Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Data on daily television viewing and academic achievement across nine countries: 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.
  • 185 words
  • Tables
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

These tables show data about the amount of television watched by children in different countries (hours per day) and also the average academic achievement ofpeople in these countries (% of people completing each level.) Select and describe the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

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

Hours of TV per day
CountryHrs/Day
India2
China3
USA4
Italy3
Brazil2
Canada4
UAE1
Malta1
UK4
Average academic achievement (% of people completing)
CountrySchoolHigh SchoolUniversity
India806012
China956824
USA998629
Italy1009225
Brazil908023
Canada1009732
UAE989219
Malta10010018
UK998939

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 8185 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The tables illustrate the daily hours of television watched by children and the percentage of the population completing three distinct levels of education across nine countries. Overall, television viewing habits vary significantly, ranging from one to four hours daily, while academic completion rates generally decline as the level of education advances.

Regarding television consumption, the USA, Canada, and the UK record the highest figures at four hours per day. Conversely, the UAE and Malta report the lowest engagement, with only one hour of daily viewing. India and Brazil sit at the lower end of the spectrum with two hours, while China and Italy report three hours.

In terms of academic achievement, school completion rates are universally high, with Italy, Canada, and Malta reaching 100%. India records the lowest school completion at 80%. At the high school level, Malta leads with 100%, followed closely by Canada at 97%. University graduation rates are notably lower across all nations; the UK boasts the highest proportion at 39%, followed by Canada at 32%. India records the lowest university completion rate at 12%, despite its school completion figure of 80%.

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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.
  • Conversely

    Used to introduce a contrasting or opposite statement

  • Spectrum

    A range of different values or related items

  • Proportion

    A part, share, or number considered in relation

  • Notably

    In a way that is worthy of attention

  • Correlation

    A mutual relationship or connection between two things

  • Attainment

    The action or fact of achieving a goal

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While countries with higher television consumption do not consistently show lower academic attainment, there is a clear positive correlation between completion rates at school and university levels across the nations surveyed.

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

More tables

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