IELTS Writing Task 1: Bar chart
Answer a bar chart task by first identifying the overall pattern (highest, lowest, and any trend), stating this in an overview, then supporting it with specific figures grouped logically, such as by category or time period. Always compare data rather than just listing numbers, and never give personal opinions.
Sample task
The bar chart below shows the average number of hours per week that people in four age groups spent on household chores, watching television, and exercising in the UK in 2019. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
The data
Average hours per week spent on three activities by age group in the UK, 2019
| Age Group | Household Chores (hrs) | Watching TV (hrs) | Exercising (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-24 | 4 | 10 | 5 |
| 25-44 | 7 | 8 | 3 |
| 45-64 | 9 | 12 | 2 |
| 65+ | 6 | 21 | 4 |
How to structure a bar chart answer
- 1Paraphrase the title, mentioning the three activities, the four age groups and the year 2019.
- 2Write a two-sentence overview stating the clearest overall patterns, such as which age group led in which activity and any consistent trend.
- 3Group the first body paragraph around one or two related activities, comparing figures across all four age groups.
- 4Group the second body paragraph around the remaining activity or activities, again comparing across all four age groups, using linking words to highlight contrasts.
Band 9 sample answer
196 wordsThe bar chart illustrates the average weekly hours that four UK age groups, 16-24, 25-44, 45-64 and 65 and over, devoted to household chores, watching television and exercising in 2019.
Overall, time spent on chores rose steadily with age until the oldest group, while television viewing increased sharply among older people, particularly those aged 65 and over. By contrast, exercise hours generally declined as age increased.
Regarding household chores, the youngest group, aged 16-24, spent only 4 hours per week on this activity, the lowest figure recorded. This rose to 7 hours for those aged 25-44 and peaked at 9 hours among the 45-64 group, before falling slightly to 6 hours for people aged 65 and over.
In terms of television, viewing time increased consistently with age, from 8 hours among the 25-44 group to 12 hours for the 45-64 group, before rising dramatically to 21 hours for the oldest cohort, more than double any other group's figure. Exercise, meanwhile, followed the opposite pattern: the 16-24 group exercised the most, at 5 hours weekly, whereas the 45-64 group recorded the lowest figure, at just 2 hours, with a slight rise to 4 hours among those 65 and over.
Why this scores Band 9
- Overview captures the three main trends without listing every figure
- All numbers precisely match the invented table data
- Paragraphs are logically grouped by activity for clear comparison
- Wide range of comparative and linking language is used accurately
Useful language for a bar chart
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| rose steadily/sharply/dramatically | describing an increasing trend across categories |
| peaked at | highlighting the highest value in a series |
| in contrast/by contrast | signalling an opposite trend between two data sets |
| the lowest/highest figure recorded | emphasising extreme values in the chart |
| more than double | making a precise numerical comparison between two bars |
| followed the opposite pattern | linking two contrasting trends within the same paragraph |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Describing every single bar in the order it appears without grouping related data.
Correct: Group bars by activity or age group and compare them together for a more analytical answer.
Incorrect: Writing an overview that repeats detailed numbers instead of stating general trends.
Correct: Keep the overview to one or two sentences covering only the most striking patterns, with figures saved for the body paragraphs.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a bar chart answer be in IELTS Writing Task 1?
Aim for at least 150 words, but 170 to 200 words is ideal to include an overview and well-developed body paragraphs without irrelevant detail.
Do I need to mention every number in the bar chart?
No, select the most significant figures that support the main trends identified in your overview rather than describing every single value.
Should I use the exact same words as the chart title?
No, paraphrase the title using synonyms, for example 'average weekly hours' instead of 'average number of hours per week', to demonstrate lexical range.
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