Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Local Catches and Imports of Fresh Fish into Perth 2004-2014: 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.
  • 188 words
  • Tables
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The table below shows local catches and imports of fresh fish into Perth, Australia for the years 2004 - 2014.

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

Local Catches and Imports of Fresh Fish into Perth, Australia, 2004 - 2014
YearLocal (metric tons)Imports (metric tons)Total (metric tons)
20042677.7464.53142.2
20053086.2231.63317.8
20064374309.94683.9
20075702.2830.56532.7
20088136.2717.88854
20097844.91104.18949
20106831.41203.78035.1
20115085.71030.96116.1
20124271.31227.35498.6
20134739.91121.15861.1
20145031.9782.75814.7

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 8188 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The table illustrates the quantities of fresh fish sourced from local catches and imports in Perth, Australia, between 2004 and 2014, measured in metric tons.

Overall, local catches consistently accounted for the majority of the total fish supply, reaching a peak in 2008. Conversely, while imports remained significantly lower than local production, they generally trended upwards over the decade.

In 2004, local catches stood at 2677.7 metric tons, rising steadily to a high of 8136.2 metric tons in 2008. Following this peak, local production experienced a decline, dropping to 4271.3 metric tons by 2012, before recovering slightly to 5031.9 metric tons in 2014. The total fish supply mirrored this trend, climbing from 3142.2 metric tons in 2004 to a maximum of 8949 metric tons in 2009.

Imports started at 464.5 metric tons in 2004 and fluctuated before reaching a low of 231.6 metric tons in 2005. Thereafter, import figures grew, surpassing the 1000-ton mark in 2009 and peaking at 1227.3 metric tons in 2012. By the end of the period in 2014, imports had decreased to 782.7 metric tons, contributing to a total supply of 5814.7 metric tons.

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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.
  • dominated

    to have a commanding influence or be the largest part

  • fluctuations

    irregular rising and falling in number or amount

  • mirrored

    to correspond to or reflect a similar pattern

  • steadily

    in a regular and even manner without sudden changes

  • surpassing

    to be greater than or exceed a specific amount

  • accounted for

    to constitute a particular amount or proportion of something

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

Overall, local catches dominated the total supply throughout the period, peaking in 2008, while imports generally followed an upward trend despite some fluctuations.

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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