Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Comparison of Six Major International Underground Metro Systems: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 table question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about tables.
  • 189 words
  • Tables
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The table shows information about metro systems in six different cities.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Information about metro systems in six different cities
Underground systemDate openedLinesStationsRoute length (km)Annual passenger journeys (millions)
New York City Subway1904364723941758
London Tube1863112704021171
Tokyo Subway1927132853043160
Paris Metro1900163032141527
Mexico City Metro1969121952021624
Beijing Subway19692172286453

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8189 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The table compares six international underground systems across five key metrics, including their opening dates, network size, and annual passenger usage. Overall, the systems vary significantly in age and scale, with the London Tube being the longest-established network, whereas the Tokyo Subway stands out for its exceptionally high passenger volume.

Regarding infrastructure, the New York City Subway is the most extensive in terms of stations (472) and lines (36), covering 394 km. In contrast, the London Tube, which opened in 1863, possesses the longest route length at 402 km, despite having only 11 lines and 270 stations. The Paris Metro and Mexico City Metro occupy the middle ground, with route lengths of 214 km and 202 km respectively.

In terms of usage, the Tokyo Subway is the busiest, facilitating 3,160 million passenger journeys annually, nearly double that of the New York City Subway at 1,758 million. The Mexico City Metro and Paris Metro also record high figures of 1,624 million and 1,527 million respectively. Conversely, the Beijing Subway, which opened in 1969, reports the lowest annual passenger count at 453 million, supported by only 2 lines and 172 stations.

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Tables

How to write about tables: tips and vocabulary

  • →Tables hide the trend: find the highest, lowest and biggest change yourself.
  • →Select; do not list every cell.
  • →Organise paragraphs by row or by column, whichever gives the clearer comparison.
  • facilitating

    making an action or process easier to perform

  • extensive

    covering or affecting a large area or amount

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses a previous one

  • occupy the middle ground

    to be in a position between two extremes

  • record

    to set down in writing or other permanent form

  • stands out

    to be easily noticeable or prominent among others

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The data indicates that while the London Tube is the oldest system, the Tokyo Subway handles the highest volume of annual passenger journeys despite not having the most extensive infrastructure.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

How do I describe tables?+

Tables hide the trend: find the highest, lowest and biggest change yourself. Select; do not list every cell. Organise paragraphs by row or by column, whichever gives the clearer comparison.

Keep practising

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