IELTS Writing Table Chart Task 1: How to Answer
Tables are the best way to represent information, especially when many statistics are involved visually. Table task 1 consists of rows (horizontally) and columns (vertically) containing categorised information.
The header at the top of the table or the start of each row will help you understand what category the numbers belong to. Table charts may contain information about numerical data, time periods, geographical data, averages, sums, and other quantitative data.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding table chart task 1 questions!
Analyse the Table
Typically, each question will ask you to summarise, describe or compare the data given in the table. To do this, you must first analyse the table.
Pay attention to the table's header and understand what each row and column represents. Also, examine the table's structure and note any symbols, annotations, and other references mentioned.
This task has a minimum word limit of 150 words, so ensure you cover all the information without going overboard.
Here are some things you can do to interpret and identify the main elements in the table:
- Understand the header, footer, and titles of each row and column.
- Identify the type of data that is given to you. What sort of numerical data does it represent?
- Pay attention to the timeline, if there is one. See if the numbers are decreasing or increasing with time.
- Look for patterns and trends.
- Identify the highest and lowest elements in the table.
How to Structure Your Analysis
Every writing piece will have an introduction, body and conclusion. This pattern works for all topics!
Here’s how to structure your piece for IELTS Writing Table chart task 1.
- Introduction: Begin by paraphrasing the question. Mention the table's title, the data source (if provided), and any time frames given to you.
- Overview: Highlight the most obvious information you can see in the table. You can highlight the highs, lows, or other significant observations in your overview. Try not to elaborate on this section unnecessarily. Keep it brief.
- Detailed Analysis: Break down the data in the table chart by examining each row or column in detail. Describe the data for each category or variable, highlighting any notable differences or similarities. You can use data points or values from the table to support your analysis. If necessary, you can also use this to compare and contrast.
- Conclusion: Summarise the main features, patterns or trends found in the table chart. Review your answers and check for grammar, punctuation and spelling.
IELTS Writing Table Chart Task 1: Sample Answer
Do too many numbers confuse your mind? With time and practice, interpreting tables will be a walk in the park for you!
Remember, sometimes table chart tasks may be combined with a pie chart or bar graph chart. But the techniques and answering methods will be the same.
Here’s a sample you can use to practice!
Country | People Using Railway (In millions) | Passenger Kilometers per head of population | Cargo Carried (In Tons) |
| Malaysia | 5.9 | 770 | 22.2 |
| China | 27 | 1980 | 23.01 |
| Canada | 0.3 | 80 | 28.20 |
| UAE | 5.5 | 780 | 21.9 |
Sample Answer:
The table shows the data on rail transport use in four countries: Malaysia, Canada, China, and the United Arab Emirates in the year 2007.
As the data displays, Chinese people used trains more often than individuals in other countries. But, when it came to carrying goods, Canada transported the most among the countries mentioned.
Looking at the first category, China has the highest number of people using rail transport, with 27 million, followed by Malaysia with 5.9 million, while the UAE is in the middle, with 5.5 million train users. In contrast, Canada has the fewest train users, with only 0.3 million.
When considering passenger kilometres per head of population, China again leads the pack with 1980 kilometres per person. The UAE is next in line with 780 kilometres, while Malaysia and Canada report 770 and 80 kilometres per head of population, respectively.
Canada takes the top spot in the cargo-carried category, transporting 28.20 tons of cargo. China comes next with 23.1 tons, followed by Malaysia with 22.2 tons. The UAE ranks last in this category, carrying 21.9 tons of cargo. In a nutshell, Chinese people use the railway more than the people of other countries, whereas Canada stands out for its significant cargo transport among the given countries.
