IELTS Writing Task 1 multiple charts: how to describe two charts, with Band 7 and Band 9 samples
Last verified 8 October 2026 · 5 min read · ieltspractice.app
Quick answer
When Task 1 gives you two charts, you write one report of at least 150 words, in about 20 minutes, that covers both. Use four parts: paraphrase both charts, write one overview of both without numbers, then one detail paragraph per chart. Band 7 and Band 9 samples follow.
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What does a multiple charts question look like?
IELTS says that in Academic Writing Task 1 you may be asked to describe “one or more graphs, charts or tables”. So a task can give you two charts together, such as a bar chart and a pie chart, or a chart and a table.
In our practice task, both charts are about one library, but they show different things. The bar chart shows who the library members were, and the pie chart shows what they used the library for. You still write one answer, not two.
Our practice task is shown below in two parts, one for each chart. Each part ends with “Write at least 150 words”. That is the length of your whole answer, not of each chart. The library and its numbers are invented for practice, not real statistics.
Practice task, part 1: library members by age
Scroll sideways to see the full chart. The table under it has the same numbers.
The bar chart below shows the number of members of a town library, by age group, in 2015 and 2025. A second chart about the same library follows it. Summarise the information in both charts by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
| Age group | 2015 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 1,200 | 1,450 |
| 16–24 | 800 | 1,350 |
| 25–44 | 1,500 | 1,100 |
| 45–64 | 1,100 | 1,000 |
| 65+ | 600 | 900 |
Write at least 150 words.
Practice task, part 2: what members used the library for
The pie chart below shows what members of the same library mainly used it for in 2025. Write one answer of at least 150 words that covers both charts.
- Borrow books — 38%
- Study space — 24%
- Computers — 18%
- Events — 12%
- Other — 8%
| Main use | Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Borrow books | 38 |
| Study space | 24 |
| Computers | 18 |
| Events | 12 |
| Other | 8 |
Write at least 150 words.
How to structure a multiple charts answer
Paraphrase both charts (1 sentence)
Say what each chart shows, joined with “while” or “and”. For example: “The bar chart compares library members by age group, while the pie chart shows what members mainly used the library for.” See our guide to paraphrasing.
Write one overview of both charts (2 sentences)
An overview sums up the main points in one or two sentences. Give the main feature of each chart, with no numbers. Here: the library gained young and older members but lost middle-aged ones, and borrowing books was the most common main use.
Detail paragraph 1: the first chart
Give the key figures from the bar chart: the largest groups and the biggest changes.
Detail paragraph 2: the second chart
Start with a phrase that moves the reader to the second chart, such as “Turning to the pie chart,” and give its key figures.
How to plan your time in Task 1
IELTS says you should spend no more than 20 minutes on Task 1, and Task 2 counts twice as much. So keep to a simple plan like this one.
Minutes 1 to 3: read and group. Find the main features of the two charts and decide which items go in each detail paragraph.
Minutes 4 to 6: introduction and overview. Write one sentence that paraphrases the question and two sentences of overview.
Minutes 7 to 16: two detail paragraphs. Add the figures for the main features and compare them.
Minutes 17 to 20: check. Check every number against the two charts. Then look for small errors, such as “less” for “fewer”, a missing “the” or the wrong tense.
How do I link two charts in one answer?
In the overview. Write one sentence about each chart, or one sentence that joins them. An overview that covers only one chart misses half of the task.
Between paragraphs. Use a signpost. A signpost is a phrase that tells the reader where you are going, such as “Turning to the pie chart,” or “As for the main uses of the library,”.
Only real links. You can compare the charts when they share a topic, for example “the same library”. But do not explain one chart with the other. The pie chart does not say why young people joined, so do not write that they joined to study.
For more on reading a chart and choosing what to describe, see how to describe a graph or chart.
| What | What IELTS says |
|---|---|
| The task | Describe visual information (a graph, table, chart or diagram) in your own words |
| Length | At least 150 words |
| Time | About 20 minutes |
| What it tests | A well-organised overview of the visual information |
| Style | An academic or semi-formal/neutral style |
| How to write | Full sentences, not notes or bullet points |
| Marking criteria | Task achievement (Task 1) or Task response (Task 2), Coherence and cohesion, Lexical resource, and Grammatical range and accuracy |
| Task 1 and Task 2 | Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score |
How long should each part be?
