Academic Writing Task 1 · mixed chart

Flu infection rates and mortality statistics for males and females 1996: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 mixed chart question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about mixed charts.
  • 195 words
  • Mixed charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

In June 1996, an experimental flu vaccine was trialled in a large country town on females only.

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

Deaths from Flu (No. of deaths)
012345March to MayJune to August
  • Males
  • Females
View the data
March to MayJune to August
Males02
Females14
Female recipients of new vaccine groups most at risk
  • Babies or children: 24
  • Aged (over 65 years old): 35
  • Hospitalised: 13
  • Not given the vaccine: 28
View the data
CategoryValue
Babies or children24
Aged (over 65 years old)35
Hospitalised13
Not given the vaccine28
Flu Rates for Males and Females (No. of cases of flu)
01,0002,0003,0004,0005,000FebAprJunAugOctDec
  • Males
  • Females
View the data
FebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Males05006002,0002,7002,6002,0001,7001,7001,5001,500
Females08501,0003,0003,5003,0002,9002,5002,5002,5002,450

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 8195 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided charts illustrate flu infection rates and mortality data for males and females in 1996, alongside the demographic breakdown of female vaccine recipients.

Overall, females consistently experienced higher flu infection and mortality rates than males throughout 1996, with the majority of vaccinated females belonging to the elderly demographic.

Regarding flu rates, both genders saw a sharp increase in cases starting in April, peaking in June at 2,700 for males and 3,500 for females. Following this peak, infection rates for both groups declined steadily. By December, female cases remained higher at approximately 2,450 compared to 1,500 for males. Mortality data mirrors this trend; between March and May, only one female death was recorded. During the June to August period, deaths rose to two for males and four for females, indicating a significant impact following the vaccine trial period.

In terms of the vaccine trial, the pie chart reveals that individuals aged over 65 represented the largest proportion of recipients at 35%. This was followed by 28% who were not given the vaccine, 24% who were babies or children, and 13% who were hospitalised. These figures highlight a targeted approach towards vulnerable groups during the trial.

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Mixed charts

How to write about mixed charts: tips and vocabulary

  • →Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals.
  • →Give each visual its own detail paragraph.
  • →Point out where one chart explains the other.
  • consistently

    happening in the same way over a period

  • peak

    the highest point or level of something

  • mirrors

    shows a similar pattern or trend to another

  • proportion

    a part or share of a whole amount

  • steadily

    changing in a regular and gradual way

  • demographic

    a particular section of a human population

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

Overall, females consistently experienced higher flu infection and mortality rates than males throughout 1996, with the majority of vaccinated females belonging to the elderly demographic.

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 mixed charts?+

Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals. Give each visual its own detail paragraph. Point out where one chart explains the other.

Keep practising

More mixed charts

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