IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs & Pie Charts
Outlines and Sample Reports for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic)
9/29/202614 min read
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs & Pie Charts: Band 8+ Outline
STEP 1: Analyse the Data First
Before writing, students should quickly identify:
Question
What to look for
What is being measured?
number, percentage, amount, proportion, expenditure, population, etc.
Is there a time period?
If yes → identify beginning and ending years
Are there major increases?
↑
Are there major decreases?
↓
Are there fluctuations?
↕
Are some figures stable?
→
Which are highest?
H
Which are lowest?
L
Are there obvious similarities?
≈
Are there major contrasts?
≠
Then decide:
TYPE A: Trend-based data
Use when the major story is changed over time.
Increase → Decrease → Fluctuation → Stability
PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION + OVERVIEW
Sentence 1 — Introduction
The given [line graph/bar chart/table/pie chart] illustrates/compares [topic] in/among [place/group] over the period from [year] to [year].
For a single-year chart:
The given [chart] illustrates/compares [topic] in/among [place/group] in [year].
Sentence 2: Overview
This is where students choose according to the data.
Overall, [X] experienced a significant increase, whereas [Y] showed a downward trend. Meanwhile, [Z] fluctuated throughout the period.
Or:
Overall, the figures for [X] and [Y] increased, while [Z] declined considerably. [A] remained relatively stable during the period.
⭐ Golden rule for the overview
Students should mention 2–3 major features, not every number.
PARAGRAPH 2 — MAIN BODY
1. Increases
It is evident that several categories experienced an increase during the given period. For instance, [X] rose from [figure] in [year] to [figure] in [year]. Furthermore, [Y] also increased considerably, reaching [figure] by the end of the period.
Useful language:
· rose
· increased
· grew
· climbed
· went up
· experienced an upward trend
· recorded a significant increase
2. Decreases
By contrast, [X] experienced a decline during the same period, falling from [figure] to [figure]. Similarly, [Y] decreased considerably over the period.
Useful language:
· fell
· declined
· decreased
· dropped
· went down
· experienced a downward trend
PARAGRAPH 3 — OTHER TRENDS
3. Fluctuations
In addition, some figures fluctuated throughout the period. [X], for example, rose initially before falling to [figure] and subsequently recovering to [figure].
Useful language:
· fluctuated
· varied
· rose and fell
· experienced fluctuations
· reached a peak of
· fell to a low of
4. Stability
Finally, [X] remained relatively stable throughout the period, showing little variation and staying at approximately [figure].
Useful language:
· remained stable
· remained unchanged
· showed little variation
· remained constant
· changed only marginally
Sample Reports: 8+ Band
Cambridge Book 20 Test 1 Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The first table below shows changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables show changes in the population of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparison where relevant.
The tables show changes in the total population of New York City and the populations of Manhattan and the other four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island) between 1800 and 2000.
The three tables illustrate changes in the population of New York City and the distribution of residents between Manhattan and the other four districts from the year 1800 to 2000.
Overall, the total population of New York City increased dramatically over the two-century period. While Manhattan's population rose substantially between 1800 and 1900 before declining slightly, the population of the other four districts increased at a much faster rate. As a result, Manhattan's share of the city's population fell considerably, whereas that of the other districts rose sharply.
It is evident that New York City's total population experienced a significant increase. It stood at 79,216 in 1800 before climbing to 3,437,202 in 1900. Furthermore, the figure more than doubled over the following century, reaching 8,009,185 in 2000. A similar upward trend can be seen in the population of the four districts outside Manhattan. Their combined population rose from just 18,701 in 1800 to 1,587,109 in 1900, before surging to 6,471,089 by 2000.
By contrast, Manhattan experienced a different pattern. Its population increased dramatically from 60,515 in 1800 to 1,850,093 in 1900, after which it declined to 1,538,096 in 2000. The proportion of New York City's population living in Manhattan also fell steadily, from 76% in 1800 to 54% in 1900 and just 19% in 2000. Meanwhile, the combined share of the other four districts increased from 24% to 46% and finally to 81%, making them home to the clear majority of the city's residents by 2000.
Cambridge IELTS 19, Test 4, Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The charts below give information on the location and types of dance classes young people in a town in Australia are currently attending.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The pie chart illustrates the locations where young people in a town in Australia currently attend dance classes, while the bar chart compares participation in three types of dance among two age groups.
Overall, private studios are by far the most common venue for dance classes, whereas college-based studios account for the smallest proportion. In terms of dance styles, ballet is the most popular choice among children under 11, while modern dance attracts the largest number of students aged 11–16. Tap, by contrast, has relatively similar participation in the two age groups.
