IELTS Writing Task 1: articles with category nouns 📊

In #IELTS writing Task 1 pictures, you see ordinary nouns without any articles. This is because these nouns are just diagram labels, not parts of full, grammatical sentences.

When you write your answer in full sentences, you must treat these diagram label nouns as usual nouns and use articles accordingly.

❌ This is wrong: "Only 10% of water was used in garden," or "Less water was used by industrial sector."

A singular countable noun must have an article - or be turned into a plural noun.

✅ Fixes: "Only 10% of water was used in gardens," or "Less water was used by the industrial sector."

I know this sounds very basic, but even high level students make this mistake. Make sure to proofread your answer for missing articles.