Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Global population percentages and the distribution of wealth by region: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 bar 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 bar charts.
  • 184 words
  • Bar charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The chart below gives information about global population percentages and the distribution of wealth by region.

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

Global Population and Wealth Distribution by Region (%)
01020304050North AmericaChinaOther Asia PaceficIndiaEuropeAfricalatin America & CaribeanRich Asia-Pacific
  • Population
  • Global Wealth
View the data
North AmericaChinaOther Asia PaceficIndiaEuropeAfricalatin America & CaribeanRich Asia-Pacific
Population6241616151075
Global Wealth34331301424

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 8184 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The bar chart compares the percentage of the global population with the distribution of global wealth across eight distinct regions. Overall, it is clear that wealth is heavily concentrated in North America, Europe, and the Rich Asia-Pacific region, whereas more populous areas like China, India, and Africa possess a disproportionately small share of global assets.

North America accounts for only 6% of the world's population but commands the largest share of global wealth at 34%. Similarly, Europe holds 30% of global wealth despite representing 15% of the population. The Rich Asia-Pacific region also displays a significant wealth surplus, possessing 24% of global wealth while being home to just 5% of the population.

In contrast, China and India, which represent the two largest population segments at 24% and 16% respectively, hold only 3% and 1% of global wealth. A similar pattern is observed in Africa, which contains 10% of the global population but only 1% of the wealth. Other Asia-Pacific and Latin America & Caribbean regions also show lower wealth proportions, at 3% and 4% respectively, compared to their population shares of 16% and 7%.

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Bar charts

How to write about bar charts: tips and vocabulary

  • →Compare the biggest and smallest bars before anything else.
  • →If the bars show years, describe change; if they show places, describe rank.
  • →Round sensibly and say 'just over' or 'nearly' rather than guessing decimals.
  • disparity

    a great difference between two or more things

  • concentrated

    gathered together in one place or area

  • disproportionately

    too large or too small in relation to

  • commands

    to have or be in control of something

  • surplus

    an amount that is more than what is needed

  • possessing

    having or owning something as a feature

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The chart illustrates a significant disparity between population size and wealth distribution, with North America, Europe, and Rich Asia-Pacific holding the vast majority of global wealth despite having smaller population shares.

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 bar charts?+

Compare the biggest and smallest bars before anything else. If the bars show years, describe change; if they show places, describe rank. Round sensibly and say 'just over' or 'nearly' rather than guessing decimals.

Keep practising

More bar charts

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