Looking first at the locations, private studios account for 48% of dance classes, making them twice as common as school halls, which represent 24%. Community halls and other venues constitute a further 18%, while college-based studios are the least common location, at just 10%. Thus, almost half of all dance classes are held in private studios.
Turning to the types of dance, there are clear differences between the two age groups. Among children under 11, ballet is the most popular, with 600 participants, compared with only 300 students aged 11–16. Tap attracts approximately 450 younger students, slightly more than the figure of around 420 for the older group. The pattern is reversed for modern dance: about 520 students aged 11–16 attend these classes, compared with only 300 children under 11. Consequently, ballet is considerably more popular among younger children, whereas modern dance is preferred by the older age group.
Cambridge IELTS 18, Test 2, Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The chart below shows the number of households in the US by their annual ’ income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The bar chart illustrates the number of households in the United States in five annual income brackets in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Overall, the number of households earning $100,000 or more increased considerably over the period, despite a temporary decline in 2011. Meanwhile, the two lower-income groups also rose overall, although both fluctuated slightly. In contrast, the number of households earning between $50,000 and $74,999 remained relatively stable throughout the period.
It is evident that several income groups experienced an increase. The number of households earning less than $25,000 rose from approximately 25 million in 2007 to 28.5 million in 2011, before ending slightly lower at around 28 million in 2015. Similarly, households with an annual income of $25,000–$49,999 increased from about 27 million to 29.5 million between 2007 and 2011, after which the figure declined marginally to approximately 28.5 million.
By contrast, the highest-income group experienced a more noticeable fluctuation. The number of households earning $100,000 or more fell from around 29.5 million in 2007 to approximately 27.5 million in 2011, before climbing sharply to 33 million in 2015, the highest figure on the chart. Finally, the $50,000–$74,999 group remained relatively stable, at around 21 million in all three years. The $75,000–$99,999 category also showed little overall change, fluctuating between approximately 14 and 15 million households.
Cambridge Book 17 Test 3 Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The chart below gives information about how families in one country spent their weekly income in 1968 and in 2018.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The bar chart compares the proportions of weekly income that families in one country spent on eight different categories in 1968 and 2018.
Overall, there was a substantial shift in household spending over the 50-year period. While expenditure on food, clothing and footwear, fuel and power, and personal goods declined, spending on housing, transport and leisure increased. Household-goods expenditure, meanwhile, remained unchanged.
It is evident that several categories experienced an increase between the two years. The proportion of income spent on leisure rose considerably, from 9% in 1968 to 22% in 2018, making it the largest expenditure category at the end of the period. Similarly, housing expenditure almost doubled, climbing from 10% to 19%. Spending on transport also increased, although less dramatically, from 8% to 14%.
By contrast, food experienced the most significant decline, falling from 35% of weekly income in 1968 to 17% in 2018. Expenditure on clothing and footwear was halved, from 10% to 5%, while spending on personal goods decreased from 8% to 4%. Fuel and power also declined slightly, from 6% to 4%. Finally, household goods remained relatively stable at 8% in both years.
Cambridge IELTS 19, Test 1, Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The graph below gives information on the numbers of participants for different activities at one social centre in Melbourne, Australia for the period 2000 to 2020.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The line graph illustrates the number of participants in five different activities at a social centre in Melbourne, Australia, over a 20-year period from 2000 to 2020.
Overall, the film club remained the most popular activity throughout the period, although its membership fluctuated slightly. Table tennis and musical performances experienced overall growth, whereas participation in amateur dramatics declined considerably. Meanwhile, the number of people taking part in martial arts remained relatively stable.
It is evident that the film club consistently attracted the largest number of participants. Its membership stood at approximately 64 in 2000 and fell slightly to 60 in 2010 before recovering to around 66 by 2020. Martial arts followed a much more stable pattern, fluctuating within a relatively narrow range of around 32 to 38 participants. After falling from approximately 36 in 2000 to 32 in 2005, participation rose to about 38 in 2010 before ending at roughly its initial level.
By contrast, table tennis experienced substantial growth, particularly during the second half of the period. The number of participants increased from around 16 in 2000 to 20 in 2005 and remained at approximately this level in 2010. It then rose sharply to about 35 in 2015 and reached approximately 54 by 2020, making it the second most popular activity at the end of the period. Amateur dramatics showed the opposite trend: after a slight rise from 26 to 28 participants between 2000 and 2005, its figure fell steadily to just 6 in 2020. Finally, musical performances had no participants in 2000 or 2005, but participation increased steadily thereafter, reaching about 18 by 2020.
