Academic Writing Task 1 · mixed chart

Survey results regarding shopper satisfaction at a new Auckland shopping complex: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 mixed 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 mixed charts.
  • 188 words
  • Mixed charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The tables and pie chart show in percentage terms of the results of a survey of a new shopping complex in Auckland, New Zealand.

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

Survey Results Table 1
ShoppersVery SatisfiedSatisfiedDissatisfiedNo Comment
Male17452018
Female3437209
Survey Results Table 2
ShoppersVery SatisfiedSatisfiedDissatisfiedNo Comment
Male2555515
Female27322120
Reactions
  • Satisfied: 62
  • Very Satisfied: 17
  • Dissatisfied: 11
  • No Comment: 10
View the data
CategoryValue
Satisfied62
Very Satisfied17
Dissatisfied11
No Comment10

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 8188 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided data illustrates the satisfaction levels of male and female shoppers at a new shopping complex in Auckland, New Zealand, presented through two tables and a pie chart.

Overall, the majority of shoppers expressed satisfaction with the complex, while gender-based preferences and feedback varied significantly across the two survey tables. The pie chart indicates that a substantial 62% of respondents were satisfied, followed by 17% who were very satisfied, while dissatisfaction and no comment accounted for 11% and 10% respectively.

In the first table, male shoppers were more likely to be satisfied (45%) than very satisfied (17%), whereas females showed a higher proportion of very satisfied responses (34%) compared to males. Both genders reported an identical 20% dissatisfaction rate. In the second table, male satisfaction increased significantly, with 55% reporting satisfaction and 25% being very satisfied. Conversely, female satisfaction levels in the second table were more distributed, with 32% satisfied and 27% very satisfied. Notably, male dissatisfaction dropped sharply to 5% in the second survey, while female dissatisfaction rose slightly to 21%. These figures highlight a generally positive reception, though opinions fluctuated between the two survey groups.

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Mixed charts

How to write about mixed charts: tips and vocabulary

  • →Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals.
  • →Give each visual its own detail paragraph.
  • →Point out where one chart explains the other.
  • Substantial

    Of considerable importance, size, or worth

  • Proportion

    A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation

  • Conversely

    In a way that is the opposite of something

  • Fluctuated

    Rose and fell irregularly in number or amount

  • Identical

    Similar in every detail; exactly alike

  • Notably

    In a way that is worthy of attention or notice

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

Overall, the majority of shoppers expressed satisfaction with the complex, while gender-based preferences and feedback varied significantly across the two survey tables.

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 mixed charts?+

Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals. Give each visual its own detail paragraph. Point out where one chart explains the other.

Keep practising

More mixed charts

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