Here’s a simple, practical guide to help you get the right tense in English.
If you’re preparing for the IELTS Academic Writing exam, you might be asking yourself which verb tenses should I use in the different tasks?
In this article, I am going to break down Task 1 and which tenses to use for this task.
What is Task 1?
Task 1 asks you to describe visual data. This means a chart, table, map or process. One of the most common questions from students is:
“What tense should I use in Task 1?”
Good question. It can feel confusing because a single task may include past trends, current figures and future predictions. The simplest approach is: read the visual carefully, identify the time references and match your tense to the time you’re describing.
Below is a clear, practical guide you can use:
1. First step: read the dates and labels
Always check the time frame on the graph or table. That tells you which tense to use.
| Time frame shown | Tense to use | Example |
| Past (e.g. 1990–2005) | Past simple | Sales increased in 1998. |
| Past → present (trend continuing to now) | Present perfect | Sales have risen steadily since 2010. |
| Present (e.g. “2019” or “current”) | Present simple | The chart shows current market share. |
| Future or prediction | Future form (will / is expected to / is projected to) | Sales are expected to rise by 2030. |
Rule of thumb: match the verb tense to the time shown. If the graphic shows past years, use past tenses. If it includes today or “from 2010 to present”, use present perfect for ongoing change. If it gives forecasts, use future forms.
2. Common Task-types and the usual tenses to use
Different Task 1 types often favour different tenses so here’s a quick guide to the different types:
- Line graphs & bar charts (historical trends): usually best to use the past simple for finished periods; present perfect for trends that continue to the present; future for forecasts.
- 1995–2005: The rate increased.
- Since 2012: The rate has increased steadily.
- 1995–2005: The rate increased.
- Comparative charts (one point in time): present simple is fine when describing current proportions or the specific year shown.
- Right now, Japan holds 30% of the market.
- Right now, Japan holds 30% of the market.
- Tables: follow the same rule as charts. Therefore, you can use past or present depending on the dates given.
- Maps (changes in different years): describe the past arrangement in past simple and the current arrangement in present simple.
- In 1990, the park was north of the station. Today, the park sits to the east of the new complex.
- In 1990, the park was north of the station. Today, the park sits to the east of the new complex.
- Processes (how something works): use present simple (often passive) to describe stages.
- The mixture is heated, then it is filtered.
- The mixture is heated, then it is filtered.
- Mix of past + future: use mixed tenses. E.g. past simple for what happened, present simple/perfect for current state and future for projection.
- In 2000 production fell. It has recovered since 2015 and is expected to double by 2030.
- In 2000 production fell. It has recovered since 2015 and is expected to double by 2030.
3. Passive voice: when and how to use it
Task 1 often describes changes and results, not the people who caused them. Use the passive to sound objective and formal.
- Active: The company built a new line in 1985.
- Passive (preferred in Task 1): A new line was constructed in 1985.
Use passive especially in:
- Processes: The material is heated…
- When the agent is unknown or irrelevant: The policy was introduced in 2010.
4. Present perfect: when is it the best choice?
Use present perfect for trends that started in the past and continue now, or for effects are still relevant at the time of writing.
- “Unemployment has decreased since 2011” (meaning: it started decreasing and continues now).
- Don’t use present perfect for finished actions at a specific point in the past:
- Not “Sales have increased in 1999.” → Use the past simple: Sales increased in 1999.
- Not “Sales have increased in 1999.” → Use the past simple: Sales increased in 1999.
5. Useful time phrases and verbs to signal tense
Add clarity by using time phrases:
- Past: in 1990 / between 1990 and 2000 / during the 1980s → Past simple
- Present: since 2010 / over the last decade / to date / currently → Present perfect or present simple
- Future: by 2030 / next year / over the next few years → Future
Useful verbs and phrases to remember for Task 1:
- rose / fell / increased / decreased / remained steady / peaked / plateaued (past simple)
- has risen / has fallen / has remained (present perfect)
- is expected to / is projected to / will increase (future)
- is illustrated / is shown / was recorded (passive for descriptions)
6. Common mistakes to avoid
- Avoid mixing tenses without reason. Don’t switch tenses randomly, only change tense to match a different time reference.
- Avoid using present perfect for a finished date.
Incorrect: The population has increased in 2005. → Correct: The population increased in 2005. - Avoid using passive incorrectly in processes. If a process requires active verbs for clarity, don’t force the passive.
- Avoid overcomplicating tense choices. Keep it simple and accurate as clarity beats complexity every time.
7. Here’s a short model paragraph for you to use as an example to learn from:
Task 1: Line graph showing company production:
2005 = 10,000 units;
2010 = 7,000 units;
2018 = 12,000 units;
Projected 2025 = 20,000 units.
Model paragraph (band-appropriate):
Production fell from 10,000 units in 2005 to 7,000 units in 2010. It then recovered steadily, reaching 12,000 units by 2018. The company is expected to experience further growth, with production projected to reach 20,000 units by 2025.
Notes:
- Past simple for completed changes (2005 → 2010).
- Past simple for recent factual numbers (2018 figure).
- Future passive/active for projection.
8. Quick templates you can use in Task 1
- Overview (present simple):
- The chart shows / illustrates / compares…
- The chart shows / illustrates / compares…
- Describing past change:
- X decreased / rose / fell between YEAR and YEAR.
- X decreased / rose / fell between YEAR and YEAR.
- Describing a continuing trend:
- X has increased / decreased since YEAR.
- X has increased / decreased since YEAR.
- Describing a forecast:
- X is expected to / is projected to / will increase by YEAR.
- X is expected to / is projected to / will increase by YEAR.
- Process (present simple passive):
- Step 1: The raw materials are mixed.
- Step 2: The mixture is heated…
9. Quick checklist before you submit Task 1
✅ Have you matched your tense to the time on the graphic?
✅ Did you use the present perfect for trends that continue to now?
✅ Did you keep the passive voice where appropriate (processes, formal descriptions)?
✅ Did you avoid random tense changes?
✅ Is your overview clear and in the correct tense?
10: Final piece of advice:
- Read the graphic carefully. Remember the dates and labels decide the tense.
- Keep your language clear and consistent. Examiners reward clarity and correct tense usage.
- Use the passive and present perfect when appropriate to sound formal and accurate.
- Practise with real past papers and compare your tense choices to strong model answers.
Want to practise this with real feedback?
Join the IELTS Academic Writing Challenge this month on the Intrepid English YouTube channel where we are posting short, practical lessons every day.
Members of the Intrepid English Academy get weekly writing tasks, quizzes and personalised feedback from certified teachers.
👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel and consider booking a £1 trial lesson to get a bespoke study plan and feedback on your Task 1 writing.