TYPE B: Comparison-based data
Use when the major story is differences between categories.
High → Low → Similarities/Contrasts → Stability
This structure is particularly useful for single-year tables, pie charts and bar charts, although it can also work for some time-series data.
Sentence 1 — Introduction
The given [line graph/bar chart/table/pie chart] illustrates/compares [topic] in/among [place/group] over the period from [year] to [year].
For a single-year chart:
The given [chart] illustrates/compares [topic] in/among [place/group] in [year].
Sentence 2 — Overview
This is where students choose according to the data.
Overall, [X] recorded the highest figure, whereas [Y] had the lowest. In addition, [A] and [B] showed relatively similar figures.
Or:
Overall, [X] was by far the largest category, while [Y] accounted for the smallest proportion. The remaining categories showed comparatively moderate figures.
PARAGRAPH 2 — HIGH FIGURES
Several categories recorded relatively high figures. [X] had the highest value, at [figure], followed by [Y] at [figure]. Furthermore, [Z] also recorded a comparatively high figure of [figure].
Useful expressions
· recorded the highest figure
· had the largest proportion
· accounted for the greatest share
· was considerably higher than
· was followed by
· ranked second
PARAGRAPH 3: LOW FIGURES + OTHER COMPARISONS
Low figures
By contrast, [X] recorded the lowest figure, at [figure]. Similarly, [Y] also accounted for a relatively small proportion, at [figure].
Similarities
Meanwhile, [X] and [Y] recorded relatively similar figures, at [figure] and [figure], respectively.
Stability — when applicable
For a multi-year comparison:
As for [X], its figure remained relatively stable throughout the period, changing only slightly from [figure] to [figure].
🔑 MASTER STRUCTURE
Students should follow this simple decision tree:
ANALYSE THE DATA
┌────────────┴────────────┐
│ │
CHANGE OVER TIME MAINLY COMPARISON
│ │
TYPE A TYPE B
│ │
┌─────┼─────┐ ┌─────┼─────┐
│ │ │ │ │
↑ ↓ ↕ / → HIGH LOW SIMILAR
└─────┴─────┘ └─────┴─────┘
│ │
Paragraph 2: Paragraph 2:
↑ + ↓ HIGH
│ │
Paragraph 3: Paragraph 3:
↕ + → LOW + OTHER
⭐ Final Student-Friendly Formula
P1 — Introduction + Overview
WHAT + WHERE + WHEN → 2/3 BIGGEST FEATURES
P2 — Main Feature Group
Increase/High figures
P3 — Remaining Feature Group
Decrease/Low figures + Fluctuation/Stability/Similarity
Transition Bank
Adding information
· Furthermore,
· Moreover,
· In addition,
· Additionally,
· Similarly,
Contrast
· By contrast,
· In contrast,
· Conversely,
· Meanwhile,
· On the other hand,
Giving examples
· For example,
· For instance,
· Specifically,
Showing similarity
· Similarly,
· Likewise,
· In the same way,
Ending a description
· Finally,
· As for…
· With regard to…
· Turning to…
Sample Reports: 8+ Band
Cambridge IELTS 20, Test 3, Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The charts below give information about a public library in a town called Little Chalfont.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The pie chart shows the age distribution of library members in 2016, while the table illustrates the proportions of loans by category in the same year. The bar chart shows the total number of loans made at Little Chalfont Public Library between 2007 and 2016.
Overall, adults aged 18–64 constituted the largest proportion of library members, while children’s fiction and adult fiction accounted for the joint-highest shares of loans. In addition, the total number of loans increased overall during the period, despite some fluctuations.
Looking first at the age distribution, adults aged 18–64 represented the largest group of library members, accounting for 51% of the total. Children formed the second-largest group, at 22%, followed by people aged 65 and over, who made up 15%. Young adults aged 13–17 constituted the smallest proportion, at just 12%.
Turning to borrowing patterns, fiction was clearly the most popular category. Children’s fiction and adult fiction each accounted for 38% of all loans, together making up more than three quarters of the total. Adult non-fiction was the next most borrowed category, at 13%, while children’s non-fiction represented 6%. The remaining categories accounted for only small proportions: young adults’ books and adult audiobooks each made up 2%, whereas children’s DVDs accounted for just 1%.
Turning finally to the total number of loans, approximately 15,500 items were borrowed in 2007. This figure rose sharply to around 19,000 in 2008 and remained at roughly the same level in 2009. It then increased steadily, reaching about 21,000 in 2011. Following a slight decline to approximately 19,500 in 2013, the number of loans recovered and rose again, reaching a peak of around 21,500 in 2016.
