 5%.” Avoid ambiguous phrasing like “increased a lot.” For ratios use “twice/three times as much as,” and for fractions “one-third, a quarter.” Round only when appropriate and avoid unnecessary decimal detail.

What’s the right language for maps and spatial descriptions?

Use orientation and transformation verbs: “to the north/south/east/west of,” “adjacent to,” “in proximity to,” “converted into,” “replaced by,” “expanded/relocated.” Example: “Between 2000 and 2020, the farmland was converted into a residential area, and a new road was constructed to the east of the river.” Passive voice is natural for describing developments.

How should I describe processes clearly?

Use sequencing markers: “initially/first,” “next/then,” “afterwards,” “subsequently,” “finally/at the last stage.” Prefer present simple passive when the agent is unknown or unimportant: “The mixture is heated and then is cooled.” Include inputs, outputs, and cycles where relevant: “Following filtration, the water is pumped to storage before distribution.”

What linking words improve cohesion without sounding mechanical?

Use cohesive devices sparingly and purposefully: in addition, meanwhile, however, whereas, therefore, as a result, by contrast. Replace repetitive “and/also/but” with varied connectors. Cohesion also comes from logical grouping, parallel structures, and reference words (e.g., “this figure,” “these categories”).

How can I paraphrase the question without copying it?

Change both vocabulary and structure while preserving meaning. If the task says “The chart shows the proportion of…,” you might write, “The chart illustrates the share of….” Use synonyms (illustrates/depicts/demonstrates), alter parts of speech (“proportion” → “share/percentage”), and reframe clauses (“from 2000 to 2020” → “over the 2000–2020 period”). Avoid distorting key terms.

Which sentence patterns are especially useful for Task 1?

Overview: “Overall, X increased, whereas Y declined, and Z remained stable.”
Change over time: “X rose steadily from A to B, an increase of C.”
Comparisons: “X was twice as high as Y, while Z was roughly equal to W.”
Proportions: “X accounted for the largest share, at N%.”
Maps: “The factory was relocated to the northern edge, and new housing was added near the lake.”
Processes: “First, raw materials are crushed. Next, the powder is heated….”

What tone and register should I use?

Maintain a neutral, formal style. Prefer “increase/decline” over “go up/go down,” and “significant/substantial” over “big/huge.” Avoid contractions, questions, personal opinions, and speculation. Do not explain causes unless the task provides explicit context—Task 1 focuses on reporting what you see, not arguing why it happens.

What common vocabulary mistakes reduce my band score?

Misusing near-synonyms (e.g., “amount of people” instead of “number of people”), mixing “percent” and “percentage,” repeating the same verb (“increase” ten times), and mismatching intensity (“surged slightly”). Spelling errors and inconsistent capitalization (e.g., “January” vs. “january”) also hurt. Choose collocations that native speakers use: “sharp increase,” not “strong increase.”

How long should the answer be, and how much vocabulary variety is enough?

Write at least 150 words; most high-scoring responses are 160–190 words. Aim for variety without forcing synonyms that feel unnatural. If you have 3–4 accurate, high-utility verbs for each function (increase/decrease/compare/proportion), that is sufficient. Overuse of obscure words can sound unnatural or incorrect.

How do I select what details to include or omit?

Do not list every data point. Select features that define the trend: highest/lowest values, largest changes, crossovers, peaks/troughs, and stable periods. Group similar categories and compare extremes. Use a small number of representative figures to support each point rather than copying the table.

Can you give mini-templates for each common Task 1 type?

Line/Bar: “Overall, A increased while B declined. From YEAR1 to YEAR2, A rose from X to Y (by Z). In contrast, B fell steadily. By YEAR2, A was twice as high as C.”
Pie/Proportions: “Overall, D accounted for the largest share. D comprised X%, exceeding E and F, which made up Y% and Z% respectively.”
Table (mixed): “The table illustrates increases across all cities, with the most pronounced growth in City A (X to Y).”
Maps: “Between YEAR1 and YEAR2, the area was transformed from rural to residential. New roads were constructed to the east, and the marketplace was replaced by a car park.”
Process: “Initially, raw inputs are collected. They are then processed through stages of heating, cooling, and packaging before distribution.”

How can I practice vocabulary for genuine improvement?

Create mini-banks organized by function (increase/decrease/compare/proportion/stability/maps/process). Write 2–3 original sentences for each item using real numbers and time phrases. Paraphrase model answers by changing verbs and collocations while keeping meaning intact. Record typical pairings you notice (e.g., “remain relatively stable,” “increase significantly,” “account for the majority”). Review after timed writing to replace repetition with better alternatives.

Should I use passive voice frequently?

Yes for maps and processes (e.g., “A bridge was built,” “The mixture is filtered”). For charts, passive is less essential, but “there was a sharp rise” and “X was recorded” are natural. Balance passive with clear, active constructions to maintain readability.

What are some high-utility collocations I can memorize?

Try these clusters: “steady increase,” “sharp decline,” “marked growth,” “dramatic surge,” “minor dip,” “remain broadly unchanged,” “account for the largest share,” “roughly equal proportions,” “peak at,” “bottom out at,” “level off,” “reach a plateau.” Practice them in full sentences with numbers and time markers.

How do examiners judge vocabulary in the band descriptors?

Higher bands display a wide range used naturally, precise meanings, minimal errors, and effective paraphrase. Mid bands show some variety but occasional repetition and errors. Lower bands rely on basic vocabulary with frequent inaccuracies. Focus on accurate collocations and task-appropriate tone rather than rare words.

Can you show a short sample description using these phrases?

“Overall, online sales increased steadily, while in-store purchases declined. From 2015 to 2020, online revenue rose from $12m to $28m (an increase of $16m), with a sharp surge in 2019. In contrast, in-store figures fell gradually from $30m to $22m and then leveled off. By 2020, online sales were roughly equal to in-store sales.” Use it as a model for structure and collocations.

Final tip: what should I avoid in Task 1 vocabulary?

Avoid informal words (a lot, huge, tons), causal speculation not supported by the graphic, overuse of rare synonyms, and redundant repetition. Keep units consistent, report what the data shows, and prioritize clarity over creativity. With a compact toolkit of accurate collocations and templates, you can produce concise, high-scoring descriptions under time pressure.

IELTS Preparation Course 2025 Complete Guide

IELTS Writing Guide