Academic Writing Task 1 · mixed chart

Forest logging and species population trends in the Southwest region: 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.
  • 178 words
  • Mixed charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The bar graph below shows the area of forest logged in the Southwest region and the table presents the number of forest-dwelling species in the same region.

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

Southwest Region (Acres of forest logged)
050,000100,000150,000200,000250,0001990199520002010
View the data
1990199520002010
Acres75,000100,000150,000225,000
Number of Forest-Dwelling Species in the Southwest
Animals199820022008
Mammals13117
Birds271511
Amphibians15129

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 8178 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The bar chart illustrates the amount of forest land logged in the Southwest region over a twenty-year period, while the table provides data on the number of mammals, birds, and amphibians living in that area between 1998 and 2008.

Overall, there is a clear inverse relationship between the expansion of logging activities and the survival of forest-dwelling species. While logging increased steadily throughout the period, the populations of all three animal groups saw a continuous downward trend.

Regarding the forest area, 75,000 acres were logged in 1990. This figure rose to 100,000 acres by 1995 and reached 150,000 acres in 2000. By 2010, the total area logged had tripled compared to the 1990 figure, standing at 225,000 acres.

In contrast, species numbers declined across the board. Birds were the most populous group in 1998 with 27 species, but this number dropped sharply to 15 by 2002 and further to 11 by 2008. Similarly, mammals decreased from 13 to 7 over the decade, while amphibians saw a more gradual decline from 15 to 9 species during the same timeframe.

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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.
  • inverse relationship

    a situation where two things move in opposite directions

  • steady

    developing or changing in a constant and regular way

  • tripled

    increased to become three times the original amount

  • downward trend

    a general direction in which something is decreasing

  • across the board

    applying to all members of a group or category

  • timeframe

    a specified period of time in which something occurs

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While the area of forest logged in the Southwest region increased significantly between 1990 and 2010, the population of all recorded forest-dwelling species experienced a consistent decline from 1998 to 2008.

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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