Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Average consultation time in minutes with family doctors across nine countries: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 table question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about tables.
  • 196 words
  • Tables
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes
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The question

The table shows data about the average length of time (in minutes) that people of different ages spend in consultation with family doctors in several countries. Select and describe the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

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

Average consultation time with family doctors by age and country
Age (years)FranceBrazilJapanUSAIndiaKenyaUKItalyChile
0-1016121413121591732
10-20182112171414121832
20-40252316192012132334
40-60292615212112152436
60-70342313271911152738
70+382014311110212939

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 8196 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The table illustrates the average time in minutes that individuals of various age groups spend with family doctors across nine different countries. Overall, it is evident that consultation times vary significantly by nation, with Chile consistently reporting the highest figures across all age brackets, while Kenya and the UK frequently record the lowest.

Chilean patients spend the most time with doctors, starting at 32 minutes for the youngest group and peaking at 39 minutes for those aged 70 and over. In contrast, the UK reports the lowest consultation time for children aged 0-10 at just 9 minutes. Similarly, Kenya shows a downward trend in consultation duration as patients age, dropping from 15 minutes for the 0-10 group to 10 minutes for those aged 70 plus.

France and Italy show a clear upward trend in consultation length as patients grow older. For instance, French consultation times increase from 16 minutes for the youngest cohort to 38 minutes for the oldest. Japan remains relatively stable, with times fluctuating narrowly between 12 and 16 minutes. Meanwhile, the USA shows a notable increase in time spent with doctors, rising from 13 minutes for children to 31 minutes for the elderly.

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Tables

How to write about tables: tips and vocabulary

  • →Tables hide the trend: find the highest, lowest and biggest change yourself.
  • →Select; do not list every cell.
  • →Organise paragraphs by row or by column, whichever gives the clearer comparison.

  • consistently

    happening in the same way over a period

  • fluctuating

    changing frequently in size or level of amount

  • upward trend

    a general direction of increasing over time

  • peak

    reaching the highest point or value possible

  • cohort

    a group of people sharing a common characteristic

  • notable

    worthy of attention or striking in appearance

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

Chile consistently records the longest consultation times across all age groups, whereas Kenya and the UK generally report the shortest durations.

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 tables?+

Tables hide the trend: find the highest, lowest and biggest change yourself. Select; do not list every cell. Organise paragraphs by row or by column, whichever gives the clearer comparison.

Keep practising

More tables

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