Cambridge IELTS 17, Test 2, Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The table and charts below give information on the police budget for 2017 and 2018 in one area of Britain. The table shows where the money came from and the charts show how it was distributed.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
.
The table shows the sources of the police budget in one area of Britain in 2017 and 2018, while the two pie charts illustrate how this money was distributed between salaries, technology, and buildings and transport.
Overall, the total police budget increased over the period, with the national government remaining the largest source of funding in both years. In terms of expenditure, salaries accounted for the largest proportion, although their share declined in 2018, while spending on technology increased considerably. The proportion allocated to buildings and transport remained unchanged.
Looking first at the sources of funding, the total police budget rose from £304.7 million in 2017 to £318.6 million in 2018. National government funding was by far the largest contribution, increasing slightly from £175.5 million to £177.8 million. Local taxes provided the second-largest amount and experienced the most substantial increase, rising from £91.2 million to £102.3 million. By comparison, funding from other sources, such as grants, changed very little, increasing from £38 million to £38.5 million.
Turning to expenditure, salaries for officers and staff represented three quarters of the budget in 2017, at 75%. However, this proportion fell to 69% in 2018. In contrast, the share allocated to technology almost doubled, rising from 8% to 14%. Meanwhile, spending on buildings and transport remained stable at 17% in both years. Despite the changes in allocation, salaries continued to account for the largest proportion of expenditure in 2018.
Cambridge IELTS 15, Test 1, Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The chart below shows the results of a survey about people’s coffee and tea buying and drinking habits in five Australian cities.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The bar chart illustrates the percentages of residents in five Australian cities who bought fresh coffee, purchased instant coffee, or went to a café for coffee or tea during the previous four weeks.
Overall, visiting a café was the most common activity in four of the five cities, with Melbourne recording the highest proportion. By contrast, buying fresh coffee was the least common activity in every city. Adelaide was the only city where instant coffee purchases were slightly more common than visits to cafés.
Looking first at café visits, Melbourne had the highest proportion, at 64%, closely followed by Hobart at 63% and Sydney at 61%. The figure for Brisbane was somewhat lower, at 55%, while Adelaide recorded the lowest percentage, at 49%. Thus, the figures for Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney were relatively similar, all standing at around 60% or above.
Turning to instant coffee, Hobart recorded the highest proportion, at 54%, followed closely by Brisbane at 53%. Adelaide ranked third, with exactly 50% of residents having purchased instant coffee. The corresponding figures for Melbourne and Sydney were lower, at 48% and 46% respectively.
Finally, fresh coffee purchases accounted for the lowest figures in all five cities. Sydney had the highest proportion in this category, at 44%, followed by Melbourne at 43% and Hobart at 39%. Brisbane and Adelaide recorded considerably lower figures, at 34% and 35% respectively, making these two cities relatively similar in this respect.
Cambridge IELTS 15, Test 4, Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The chart below shows what Anthropology graduates from one university did after finishing their undergraduate degree course. The table shows the salaries of the anthropologists in work after five years
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The pie chart illustrates what Anthropology graduates from one university did after completing their undergraduate degree, while the table shows the annual salaries of those working in three different employment sectors after five years.
Overall, full-time employment was by far the most common destination immediately after graduation. Regarding salaries, freelance consultants and government employees had substantially larger proportions in the two highest salary bands than those working for private companies. Government employees, in particular, had the largest proportion earning $100,000 or more.
Looking first at the destinations of the graduates, 52% entered full-time employment, making this by far the largest category. Part-time work was the second most common destination, at 15%, followed by unemployment at 12%. Equal proportions of 8% either pursued full-time postgraduate study or had an unknown destination. The smallest group, accounting for 5% of graduates, combined part-time employment with postgraduate study.
Turning to salaries after five years, freelance consultants and government employees showed broadly similar patterns at the lower end of the scale. In both sectors, 5% earned between $25,000 and $49,999, while 15% received between $50,000 and $74,999. However, government employees had a larger proportion in the highest band, with 50% earning $100,000 or more, compared with 40% of freelance consultants. The remaining 30% of government employees earned $75,000–99,999, whereas the corresponding figure for freelance consultants was 40%.
Private-sector employees had a different distribution. They recorded the highest proportion in the $50,000–74,999 band, at 35%, while 25% earned $75,000–99,999. A further 30% received at least $100,000, and 10% were in the lowest salary band.
