IELTS Writing Task 1: Comparative Diagrams

Today, I will guide you through the writing process for comparative diagrams.

Understanding Comparative Diagrams

Firstly, let’s understand the characteristics of comparative diagrams. This type of task primarily assesses our ability to describe two contrasting entities or two aspects of a single entity. While comparative diagrams may seem similar to flow charts at first glance, there is a clear distinction between the two. Generally, flow charts focus on the outcomes of multiple steps, whereas comparative diagrams emphasise the differences between various stages, which is their main distinguishing feature.

Types of Comparative Diagrams

Next, let’s look at the types of comparative diagrams you may encounter. The first type evaluates our ability to compare advantages and disadvantages. For example, you might be presented with two images illustrating two methods of flood management, prompting you to compare the pros and cons of each approach. Another example could involve the locations of two supermarkets, where you would analyse their respective advantages and disadvantages.

The second type involves comparing the differences between two products or objects. In this case, we would describe the distinctions across five key aspects:

1. Form and shape

2. Materials and components

3. Size and volume

4. Connection and channels

5. Comparison and contrast

Essential Language Points for Writing

When describing advantages, disadvantages, and comparative relationships, it is important to use specific conjunctions to express these comparisons. Here are some common phrases you might find useful:

- “A is a far better solution than B because…”  

- “In comparison, something seems to have more advantages or disadvantages than the other.”  

- “Compared with somebody or something, something offers greater convenience in that…”  

Additionally, it's helpful to know some basic vocabulary for shapes:

- Round

- Triangular

- Square

- Heart-shaped

- Oval

- Spherical

- Cylindrical

Describing Materials

When describing materials, we typically use the following phrases:

- “be made of” (when the original material is evident)  

- “be made from” (when the original material is not apparent)  

For instance, you might say, “This desk is made of wood,” indicating that the desk is constructed from wood, whereas “This bag is made from corn,” suggests that the bag is produced from a material derived from corn.

Example

Let’s analyse a sample question to enhance our understanding. In this instance, we have two diagrams representing the Mont Blanc road tunnel and the Japan tunnel, which exhibit notable differences that we can summarise.

Firstly, consider the introductory paragraph:

“The two pictures depict the construction structures of two tunnels, which differ in numerous aspects.”

Next, we move into specific comparative descriptions. For example:

- “The Mont Blanc road tunnel was built to establish a closer connection between Italy and France. It runs through a mountain approximately 1.2 kilometres high and has a total length of 11.6 kilometres.”  

- “By contrast, the Aomori Hakodate tunnel in Japan is a domestic tunnel constructed to link the cities of Hokkaido and Honshu. Rather than traversing a mountain, this tunnel runs beneath a water area, measuring 18.52 kilometres in width and 132 metres in depth.”  

By using the contrastive phrase “by contrast,” we clearly indicate the differences between the two tunnels.

Furthermore, there are important details to note in the following sentences:

“Moreover, the construction consists of three street tubes with a total length of 53.85 kilometres, designed to fit the shape of the water area. This construction took nearly 25 years to complete.”

Here, we describe the tunnel’s structure, highlighting its unique characteristics compared to the previous tunnel.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the first tunnel took 9 years to complete, while the second tunnel required significantly more time. This illustrates a conscious effort to draw comparisons and contrasts in a coherent manner.

Conclusion

This concludes our discussion on comparative diagrams in IELTS Writing Task 1. I hope you have found this information valuable and feel more equipped to approach this type of task confidently!