With two charts, time is tight. A simple plan is one sentence to paraphrase, two for the overview, about 70 to 80 words on the first chart and about 50 words on the second. Give more space to the chart with more data.
Do not try to describe every number. The bar chart has ten numbers and the pie chart has five, so choose the largest, smallest and most changed figures. Use linking words such as “whereas”, “while” and “by contrast”; our list of IELTS linking words has more.
Band 7 multiple charts sample answer
Here is a Band 7 answer to the library task. It is a good answer, but read the notes to see what holds it back.
Band 7 sample
Academic Task 1Answer to the library bar chart and pie chart task above.
Our team wrote this sample to show what the public band descriptors describe.
The bar chart shows the number of library members in different age groups in 2015 and 2025, and the pie chart shows the main uses of the library in 2025.
Overall, the number of young members increased, while the middle age groups decreased.(note 1) Most members used the library for borrowing books.(note 2)
In 2015, the biggest group was 25–44 with 1,500 members, and the under 16 group had 1,200, while the 45–64 group had 1,100 and the 16–24 group had only 800. In 2025, the under 16 group increased to 1,450 and became the biggest. The 16–24 group also increased very much(note 3), from 800 to 1,350, and the 65+ group increased from 600 to 900. However, the 25–44 group decreased to 1,100, and the 45–64 group decreased a little to 1,000.
In the pie chart, 38% of members(note 4) used the library for borrowing books, which was the biggest part, and 24% used the study space. Computers were 18%(note 5), events were 12% and other was 8%(note 6).
Notes on this answer
TATask achievement
“Overall, the number of young members increased, while the middle age groups decreased.”: A clear overview of the bar chart, but it leaves out the 65+ group, which also grew.
TATask achievement
“Most members used the library for borrowing books.”: Inaccurate: 38% is the largest share, but “most” means more than half. Say “The most common main use was borrowing books.”
LRLexical resource
“increased very much”: Vague, and “increased” appears four times. “Jumped from 800 to 1,350” is more precise.
CCCoherence and cohesion
“In the pie chart, 38% of members”: The second paragraph starts, but no sentence links the two charts or tells the reader the answer is moving on.
LRLexical resource
“Computers were 18%”: Computers are not a percentage. “Using the computers accounted for 18%” is accurate.
GRAGrammatical range and accuracy
“other was 8%”: “Other uses made up 8%” is grammatical and clearer.
Why Band 7: Both charts are covered with correct figures and clear paragraphs. The overview misreads the pie chart, and the answer repeats simple verbs and does not link the two charts.
Band 9 multiple charts sample answer
Here is a Band 9 answer to the same task. Notice how the overview covers both charts, and how the answer moves from one chart to the other.
Band 9 sample
Academic Task 1Answer to the library bar chart and pie chart task above.
Our team wrote this sample to show what the public band descriptors describe.
The bar chart compares the number of members of a town library in five age groups in 2015 and 2025, while the pie chart shows what members mainly used the library for in 2025.
Overall, the library gained members in the youngest and oldest age groups but lost them in the two middle groups, between 25 and 64.(note 1) Although borrowing books was the most common main use in 2025, most members came mainly for other reasons, especially to study(note 2).
In 2015, people aged 25–44 formed the largest group of members, at 1,500, followed by children under 16, at 1,200. By 2025, however, the picture had changed considerably.(note 3) The under-16s grew to 1,450 and became the largest group, but the most striking growth was among 16–24-year-olds, whose numbers jumped from 800 to 1,350(note 4). The 65+ group also expanded, from 600 to 900, whereas membership among 25–44-year-olds fell to 1,100 and the 45–64 group dipped slightly, from 1,100 to 1,000.
Turning to the pie chart(note 5), borrowing books was the main use for 38% of members, nearly two fifths(note 6), and studying in the library came second, at 24%. Using the computers accounted for 18%, while events and other uses made up the smallest shares, at 12% and 8% respectively(note 7).
Notes on this answer
TATask achievement
“Overall, the library gained members in the youngest and oldest age groups but lost them in the two middle groups, between 25 and 64.”: One sentence turns ten bars into a clear pattern: growth at both ends, loss in the middle.
TATask achievement
“most members came mainly for other reasons, especially to study”: The overview also covers the pie chart, and reads it correctly: 38% is the largest share, not a majority.
CCCoherence and cohesion
“By 2025, however, the picture had changed considerably.”: A short linking sentence that prepares the reader for the changes that follow.
