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The Four-Part Report

Understand and apply the standard 4-paragraph structure for IELTS Task 1.

5 micro-lessons

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A Strong Report Has a Simple Shape

Introduce the 4-paragraph structure.

To score a Band 6.5 or higher in IELTS Writing Task 1, your report needs a clear, predictable structure.

Every successful report has exactly four paragraphs:

Introduction
Overview
Detail Paragraph 1
Detail Paragraph 2

Pro tip: Examiners look for this structure immediately. This four-part shape is non-negotiable if you want high scores in Coherence and Cohesion.

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Task 1 Report Skeleton

Visual layout showing each paragraph's job.

A clean infographic diagram showing a document structured into four distinct blocks: Introduction at the top, Overview below it, and two Detail paragraphs at the bottom side-by-side or stacked. Each block is a different color to highlight its distinct role.

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The standard four-paragraph layout for an IELTS Writing Task 1 report.

Paragraph Role Cards

Detailed breakdown of what goes into each paragraph.

1. Introduction

Paraphrase the prompt

1 sentence. Tell the reader exactly what the chart shows using different words.

2. Overview

Big picture, no numbers

2-3 sentences. Identify the main trends, highest/lowest points, or overall changes.

3. Detail 1

Selected evidence

3-4 sentences. Group the first set of similar data and support it with exact numbers.

4. Detail 2

Remaining evidence

3-4 sentences. Present the remaining data, making comparisons to the first group where relevant.

Put the Report in Order

Arrange mixed Task 1 sentences into the correct report sequence.

Drag the sentences into the correct order to form a complete 4-paragraph Task 1 report (Intro, Overview, Detail 1, Detail 2).

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Structure Check

AI feedback on a student's proposed report structure.

Structure Check: Imagine a line graph showing 'The percentage of adults using social media in the UK and USA from 2015 to 2022'. Plan your four paragraphs below.

Briefly describe what you would write in each paragraph. Remember: Task 1 is factual. Do not give your personal opinion on social media!

Introduction

How will you paraphrase the visual?

Overview

What are the biggest general trends? (No numbers!)

Detail Group 1

How will you group your first set of detailed evidence?

Detail Group 2

How will you present your remaining detailed evidence?

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