IELTS Writing Task 1

Sample Questions and Answers

• Table Chart Example

  Question:

  The table shows oil production (in barrels) in several African countries from 2000 to 2004. Summarize the key features and make comparisons.

  
  Answer:

  The table compares oil production in four African countries from 2000 to 2004. Nigeria consistently recorded the highest production, while trends varied across other countries.
  Chad produced no oil until 2003, reaching 290,000 barrels by 2004. Cote d’Ivoire’s production rose from 8,000 barrels in 2000 to 45,000 in 2004. Conversely, Congo Brazzaville’s production declined steadily, falling from 280,000 barrels in 2000 to 205,000 in 2004. Nigeria’s production fluctuated but ultimately increased to 2.2 million barrels by 2004.

• Bar Chart Example

  Question: The bar chart shows spending (in millions) by 18-20 year-olds on five products in 2010 and 2014. Summarize the data and compare key points.

  
  Answer:

  The bar graph highlights spending trends of 18-20-year-olds on food, clothes, books, smartphones, and toiletries. Spending on food saw the highest increase, while expenses for books dropped significantly.
  Food spending rose from $3,700 million in 2010 to $4,300 million in 2014, while smartphone purchases increased significantly. Spending on clothes remained unchanged, and books saw a sharp decline, falling to nearly half their initial amount.

• Pie Chart Example

  Question:

  The pie chart shows electricity use in an average English household. Summarize and report the main features.

  
  Answer:

  The chart reveals that 52.5% of electricity in English homes is used for heating rooms and water, followed by kitchen appliances (17.5%). The remaining 30% is split between lighting, entertainment devices, and occasional-use appliances.
  This heavy reliance on heating is influenced by the UK’s cool climate, where temperatures rarely exceed 20°C during summer.

• Line Graph Sample

  The graph below illustrates the changes in birth and death rates in New Zealand from 1901, with projections extending to 2101.
  Summarize the key features, make comparisons where relevant, and write at least 150 words.

  

  Sample Answer

  The graph presents historical data and future trends for birth and death rates in New Zealand, spanning the period from 1901 to 2101.
  Overall : The trends suggest that the death rate will surpass the birth rate around 2041, reversing the historical pattern where births significantly outnumbered deaths. This reversal will lead to a narrowing gap between the two rates in the latter part of the century.
  Analysis of the Birth Rate : From 1901 to the present day, the birth rate has consistently exceeded the death rate. Initially, it stood at 20,000 in 1901 and rose steadily, reaching a peak of 66,000 in 1961. Following this peak, the birth rate has fluctuated between 65,000 and 50,000. Projections indicate a gradual decline, with the rate expected to fall to approximately 45,000 by 2101.
  Analysis of the Death Rate : In contrast, the death rate started much lower, below 10,000 in 1901, and has steadily increased over time. Between 2021 and 2051, this growth is forecasted to accelerate significantly, eventually leveling off at around 60,000. By 2101, the death rate is expected to experience a slight decline.
  The graph highlights a significant demographic shift for New Zealand, with the death rate surpassing the birth rate mid-century and altering the historical dynamics of population change. These trends emphasize the importance of understanding and preparing for such societal changes.

• Process Diagram Example

  Question:

  The diagram illustrates the brick-making process. Summarize and describe the key stages.

  
  Answer:

  The brick-making process involves seven stages, starting with clay extraction and ending with delivery. Clay is extracted, processed, molded, dried, and baked in kilns before cooling and delivery.

• Map Diagram Labelling Sample

  Question :

  The maps showcase the current industrial zone in Norbiton and a proposed redevelopment plan for the site.
  Summarize the key features, make comparisons where relevant, and write at least 150 words.

  

  Sample Answer

  The maps depict the present layout of Norbiton’s industrial area and a future plan to transform the site into a residential zone.
  Overall : The redevelopment scheme aims to replace existing factories with housing, creating a more residential environment. New infrastructure including roads, a roundabout, shops, a school, and a medical center is also part of the plan.
  Current Layout : At present, the main road runs east to west, with a central roundabout surrounded by factories that extend further east. To the north of the industrial area lies farmland across a river. There are no residential or public facilities in the current setup.
  Future Redevelopment : In the redevelopment plan, a new road will extend northward from the roundabout, crossing the river via a bridge to provide access to housing on the farmland. Another road will branch northwest, lined with houses and shops. A medical center is planned near the new mini roundabout. To the east, additional residential areas will be complemented by a school and playground. Notably, all factories will be removed.
  The proposed redevelopment will drastically transform Norbiton from an industrial hub into a residential community, with improved infrastructure and facilities for future residents.

• Combination Charts Sample

  Question :

  The graph below illustrates CO2 emissions for various transport modes in the European Union, while the pie chart shows the allocation of EU funds for different transport types.
  Summarize the main features, make comparisons where relevant, and write at least 150 words.

  

  Sample Answer

  The bar chart details the CO2 emissions generated by different modes of transport in the European Union, while the pie chart highlights the percentage of EU funds allocated to these transport types.
  Overall: While road transport is the largest contributor to CO2 emissions, it also receives the highest funding. Other transport types like rail and sea have comparatively lower emissions but receive a smaller proportion of funds.
  CO2 Emissions by Transport Mode : Road transport accounts for the highest emissions, significantly exceeding other categories. Air transport is the second-largest contributor, followed by sea and rail transport, which have notably lower emissions.
  EU Transport Funding : The pie chart reveals that road transport also receives the largest share of EU funds, reflecting its dominance in usage. Rail transport, despite lower emissions, receives a moderate share of funding. Sea and air transport account for the smallest proportions of EU transport budgets.
  The data highlights a correlation between higher emissions and increased funding allocation, particularly for road transport, emphasizing its prominence in the EU transport system.