🎯 The Core Concept#
Task 1 is a factual report, not an essay. No opinions. No conclusion. Just describe what you see.
(Source: IELTS Simon Writing Video Course Lesson 1 What is Writing Task 1 Academic?)
Tip
小作文是數據報告，不是議論文。不寫個人觀點，不寫結論段，只描述圖表事實。
🧱 The 4-Paragraph & 9-Sentence Structure (四段結構)#
An easy ‘method’ for you, so you know what to write:
| Paragraph | What? | Sentence | How? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Paraphrase the question | 1 | 用近義詞/轉句式 |
| 2. Overview | 2 main trends / key features | 2 | 全篇最重要，找出特徵，不寫數字 |
| 3. Detail 1 | Specific numbers + comparisons | 3 | 選一組數據，具體描述，合理分類 |
| 4. Detail 2 | Specific numbers + comparisons | 3 | 選另一組數據，具體描述，合理分類 |
📊 Question Types#
西蒙將小作文分成六類，前四種共用同一套「數字語言」：
| # | Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Line Graph | Changes + trends 變化與趨勢 |
| 2 | Bar Chart | Highest/lowest + trends 最高/最低值 + 趨勢 |
| 3 | Pie Chart | Proportion + trends 比例與趨勢 |
| 4 | Table | Highest/lowest + trends 最高/最低值 + 趨勢 |
| 5 | Process Diagram | Steps + passive voice + purpose 步驟 + 被動語態 + 目的 |
| 6 | Map | Changes (before/after) 變化（前後） |
💡 核心技巧：前四種圖表（線、柱、餅、表）都使用相同的三項基本功——描述數字、比較數字、描述趨勢。
🔑 Skills / What to Do#
Do these three things no matter the question type:
1️⃣ Describe a Specific Number (描述具體數字)#
... reached a peak of 45,000 units in March.... accounted for just under a third of total expenditure.... stood at approximately 2.5 million, the highest among all regions.
2️⃣ Compare Multiple Numbers (比較多個數字)#
找出最大值、最小值、相似值或排序。
... overtook ... as the best-selling brand in 2024.... was by far the largest sector, while ... represented the smallest share.... showed a similar figure to ..., both hovering around 15%.
3️⃣ Describe Trends / Changes (描述趨勢變化)#
描述數據隨時間嘅上升、下降、波動或平穩。
... rose steadily before levelling off in the final quarter.The proportion of ... more than doubled over the decade.... fluctuated slightly between 2018 and 2022, then dropped sharply.
🚫 What NOT to Do#
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | What is your task? |
|---|---|---|
| 寫個人觀點 (“I think…”) | 只寫事實描述 | 小作文不是議論文 |
| 寫結論段 (“In conclusion…”) | 寫概述段 (“Overall…”) | 小作文不需要結論 |
| 逐條羅列所有數字 | 選代表性數據 + 比較 | 不要變成「流水帳」 |
| 分開描述每個項目 | 將相關數據擺埋一齊比較 | 比較是「關鍵」 |
💡 Key Takeaway#
Paraphrase the question → Spot 2 main trends → Group data into 2 logical paragraphs. No opinions. No conclusion.
改寫題目 → 抓出兩大趨勢 → 數據分兩組描述；不寫觀點，不寫結論。