Task 1 Academic: Data Commentary Blueprint (Writing)
Learn a clean method to write Academic Task 1 with confidence. This blueprint shows how to read charts fast, select key data, plan in 60 seconds, and write a clear 150 to 190 word report. You get outlines for lines, bars, pies, tables, processes, and maps, with sentence frames, comparison language, and a 20 minute timing plan. Follow the checklists to avoid errors and deliver a coherent, concise, data rich response.
What examiners want
- Task Achievement: Summary of main features, accurate figures, no opinions.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical order, clear overview, smart paragraphing.
- Lexical Resource: Precise data language, varied comparisons, no repetition.
- Grammar Range and Accuracy: Correct tenses, comparatives, articles, prepositions.
60 second chart scan
The 3 by 3 Rule
- Pick 3 key features: highest or lowest, biggest change, strongest contrast.
- Note 3 numbers for each feature to prove it.
- Ignore minor fluctuations unless they support a main point.
Spot quickly
- Time trend present or not
- Units and scale
- Groups to compare
20 minute plan
- 1 min skim the task and mark key features
- 3 min write intro and overview
- 12 min write two detail paragraphs with grouped data
- 4 min refine word choice and check numbers
Paragraph map
- Intro: Paraphrase the task and report the visual type and scope.
- Overview: One or two sentences stating the big picture pattern. No numbers.
- Details A: Group 1 or time period 1 with selective numbers.
- Details B: Group 2 or time period 2 with selective numbers.
Never explain causes or give advice.
Universal sentence frames
- Intro: The chart illustrates X for Y from A to B. The units are Z.
- Overview: Overall, X increased while Y declined. The highest value was in P.
- Compare: X was higher than Y. X exceeded Y by about N.
- Trend: X rose steadily. Y fell sharply. Z remained relatively stable.
Data verbs and boosters
- Rise: rise, climb, grow, increase
- Fall: fall, decline, drop, decrease
- Stability: level off, remain steady, plateau
- Degree: slightly, steadily, sharply, dramatically, marginally
- Comparatives: higher, lower, more than, less than, almost twice, roughly half
Number language
- Fractions: about one third, roughly two fifths
- Ranges: from 20 to 35
- Change: increased by 15, fell by 8
- Proportions: accounted for 40 percent, made up nearly a quarter
- Approximation: about, around, nearly, approximately
Chart specific tips
Line or bar
- Group by pattern, not by color order. Start with extremes.
Pie - Convert slices into rankings and simple ratios. Combine very small slices.
Table - Rank columns, pick best or worst, highlight biggest gaps.
Process - Count stages, identify start and end, use passive forms.
Maps - Describe location shifts, additions, removals, and new functions.
Tense and grammar quick wins
- Time charts use past simple for finished periods.
- Processes use present simple passive.
- Maps use present if the map is current, past if dated.
- Articles: the proportion, the figure for X, a rise in Y.
- Prepositions: increase in sales, rise to 50, fall by 10.
Two minute quality check
- Word count 160 to 190
- Overview present and clear
- Numbers copied correctly
- Groups logical and balanced
- Repetition reduced with synonyms
- No opinions or reasons
- Accurate tenses and comparatives
- Spelling of percent and units consistent
Skeleton you can fill fast
Intro
The chart illustrates [indicator] for [groups] from [year] to [year].
Overview
Overall, [group A] showed the strongest growth, while [group B] declined. The highest figure appeared in [year or group].
Details A
At [start], [A] was [number], then [verb] to [number] by [year]. It remained [descriptor] compared with [B].
Details B
In contrast, [B] [verb] from [number] to [number]. By [year], [A] was [adverb] [comparative] than [B].
Micro templates by task type
Process
- Stage 1: Input materials
- Stage 2 to N: Transformations using passive forms
- Final outcome: Product or state
Maps
- Then vs now structure
- Use location terms: to the north, adjacent to, replaced by
Mini model outline (line chart example)
- Overview: Total consumption rose, Country X led growth, Country Y fell after 2010.
- Details A: X moved from 20 to 55 between 2000 and 2020, with a sharp rise after 2012.
- Details B: Y declined from 40 to 28, while Z remained near 30 to 33 across the period.
Practice in 5 minutes
- Set a timer for 60 seconds and apply the 3 by 3 Rule on any chart.
- Write only the overview in 2 sentences.
- Add two detail sentences with exact numbers.
- Review using the quality checklist.
Quick reference download snippet
Copy this four line plan into your notes:
Intro one sentence. Overview two trends. Details A with grouped numbers. Details B with grouped numbers.
Use this blueprint consistently and your reports will become faster, clearer, and more accurate.