IELTS Writing Bar Graph Task 1: How to Answer
The bar graph task is part of the IELTS Writing Task 1. Ideally, you should spend only 20 minutes on this task.
The task here is simple: analyse the given bar chart and summarise, highlight or compare the given features. The word limit for this task is a minimum of 150 words.
Bar Graphs consist of rectangles depicting values. The length or height of each rectangle towards a certain value. Here’s how you can answer the bar graph task!
Analyse the Task at Hand
Read the question carefully and understand the information that’s given to you. The question may look like this:
Take 2 minutes to go through the chart in detail concerning what is asked of you. Bar graphs may be stacked together or divided into segments (like the above example).
Pay attention to the colours, lengths, and groups! Each type of bar graph has something different to convey.
Highlight the first 2-3 key features that stand out from the data. Since you only have 20 minutes to write, and considering you have to write in just 150 words, we recommend that you be wise about the features you choose. Don’t try to cover every single detail in the graph.
Identify the Main Features
Features that instantly stand out to you are essential. Note them down and analyse them further. These could be patterns, numbers, titles, or trends.
As part of your essay, you must further analyse and elaborate on these features. Some questions may also require you to compare and contrast between different points.
Practice how to interpret data. Here are some tips:
- Understand the bar graph type. Is it stacked? Is it divided into segments? What does it mean?
- If you’re unclear about the data, look for annotations and labels that may help you further understand the context.
- Note the length of each bar, and understand the number or quantity being measured.
- Look for patterns. Are the bars continuously decreasing? Or increasing? Or they may be random. Typically, these are your main features.
- Confirm the scale of the axis. Make sure you have not misunderstood the data.
Structure your Report/Description
Remember, your word limit is 150 words. Try to organise your thoughts sequentially without overwhelming the reader. Quote numbers and percentages from the graph wherever it’s relevant.
Here’s a standard format you can use for your analysis.
- Introduction: Paraphrase the first portion of your question to begin your essay. You must mention the title, timeline, and other important features.
- Overview: Expand further by stating the obvious features from the chart. What are the labels mentioned? What data does it depict? Is there a trend forming?
- Highlight main features: Write about the noticeable features in the graphs. What are the highest and lowest elements? What pattern does it have? Is there a trend? Talk about it in depth, and provide comparisons if necessary. This is the main body of your text.
- Conclude: Summarise and provide final thoughts on the matter. Avoid introducing any new information in this section.
IELTS Writing Bar Graph Task 1: Sample Answer
Below is a sample to help you understand how to answer the bar graph task best 1 questions! Feel free to take inspiration from this and write your answer.
Sample Question:
Sample Answer:
The provided data illustrates the comparison of housing trends in England and Wales from 1918 to 2011, specifically focusing on the percentages of rented and owned accommodations.
Overall, rented accommodations constituted approximately 78% of the total in 1918, with a subsequent levelling off observed between 1939 and 1953. However, from 1961 to 2001, there was a significant drop to 32% in rented accommodation, which eventually increased in 2011, reaching 37%
During the same period, the ownership of houses increased from 23% in 1918 to 32% by 1953, with a gradual rise between 1961 and 1991. Ownership continued to rise, reaching 69% in 2001. However, ownership declined between 2001 and 2011, with the percentage dropping to 62%.
In a nutshell, the housing landscape in England and Wales evolved significantly over the years, with shifts in the rented and owned accommodations. Moreover, 1971 marked a crucial point in this transformation, where the percentages of both totals stood at 50%.
