Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Survey results on factors affecting work performance by age group: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

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

The question

The bar chart below shows the results of a survey conducted by a personnel department at a major company. The survey was carried out on two groups of workers: those aged from 18-30 and those aged 45-60, and shows factors affecting their work performance.

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

Factors affecting work performance (percentage)
020406080100Team spiritChance for personal dev…Relaxed working environ…Competent bossJob securityRespect from colleaguesPromotion prospectsJob satisfactionWork environmentMoney
  • 18-30
  • 45-60
View the data
Team spiritChance for personal developmentRelaxed working environmentCompetent bossJob securityRespect from colleaguesPromotion prospectsJob satisfactionWork environmentMoney
18-3060908050404080523072
45-6060383052204550503070

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 8195 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The bar chart illustrates the results of a survey regarding ten factors influencing work performance, comparing two age groups: 18-30 and 45-60. Overall, it is evident that younger employees are significantly more motivated by career advancement and a relaxed environment, whereas older staff show more balanced preferences across most categories.

Regarding career-related factors, the 18-30 age group shows a strong preference for personal development and promotion prospects, with both scoring 80% or higher, compared to 38% and 50% respectively for the older group. Similarly, a relaxed working environment is far more important to younger workers at 80%, while only 30% of those aged 45-60 consider it a key factor. Job security also holds more weight for the younger cohort at 40%, double the 20% reported by the older group.

Conversely, factors such as respect from colleagues and having a competent boss are slightly more valued by the 45-60 age group, at 45% and 52% respectively. Both age groups demonstrate a high level of consensus regarding team spirit, with 60% in both categories, and money, where both groups report figures around 70-72%. Finally, job satisfaction and work environment show similar levels of importance for both demographics.

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Bar charts

How to write about bar charts: tips and vocabulary

  • →Compare the biggest and smallest bars before anything else.
  • →If the bars show years, describe change; if they show places, describe rank.
  • →Round sensibly and say 'just over' or 'nearly' rather than guessing decimals.
  • cohort

    a group of people with a shared characteristic

  • demographics

    statistical data relating to a particular population group

  • consensus

    a general agreement among a group of people

  • proportion

    a part or share in relation to the whole

  • illustrates

    to provide a visual explanation of something

  • significantly

    in a sufficiently great or important way

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While younger employees prioritise personal development and promotion prospects, older workers place greater emphasis on respect from colleagues and competent leadership, with both groups showing similar trends for money and team spirit.

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 bar charts?+

Compare the biggest and smallest bars before anything else. If the bars show years, describe change; if they show places, describe rank. Round sensibly and say 'just over' or 'nearly' rather than guessing decimals.

Keep practising

More bar charts

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