IELTS Writing Task 1 Overview: How to Write It for Graphs, Tables, Maps and Processes
What is an overview?
An overview is a short summary of the main trends or features shown in the data. It appears after the introduction (or sometimes at the end) and contains no detailed figures. Examiners look for it under Task Achievement, and a missing overview often limits a response to Band 5 or 6 on that criterion. A good overview is usually two sentences long.
How to find the main features
Look first at the overall direction of change: did a figure rise, fall, fluctuate or stay stable? Then identify the highest, lowest and most significant changes. For comparisons, note which category is the largest and which is the smallest. For processes, state the number of stages and the start and end. For maps, state whether the area has been modernised, expanded or changed in function.
Examples by chart type
Line graph: 'Overall, the proportion of smartphone users rose in every age group, with the oldest group showing the fastest growth.' Bar chart: 'Overall, car use remained the dominant form of transport, although cycling became considerably more popular.' Table: 'Overall, Canada recorded the largest increase in international students, while the other countries grew more modestly.' Process: 'Overall, tea production involves six main stages, beginning with picking and ending with packing.' Map: 'Overall, the village changed from a mainly agricultural area into a more residential one.'
Mistakes to avoid
Do not include specific numbers in the overview; save them for the body paragraphs. Do not give opinions or explanations that are not in the data. Do not simply repeat the introduction. Avoid listing every trend: choose the two most important. Finally, use accurate language such as 'rose significantly' or 'remained stable' rather than vague words.
Try writing your own overview with the Task 1 prompts on the IELTS Writing practice page, which checks whether your answer contains an overview.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I put the overview?
Most candidates place it directly after the introduction, which makes the answer easy to follow.
Can I include numbers in the overview?
Avoid detailed figures. Use them in the body paragraphs.
How long should the overview be?
Usually two sentences.