IELTS Writing Task 1 Bar Chart Sample Answer
Bar charts are the most common visual in IELTS Writing Task 1. This guide provides a band 8 model answer, the ideal 4-paragraph structure, essential vocabulary, and tips for selecting key data points.
The 4-Paragraph Structure
Paraphrase the chart title. State what the chart shows without copying the question word-for-word. One sentence is enough.
Summarise 2-3 key trends or features. This is the most important paragraph. Start with "Overall," or "In general,". Do NOT include specific numbers here.
Provide specific data to support your overview. Group related data logically. Include numbers, percentages, and comparisons. Use 2 paragraphs for clarity.
Band 8 Model Answer
The bar chart illustrates the proportion of adults who shopped online in five countries, comparing figures from 2010 and 2020.
Overall, internet shopping increased significantly in all five countries over the decade. The UK and Germany consistently had the highest rates, while Brazil and India started from much lower bases but showed the most dramatic growth.
In 2010, the UK had the highest percentage of adults shopping online at 58%, followed closely by Germany at 52%. The United States recorded 45%, while Brazil and India had considerably lower figures of 18% and 8% respectively.
By 2020, all five countries had experienced substantial growth. The UK rose to 82%, maintaining its leading position, while Germany reached 76%. The United States increased to 69%. The most remarkable changes were seen in Brazil and India, which climbed to 42% and 31% respectively, representing increases of more than 130% and 280% over the decade.
Word count: 162 words | Estimated band: 8.0
Essential Vocabulary for Bar Charts
- rose / increased / grew / climbed
- a significant rise / a sharp increase
- more than doubled / tripled
- experienced substantial growth
- fell / declined / dropped / decreased
- a slight decline / a dramatic fall
- halved / plummeted
- experienced a downturn
- the highest / the lowest
- significantly more/less than
- roughly the same as / similar to
- in contrast / by comparison / whereas
- Overall, it is clear that...
- The most noticeable trend is...
- In general, ... while ...
- The data reveals that...
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No overview paragraph. This is the biggest mistake. Without an overview, you cannot score above Band 5 for Task Achievement.
- Describing every data point. Select key features. The examiner wants to see you can identify trends and make comparisons.
- Giving opinions or reasons. "The UK has the highest rate because of good internet infrastructure" is wrong. Just describe the data.
- Writing under 150 words. This incurs an automatic penalty. Aim for 160-180 words.
- Spending too long on Task 1. It is worth only 1/3 of your Writing score. Spend 20 minutes maximum, then move to Task 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Task 1 Quick Reference
- Time: 20 minutes max
- Words: 150+ (aim for 160-180)
- Structure: Intro, Overview, Body x2
- Key rule: No opinions
- Most important: Overview paragraph