IELTS test format - Academic writing Task 1

There are 2 writing tasks for the Academic and General tests. Total time is 60 minutes.

For the Academic IELTS exam, writing task 1 is 20 minutes and you have to write 150 words. The minimum you should aim to write is 140 to a maximum of 175 words.

You are given a table, graph, picture or some kind of visual information in which you need to write a report explaining the details into written form. Your ideas and explanations must be coherent and cohesive as you will be marked on these. Also grammar, vocabulary and most importantly if you have answered the question are taken into consideration in your writing.
Have a look at the following Task 1 for an idea.

The charts below show the number of Japanese tourists travelling abroad between 1985 and 1995 and Australia’s share of the Japanese tourist market.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.

You should write at least 150 words.

Taken from Cambridge IELTS 3, Examination Papers from University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, CUP, Cambridge, UK, 2002.

When writing your essay keep these questions in mind.

Did you understand the question?
Does your essay make sense?
Are there any spelling mistakes?
Is it grammatically correct?
Are you answering the question?
Does the essay flow from one point to another?

For writing task 1, use only the information that is provided - DO NOT add any other information that is not contained within the pictures / graphs. Analyse the graph(s) and provide a descriptive interpretation of your argument. There is no right or wrong answer as long as your answer is coherent and cohesive.