Task 1 Academic — Mixed Charts
Linking two visuals · transition paragraph
Topic & Why It Matters
A mixed-chart question gives two different visual formats in the same Task 1 prompt, such as a line graph with a bar chart, a table with a pie chart, or a process diagram with supporting figures. The challenge is not describing each chart separately; it is building one clear report from two sources of information.
Candidates often lose marks because they write two disconnected mini answers, omit one visual from the overview, or compare numbers that use different units. A strong answer identifies the shared topic, selects the most important features from both visuals, and uses a controlled transition when moving from one chart to the other.
Knowledge Points
Structure Template
Four paragraphs, about 160-175 words total. Keep both visuals visible in your plan.
| Paragraph | Target | What to Write |
|---|---|---|
| Paragraph 1 — Introduction | 25-35 words | Paraphrase the task. Name both visual types, the shared topic, place, time period, and units where possible. |
| Paragraph 2 — Overview | 35-45 words | Give the main pattern from visual 1 and the main ranking or contrast from visual 2. Do not include small figures here. |
| Paragraph 3 — Body A | 45-60 words | Describe the first visual in detail. Select the start, low/high point, end point, or largest movement, using accurate units. |
| Paragraph 4 — Body B | 50-65 words | Transition to the second visual, describe its key figures, then end with a sentence that links both visuals without inventing causes. |
Vocabulary & Grammar Toolkit
| Expression | Usage Note |
|---|---|
| the two visuals together show | Useful for a unified introduction |
| while the line graph tracks | Introduces visual 1 and contrasts it with visual 2 |
| the bar chart compares | Safe reporting verb for category data |
| over the same period | Links two visuals that share a time frame |
| in that year / during the same year | Avoids repeating a year already named in the sentence |
| household demand | Lexical upgrade for 'electricity use by homes' |
| generation mix | Concise phrase for sources of electricity production |
| accounted for [X]% | Best for bar/pie proportions |
| represented [X]% | Alternative to 'accounted for' |
| made up a substantial share | Good overview phrase without a precise number |
| by far the largest | Emphasises a clearly dominant category |
| just under / just over | Natural approximation for percentages near a round number |
| respectively | Use only when matching two items to two figures in order |
| turning to [visual 2] | Clear transition phrase between visuals |
| in relation to the second chart | More formal transition phrase |
| a different pattern is visible | Useful when the second visual does not mirror the first |
| fluctuated across the year | Use when values rise and fall over time |
| fell to its lowest point | Identifies the minimum on a line graph |
| peaked at [value] | Identifies the maximum on a line graph |
| after which | Complex grammar for sequencing: 'reached a low, after which demand rose' |
| whereas | Contrasts categories or trends in one sentence |
| although | Adds balanced contrast in overview or body paragraphs |
| despite [noun/gerund] | Band 7+ contrast structure: 'despite the seasonal variation' |
| mainly from | Concise phrase for dominant sources |
| without suggesting causation | A planning reminder: link visuals carefully, but do not invent reasons |
Common Pitfalls
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Writing two mini reports | Use one introduction and one overview. Body paragraphs can focus on separate visuals, but the report should still read as one answer. |
| Overview covers only the first chart | Mention the most important pattern in both visuals: for example, the seasonal peak in demand and the dominant electricity source. |
| Comparing incompatible numbers directly | Do not write '410 kWh was higher than 45%'. Keep numerical comparisons inside the same unit and compare broader patterns across visuals. |
| Inventing a cause between charts | If the charts show demand and sources, describe the relationship cautiously. Avoid 'because' unless the task explicitly provides a cause. |
| No transition between visuals | Start the second body paragraph with a clear bridge such as 'Turning to the bar chart' so the examiner can follow the organisation. |
Practice Prompt
Set a 20-minute timer. Write your response before reading the model answer.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The line graph below shows average monthly household electricity consumption in Greenfield in 2022. The bar chart shows the sources used to generate electricity in the city in the same year.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
| Month | Consumption |
|---|---|
| January | 310 kWh |
| February | 295 kWh |
| March | 280 kWh |
| April | 265 kWh |
| May | 255 kWh |
| June | 250 kWh |
| July | 270 kWh |
| August | 300 kWh |
| September | 330 kWh |
| October | 360 kWh |
| November | 385 kWh |
| December | 410 kWh |
| Source | Share of generation |
|---|---|
| Gas | 45% |
| Renewables | 32% |
| Coal | 15% |
| Nuclear | 8% |
Model AnswerBand 7.5+ · 173 words
The line graph shows average monthly household electricity consumption in Greenfield in 2022, while the bar chart compares the main sources used to generate the city's electricity in that year.
Overall, household demand fluctuated across the year, falling to its lowest point in early summer before rising sharply in winter. Gas was the dominant source of electricity, although renewables made up a substantial share and coal and nuclear power were much less important.
Average consumption started at 310 kWh per household in January and declined gradually to 265 kWh in April. It then reached a low of 250 kWh in June, after which demand rose steadily, climbing to 330 kWh in September and peaking at 410 kWh in December.
Turning to the bar chart, gas accounted for 45% of electricity generation, making it by far the largest source. Renewables represented just under a third, at 32%, whereas coal supplied 15% and nuclear power only 8%. Thus, the city's electricity came mainly from gas and renewable sources, despite the seasonal variation in household demand.
Annotated Commentary
Each paragraph is quoted, then broken down by examiner criteria. Notice how the model links the two visuals without pretending that the source mix caused the monthly demand.
Self-Check
Answer these from memory before looking back. If you cannot answer all, re-read the relevant section.
- What two things must a mixed-chart overview cover?
- Why is '410 kWh was higher than 45%' an invalid comparison?
- Write one transition sentence that moves from a line graph to a bar chart.