Table Charts for IELTS Writing Task 1 : Sample Answers with Tips

The given table represents about output received from coffee and bananas in five diferent European nations in 1999 and 2004. Overall, the sale of bananas is comparatively highest in UK than other countries in 2004.

The sale of coffee in UK was initially 1.5million of euros but it rose to 20 million in 2004, whereas in Switzerland the output was 3 million in 1999 which doubled in the latter year. Denmark had 1.8 million of total sales which proliferated and reached to 2 million in 2004 and there was a gradual rise in the selling value of belgium from 1 to just 1.7 million and in Sweden the level of output was merely 0.8 million but it rose to a million by the next year.

Uk had the highest sales of banana in 1999, 15 million which showed a dractic rise in the latter year and reached to 47 million, whereas in Switzerland also initially it was 1 million but it rose to 5.5 million. Denmark had merely 0.6 million of selling level which surged to 5 million in the latter year. Belgium had 1.8 million of total output which declined to a million in 2004. On the other hand, Sweden initially had a good sale of 2 million which reduced to just 0.9 million of euros.

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 5.5 score, here is the expert’s comment.
The candidate has covered the main features of the topic, the description has clear paragraphing and logical organisation. However, there are several grammatical errors, and punctuation is often faulty( use of present tense, comparatively highest, small letter for proper nouns). The lack of cohesive devices, such as linking words, makes the text less coherent. The vocabulary used is inadequate, and there are minor spelling errors (such as different, drastic).

The table depicts the data about the sales of Fairtrade-labelled coffee and bananas in five European countries for two years, 1999 and 2004. The data is measured in millions of euros. Overall, while sales of coffee and bananas surged significantly in the UK, sales of bananas in particular soared considerably in Switzerland and Denmark.

Coffee sales in the UK were 1.5 million euros in 1999, but by the year 2004, revenues had skyrocketed to 20 million euros. From 3 million euros in 1999 to 6 million euros in 2004, coffee sales in Switzerland doubled. Over the same time, Denmark witnessed a modest rise, ranging from 1.8 million to 2 million euros. Sales of coffee in Belgium rose gradually from one million to 1.7 million euros. In a similar fashion, Sweden noticed a slight growth from 0.8 million to 1 million euros.

Of the five countries, the UK had the highest annual banana sales, notably from 15 million euros in 1999 to 47 million euros in 2004. Sales of bananas expanded substantially in Switzerland as well, from 1 million to 5.5 million euros. Sales in Denmark elevated significantly from 0.6 million to 5 million euros. On the contrary, Belgium saw a decline in banana sales from 1.8 million euros to 1 million euros. Sales of bananas reduced in Sweden from 2 million euros to 0.9 million euros.

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 8 score, here is the expert’s comment. 

The candidate has started with the appropriate paraphrasing in the first paragraph, with a clear overview. The content has been divided into paragraphs appropriately, making it a coherent and cohesive response. More linking words could have been added to depict the comparison within the countries. Although there is a little vocabulary repetition, the vocabulary resource is sufficient to allow understanding but no skilful use of uncommon word choice.

Model Answer (Band 9 Level)

The tables present data on the sales of Fairtrade-labeled coffee and bananas in five European countries in 1999 and 2004, measured in millions of euros. Overall, the sales of both coffee and bananas increased across the majority of the countries over the period, with the UK experiencing the most dramatic growth in coffee sales and Switzerland in banana sales. Fairtrade-labeled sales generally increased in most of the countries, with the UK being the top performer for coffee and Switzerland dominating banana sales, while Denmark and Sweden presented a different picture with decreasing sales in bananas.

In 1999, the sales of coffee varied across countries, with Switzerland leading at 3 million euros, followed by Denmark and the UK with 1.8 and 1.5 million euros respectively. By 2004, the UK had far surpassed all other countries in coffee sales, reaching 20 million euros, with Switzerland remaining in second position with 6 million euros, while Sweden had the lowest sales of only 1 million.

Regarding banana sales, Switzerland had the highest sales in both 1999 and 2004, with 15 and 47 million euros respectively. In contrast, Belgium saw lower figures, with 0.6 million euros in 1999, which rose to 4 million euros by 2004. Interestingly, in Sweden and Denmark, the sales of bananas decreased during the period, with Denmark recording the lowest sales of 0.9 million in 2004.

(Word Count: 192)

Explanation and Breakdown:

1. Introduction (1 sentence):

   • Clearly states the purpose of the tables.

   • Uses appropriate phrasing: "...present data on the sales of Fairtrade-labeled coffee and bananas..."

   • Includes the measured unit, "million of Euros."

2. Overview (1 sentence):

   • Provides a summary of the general trends and notable changes (increase, most dramatic growth in coffee sales in the UK and banana sales in Switzerland).

   • Uses transition word "Overall" to show summary.

3. Body Paragraph 1 (2 sentences):

   • Describes coffee sales in 1999 and then in 2004.

   • Makes comparisons among countries and uses phrases like "leading at" and "followed by" to compare them.

   • Uses specific details and values for coffee sales in different countries and over the period.

   • Uses transitional phrase "By 2004" to make a transition to the second year.

4. Body Paragraph 2 (3 sentences):

   • Describes the banana sales and uses phrases like "Regarding banana sales" for clarity.

   • Makes comparisons by using the transitional phrase "in contrast" and then "interestingly."

   • Highlights contrasting trends such as increases and decreases in sales.

   • Uses specific values in millions of Euros to show the numbers clearly.

5. Conclusion (1 sentence):

   • Summarizes the key findings: increase in sales of both product, highlights leading countries for sales, and mentions countries where banana sales decreased.

Why This Answer Scores Highly

• Task Achievement: All parts of the task are fully addressed. The trends are correctly identified and described.

• Coherence and Cohesion: The response is well-organized, with clear connections between sentences and paragraphs using cohesive devices.

• Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is broad and precise, with words and phrases related to data analysis and comparisons. Words like "dramatic growth," "surpassed," and "dominating" are used effectively.

• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.

Tips for IELTS Writing Task 1 Table Questions:

• Plan before writing: Identify the main trends and how to organize the information.

• Use precise language: Use comparative and superlative phrases accurately, "the highest", "the lowest," "greater than" etc.

• Use numbers and data: Use the data and mention exact figures.

• Use a variety of vocabulary: Include synonyms and different ways to express trends and changes.

• Use transition words: To connect sentences and paragraphs smoothly.

• Don't give your opinion: Stick to describing the data.

Key Vocabulary for Table Questions:

• Trends: increase, decrease, rise, fall, peak, fluctuate, remain steady, stable

• Comparisons: higher, lower, greater, less, the highest, the lowest, significantly, considerably, slightly, marginally, whereas, in contrast

• Amounts: amount, figure, number, proportion, quantity, percentage, millions of euros