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Sub-skill 4 · Comparisons

Compare visual data accurately

A strong IELTS Task 1 comparison names the categories, identifies the meaningful relationship and uses language that matches the size of the difference. Learn the decision first, then practise the sentence.

Official format versus WeLearn strategy

Official format: IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 asks you to select and compare visual information. Comparison is a response skill, not a separate official task.

WeLearn strategy: WeLearn isolates comparison decisions so you can practise contrast, approximation and grouping before writing complete paragraphs.

Task 1 visual types

Identify the visual before practising a sub-skill.

The response structure changes with the input: a line graph requires trend language, a table requires grouping, a process requires sequencing and a map requires spatial transformation. This guide connects the official IELTS format with the WeLearn teaching strategy.

Line graph

Changes over time

Overview: Look for the dominant trend, line crossing, peak, fall or convergence.

Body: Group the timeline into meaningful periods: start, rapid change, stability or finish.

rose steadily, peaked at, declined gradually, overtook, remained stable

Practise this visual type →

Bar chart

Comparisons between categories

Overview: Look for the highest or lowest category and the clearest contrast.

Body: Group similar categories instead of describing every bar separately.

higher than, whereas, considerably lower, the largest proportion

Practise this visual type →

Pie charts

Parts of a whole

Overview: Look for the dominant segment and distribution changes when two charts are shown.

Body: Compare large and small proportions without listing every slice.

accounted for, made up, represented, the smallest share

Practise this visual type →

Table

Dense row-and-column data

Overview: Look for extremes, row or column patterns and categories that form groups.

Body: Turn the table into two logical groups before writing.

the figure for, respectively, by contrast, across all categories

Practise this visual type →

Process diagram

Production stages or a cycle

Overview: Mention the number of stages and whether the process is linear or cyclical.

Body: Use the passive voice and chronological order; do not invent reasons.

is collected, is heated, after this, subsequently, finally

Practise this visual type →

Map

Spatial changes over time

Overview: Look for overall development, replacements, expansion or reduction.

Body: Organise the response by zones or by before-and-after changes.

was replaced by, was converted into, to the north of, adjacent to

Practise this visual type →

Mixed chart

Two connected visuals

Overview: Find the relationship between the visuals instead of treating them as separate tasks.

Body: Use one paragraph per visual or group them around a shared relationship.

while, in relation to, this corresponded with, a similar pattern

Practise this visual type →

Guided visual lab

What counts as a useful comparison?

Choose a visual type, then inspect five different comparison patterns before entering the exercise engine.

Internet access in three regions, 2000-2020. Region A moves from 30% to 88%; Region B moves from 12% to 79%; Region C moves from 6% to 57%.Internet access in three regions, 2000-20200%25%50%75%100%20002005201020152020Region ARegion BRegion C

START VERSUS END

Region A starts and finishes ahead, while all three regions rise.

The comparison must be visible in this graphic. Name both sides of the relationship, then choose the amount of detail that makes the contrast clear.

MODEL COMPARISON

Region A remained the leading region throughout, increasing from 30% to almost 90%, whereas Region C rose from only 6% to 57%.

Guided comparison practice

From visual evidence to an IELTS sentence

Progress from identifying a relationship to selecting an overview and writing a precise comparison. The correct option moves position between questions.

Household expenditure by category, 2024 (%). The values are Housing: 32%, Food: 18%, Transport: 16%, Leisure: 21%, Health: 13%.Household expenditure by category, 2024 (%)0%10%20%30%32%Housing18%Food16%Transport21%Leisure13%Health
Level 1 · Match the comparisonExercise 1/5

Which sentence accurately compares the two highest categories?

Write your own comparison

After completing the guided levels, write one sentence using two categories, one comparison structure and one accurate approximation phrase.

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