Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Housing distribution across three distinct residential areas of a city: 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.
  • 198 words
  • Tables
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The table below shows the percentage of the population and the types of houses they live in 3 areas of a city.

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

Percentage of population by housing type in three city areas
Type of housingFlat/ApartmentTerracedSemi-DetachedDetached
Central area - (population 32,100)15%18%28%39%
Green Park area - (population 31,700)76%14%5%5%
Southberg Area - (population 32,000)25%56%5%14%

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 8198 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The table illustrates the proportion of residents living in four different types of housing across three specific city areas: Central, Green Park, and Southberg. Despite the populations of these areas being remarkably similar, ranging from 31,700 to 32,100, the housing preferences vary significantly.

Overall, it is clear that flats are the most common housing type in Green Park, whereas terraced houses are the most prevalent in Southberg. The Central area exhibits a more balanced distribution, though it has the highest percentage of detached homes among the three locations.

In the Green Park area, a substantial 76% of the population resides in flats or apartments, which is significantly higher than in the other two areas. Conversely, only 5% of residents in this area live in semi-detached or detached houses. In contrast, the Southberg area is primarily characterised by terraced housing, accounting for 56% of the total, while flats make up 25%.

The Central area presents a different profile, with detached houses being the most common option at 39%. Semi-detached homes also represent a notable portion at 28%, while flats and terraced houses account for 15% and 18% respectively, making it the most varied area in terms of housing stock.

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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.
  • prevalent

    widespread or common in a particular area

  • proportion

    a part or share in relation to the whole

  • characterised by

    having a particular feature as a main quality

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that contrasts with the previous

  • distribution

    the way in which something is shared or spread

  • account for

    to make up a specific percentage or amount

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While the Green Park area is dominated by flats, the Southberg area shows a strong preference for terraced housing, and the Central area displays the most diverse distribution of property types.

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

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