Academic Writing Task 1 · mixed chart

Monthly fruit production, fertiliser usage and rainfall data for 2013: 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.
  • 189 words
  • Mixed charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The first graph below shows the weight (in tonnes) of fruit produced by a farm during each month in 2013, and also the amount (in tonnes) of fertiliser used. The second graph shows the volume of rainfall in each month (in millimetres.)

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

Fruit production and fertiliser usage in 2013 (tonnes)
012345JanuaryMarchMayJulySeptemberNovember
  • Weight of fruit produced
  • Amount of fertiliser used
View the data
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Weight of fruit produced2.12.32.32.833.53.83.94.232.32.1
Amount of fertiliser used0.50.60.70.90.1000.20.20.10.70.4
Rainfall in 2013 (millimetres)
048121620JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
View the data
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall1216111076444111214

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 8189 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided charts illustrate the monthly weight of fruit produced, the quantity of fertiliser applied, and the volume of rainfall recorded throughout 2013. Overall, fruit production followed a clear upward trend until September, whereas fertiliser usage and rainfall levels fluctuated significantly throughout the year.

Fruit production began at 2.1 tonnes in January, rising steadily to reach a peak of 4.2 tonnes in September. Following this, production dropped sharply, returning to 2.1 tonnes by December. Conversely, fertiliser usage showed a different pattern, peaking at 0.9 tonnes in April before plummeting to near-zero levels between May and June. A secondary, smaller peak in fertiliser application occurred in November at 0.7 tonnes.

Regarding rainfall, the highest levels were recorded in February at 16 mm, followed by a gradual decline to a low of 4 mm between July and September. Rainfall then increased again towards the end of the year, reaching 14 mm in December. There appears to be an inverse relationship between rainfall and fertiliser usage during the mid-year period, as the driest months coincided with the lowest fertiliser application, while the highest fruit yields occurred during the period of lowest rainfall.

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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.
  • fluctuated

    changed frequently and irregularly in value or amount

  • upward trend

    a general direction in which something is developing

  • plummeting

    falling or dropping straight down at high speed

  • inverse relationship

    a situation where one variable increases as another decreases

  • coincided

    occurred at the same time as something else

  • steady

    regular, even, and continuous in development or intensity

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

Fruit production peaked in September, while fertiliser usage was highest in April and rainfall was most significant during the early and late months of the year.

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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