IELTS Table Charts Task 1 : Sample Answers with Tips

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

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Updated on Nov 20, 2024 14:14 IST

In IELTS Writing Task 1 tests a table chart question which is an important topic for this section. The IELTS Writing Table Chart is a part of Task 1 and is basically a visual presentation that depicts the data in a tabular format including multiple rows and columns — highlighting significant data sets. The IELTS Writing section's Table Chart is supposed to be summarised in a formal report format and applicants can include points like trends, highest and lowest points, and making comparisons where relevant is essential while analysing and compiling data in an essay. IELTS Writing Table Chart Task 1 tests applicants' ability to logically analyse data and compare significant data sets by comparing them in words. This task of IELTS Writing - Task 1 has to be written in a maximum of 150 words in 20 minutes. There are different types of table charts tested on the IELTS exam and all of them have been discussed in detail along with Table Chart Task 1 on IELTS Writing scoring and assessment criteria in the article below.

ielts writing - table chart task 1 

IELTS Task 1 Table Charts Format

The Table Chart is one of the report writing tasks in IELTS. In this type of figure, the data is presented vertically and horizontally, and there is a header to help candidates understand the category division. This task is generally of two types: with time or without time. 

Types of Table Charts in IELTS Writing Task 1

The data of a "Table Chart" on IELTS Writing Task 1 can be given in the following formats in the question paper:

Type of Table Charts on IELTS Writing Task 1 Table Charts Description
1. Single Table Comparison Compares different categories or periods within the same context.
2. Multiple Table Comparison Requires comparisons among data sets from two or more tables.
3. Hierarchical Table Break down data into subcategories for analysis at different levels of detail.
4. Table and Chart Combination Combines tabular data with visual representations like graphs or pie charts for enhanced understanding.

Thus, there are four formats in which IELTS Writing - Table Charts can be tested. Applicants must note that only one type of table chart will be tested on Task 1 and not all types, but applicants must practice all the above mentioned types before going for the IELTS exam.  

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Table Chart - Steps for Approaching

Step 1: Understanding the Task

The first step is to analyse the type of task given. 

  • Identify the table presented, whether it is a table of time or no time.
  • Pay attention to the header consisting of the categories and carefully check the units. 

Step 2: Planning the Response
After analysing, it is essential to plan your response. Planning includes deciding on the content to be included in the structure. It is crucial to group data together based on the similarities and the differences. 

  • In the Table of Time, content includes base, trend, highest and lowest points.
  • Howvever, in the Table of No Time, add content using variations. (50% - half, 10% - one tenth, 2% - negligible etcetera)

Step 3: Writing about the Task
The content of the report needs to be divided into a three-paragraph structure.

  • Introduction paragraph provides the paraphrasing and the overview of the task. 
  • Overview includes the highest or the dominating category excluding the numbers/time.
  • The Body paragraphs include the content of the table given, highlighting the comparison where relevant. 
    Note - The structure remains same, irrespective of the format of the table.


You can now refer to the model answer for the IELTS Writing Task 1 Table Chart, with a band score of 5.5 with a 8, along with the expert’s comments.








IELTS Writing Task 1 - Table Chart Example

The tables below give information about sales of Fairtrade-labelled coffee and bananas in 1999 and 2004 in five European countries.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 
Write at least 150 words in 20 minutes. 

Table - Task 1 Writing

 

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Table Chart - Sample Response 1 - 5.5 Band Score

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).

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Table Chart - Sample Response 2 - 8 Band Score

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.

 







IELTS Task 1 Table Chart Vocabulary, Language & Grammar​

In task 1 of Writing, you are required to brief the data to meet the requirement of the task, thus, it is essential to use appropriate vocabulary as well as grammatical range and accuracy.

IELTS Task 1 Table Chart Vocabulary to be used:

  • Describing the trend - increase, decrease, fall, dip, soar.
  • Degree of change - dramatically, drastically, considerably, moderately.
  • Comparing the data - more than, less than, equal to, half of.
  • Differences/Similarities - whereas, while, likewise, similarly. 
  • Indicating time - throughout, during, over the period.

IELTS Task 1 Table Chart Grammatical range to be used:

  • Simple Present Tense - while paraphrasing the question.
    Example: The table depicts the data. (Practice more with the help of Simple Present Tense Exercises)
  • Simple Past Tense - when referring to data from a specific year of the past.
    Example: In 2010, the population of the country rose drastically.
  • Present Perfect - changes over the period to the present.
    Example: The visitors have surged considerably over the period. (Get additional practice with the help of Present Perfect Tense Exercises)

IELTS Task 1 Table Chart​ FAQs

Q: What kind of information do I need to write about in IELTS Task 1 Table Chart?

A: The response to the IELTS Task 1 Table Chart should consist of basic information, including the beginning of the figures, trends, and a comparison signifying similarities in the data where relevant.

Q: How much detail should I include in Task 1 IELTS Table Chart?

A: In Task 1 of IELTS Writing for, it is never required to elaborate on every single point. It is essential to specify the overall trends and the similarities among the data. It is essential to meet the word limit, but it should not be exceeded too much. This same rule applies to IELTS Task 1 Table Chart questions as well. 

Q: What's the structure of a good response on IELTS Task 1 Table Chart?

A: Well, an ideal structure of Task 1 includes 3 paragraphs. The first paragraph is for the introduction, which consists of paraphrasing and the task overview in a sentence or two. Followed by two body paragraphs, which comprise the content of the Table chart. The answer should always be in paragraphs, you need to leave a line after each paragraph; and avoid writing in bullet points for this task.

Q: Can I use my own opinion while attempting Task 1 IELTS table chart?

A: No, applicants cannot share their opinions while forming IELTS Task 1 Table Chart report. This is a formal report, so stick to the facts presented in the table. Avoid stating opinions or personal beliefs. No reason or over-detailing should be included in the response.

Q: How long should my report be for IELTS Task 1 Table Chart?

A: Aim for a minimum of 150 words while attempting IELTS Task 1 Table Chart questions, but ideally one should keep it under 200 words only. 

Q: What kind of vocabulary should I use for table chart on IELTS Task 1?

A: In task 1 of Writing on IELTS, always use formal language and avoid the usage of contractions like can’t, don’t, won’t. Use the vocabulary related to describing trends and comparisons of the figure (e.g., increase, decrease, similar to, significantly higher than).

Q: How much time is there for IELTS Writing Task 1 - Table Chart?

A: Ideally, you should take around 20 minutes to finish Task 1, Table Chart on IELTS Writing although you can take more. However, it’s better to save appropriate time for Task 2 as it has more weightage (approximately 65%).

Q: What if I don’t understand the table chart in task 1?

A: Try to paraphrase the Task 1's table chart description from the question. Find any significant points in the chart and mention those. It is impossible for this to happen if you attend classes with our Shiksha trainers. Sign up here for 1-month free online IELTS course.

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7 months ago

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7 months ago

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