GRAGrammatical range and accuracy
“whose numbers jumped from 800 to 1,350”: The word “whose” joins the figures to “16–24-year-olds”, so the detail sits in the same sentence and no new sentence is needed.
CCCoherence and cohesion
“Turning to the pie chart”: A signpost that moves the reader from the first chart to the second.
LRLexical resource
“nearly two fifths”: A fraction that helps the reader picture 38%.
CCCoherence and cohesion
“at 12% and 8% respectively”: “Respectively” matches two figures to two items in the same order.
Why Band 9: The overview covers both charts accurately, and each paragraph groups the key figures. The answer moves smoothly between the charts, with precise vocabulary and error-free grammar.
What makes the Band 9 answer better?
The biggest difference is the overview. The Band 9 overview describes both charts correctly. The Band 7 overview misses the 65+ group and says “most members” borrowed books, which the pie chart does not show.
The Band 9 answer also links the charts with a signpost, “Turning to the pie chart”, and uses varied verbs: grew, jumped, expanded, fell, dipped. How IELTS Writing is scored explains the four criteria in more detail.
In plain words: Task Achievement is how well you report the main points. Coherence and Cohesion is how easy your answer is to follow, including linking words. Lexical Resource is your vocabulary, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy is your grammar.
| Criterion | Band 7 descriptor | Band 9 descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| Task Achievement (TA) | “(Academic) It presents a clear overview, the data are appropriately categorised, and main trends or differences are identified.” | “All the requirements of the task are fully and appropriately satisfied.” |
| Coherence & Cohesion (CC) | “Information and ideas are logically organised and there is a clear progression throughout the response. A few lapses may occur.” | “The message can be followed effortlessly. … Paragraphing is skilfully managed.” |
| Lexical Resource (LR) | “The resource is sufficient to allow some flexibility and precision.” | “Full flexibility and precise use are evident within the scope of the task.” |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) | “A variety of complex structures is used with some flexibility and accuracy.” | “A wide range of structures within the scope of the task is used with full flexibility and control.” |
Describe this pair of charts: write at least 150 words, then get a graded practice
Write your own answer to the pair of charts task above in about 20 minutes, and check it against the Band 9 sample. Then open Writing practice and choose Task 1. The app gives you one of its own practice questions and grades your answer on the four criteria.Start a free Writing practice
Check your word count
IELTS asks for at least 150 words in Task 1, even when there are two charts. To check your length, paste your answer into our IELTS word counter and choose Task 1. Keep time for Task 2, which counts for more.
Common mistakes with two charts
An overview of one chart only. The overview must cover both charts.
Two separate answers. Do not write a full report for each chart. Write one answer with one introduction and one overview.
Made-up links. Do not explain one chart with the other. Report what each chart shows.
Too long. Two charts tempt you to describe everything. Choose the key figures and keep time for Task 2.
More Task 1 guides
- Bar chart: Band 7 and Band 9 samples
- Pie chart: Band 7 and Band 9 samples
- Table: Band 7 and Band 9 samples
- Line graph: Band 9 sample answer
- How to describe a graph or chart
- How to describe a map
- How to describe a process diagram
- General Training: informal letter, with samples
- General Training: semi-formal letter, with samples
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a multiple charts answer in IELTS Writing Task 1?
Write one answer. Paraphrase both charts in one sentence, then write one overview of both with no numbers. Then write one detail paragraph for each chart, and link them with a phrase such as “Turning to the pie chart”.
Do I need to write 150 words for each chart?
No. IELTS asks for at least 150 words for the whole Task 1 answer, in about 20 minutes. Two charts do not double the length. Choose the key figures from each chart.
Should the overview cover both charts?
Yes. Give the main feature of each chart, in one or two sentences. An overview of only one chart leaves out half of the information.
Can I say how the two charts are connected?
You can compare them when they share a topic, for example the same library or the same year. Do not explain one chart with the other, because IELTS says all the information you need is given in the charts.
Which chart should I describe first?
Usually the one the question names first. Give more space to the chart with more data, and keep the second paragraph shorter.
Is the library task a real IELTS question?
No. It is an original practice question that our team wrote in the style of the test. The library and all its figures are invented. Use the two charts to practise writing one report that links them, then try a graded question in Writing practice.
Sources
- IELTS (ielts.org): IELTS Academic format, Writing
- IELTS (ielts.org): Writing band descriptors (PDF, updated May 2023)
Facts on this page last checked against these sources on 8 October 2026.
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