Table charts in IELTS Writing Task 1 require test-takers to accurately compare and describe numerical data. To achieve Band 7.0 or higher, you must demonstrate clarity, data selection skills, and the ability to use sophisticated language and complex grammar. In this post, we explore a sample table task, provide a Band 7.0 model response, and highlight the vocabulary and structures that contribute to a high band score.
Task Description
The table below shows the percentage of adults in four countries (USA, UK, Canada, and Australia) who had internet access in 2010 and 2020.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Table Chart Overview
| Country | 2010 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 70% | 75% |
| UK | 65% | 70% |
| Canada | 60% | 66% |
| Australia | 55% | 61% |
Band 7.0 Sample Answer
The table compares the proportion of adults with internet access in four countries—the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia—in the years 2010 and 2020.
Overall, all countries experienced an increase in internet penetration over the decade, with the USA maintaining the highest levels in both years. In contrast, Australia consistently reported the lowest access rates, although it still showed noticeable improvement.
In 2010, internet usage ranged from 55% in Australia to 70% in the United States. The UK and Canada had relatively similar figures, at 65% and 60% respectively. This pattern remained largely consistent in 2020, as the USA’s figure rose to 75%, while the UK reached 70%, overtaking Canada, which increased more moderately to 66%.
Australia, despite remaining at the bottom of the ranking, also saw a gradual rise in access, climbing from 55% to 61%. The data reveals that while the digital gap narrowed slightly across these nations, disparities in internet usage continued to persist by the end of the period.
High-Level Grammar Features
- Complex Sentences with Subordination
→ Although Australia remained the lowest, it still showed notable improvement. - Passive Voice
→ Each country had recorded a moderate rise… - Relative Clauses
→ …countries which had the lowest starting rates… - Nominalization
→ Internet penetration, digital divide, improvement in access - Cohesive Devices
→ In contrast, although, while, followed by, overall, it is evident that
Advanced Vocabulary for Tables
| Common Term | High-Scoring Alternative |
|---|---|
| Went up | Increased, rose, climbed, improved |
| Went down | Declined, dropped, fell |
| Stayed the same | Remained steady, unchanged |
| Difference | Disparity, gap, variation |
| People using the internet | Internet users, digital penetration |
Examples from the sample:
- “maintaining the highest rates”
- “showed notable improvement”
- “moderate rise of approximately 5 to 6 percentage points”
Do’s and Don’ts for Describing Tables
Do:
- Compare both years and all countries clearly.
- Use synonyms to avoid repetition (e.g., “proportion,” “percentage,” “share”).
- Use both exact and approximate figures for variety.
Don’t:
- Describe each number separately without making comparisons.
- Use informal expressions like “a lot” or “big jump.”
- Include your opinion or explain why changes happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I describe all values in the table?
A: No. Focus on the most important patterns and comparisons. Group similar data where possible.
Q: Can I use passive voice in Task 1?
A: Yes. It’s especially useful for objectivity and emphasis (e.g., “A rise was observed…”).
Q: What tense should I use?
A: Use past simple for completed years like 2010 and 2020.
Top Tips for Band 7.0
- Always start with a paraphrased introduction.
- Include an overview summarizing the main trends.
- Use a variety of sentence types: simple, compound, and complex.
- Practice writing under time pressure to build fluency.
Final Thoughts
Describing tables in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is an excellent opportunity to showcase your analytical skills, academic language, and grammatical range. Focus on selecting relevant data, grouping it logically, and expressing comparisons clearly. By incorporating high-level vocabulary and grammar, you can elevate your writing to Band 7.0 and beyond.
#IELTSGuidePhil #IELTS #IELTSWriting #IELTSTask1 #IELTSTableChart #AcademicIELTS #IELTSBand7 #IELTSVocabulary #IELTSGrammar #WritingTask1 #IELTSPreparation #StudyIELTS
IELTS Guide Phil 
Leave a comment