Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Percentage of Canadians who donated to charity by age in 2000 and 2015: 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.
  • 181 words
  • Bar charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The chart below gives information on the percentage of Canadians gave money to charitable organisations by age range for the years 2000 and 2015.

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

Percentage of Canadian donors by age group: 2000 and 2015 (%)
0102030405018 to 2425 to 3435 to 4950 to 6465 and over
  • 2000
  • 2015
View the data
18 to 2425 to 3435 to 4950 to 6465 and over
20002029393431
20151125343834

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 8181 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of Canadians who contributed money to charitable organisations across five age brackets in 2000 and 2015. Overall, it is evident that while younger demographics became less likely to donate over the fifteen-year period, older Canadians demonstrated increased participation in charitable giving.

In 2000, the highest percentage of donors was found in the 35 to 49 age group at 39%, followed by those aged 50 to 64 at 34%. By 2015, however, the 50 to 64 age group became the most generous, with their donation rate rising to 38%. Similarly, the 65 and over category saw an increase from 31% in 2000 to 34% in 2015, matching the 35 to 49 age group, which experienced a decline to 34% over the same period.

Conversely, younger age groups showed a marked downward trend. The 18 to 24 age bracket experienced the most substantial drop, falling from 20% in 2000 to just 11% in 2015. A similar, though less pronounced, decline occurred among those aged 25 to 34, where the percentage of donors decreased from 29% to 25%.

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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.
  • proportion

    a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation

  • demographics

    statistical data relating to the population and groups

  • downward trend

    a general direction in which something is decreasing

  • marked

    clearly noticeable; evident or significant in degree

  • substantial

    of considerable importance, size, or worth

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses a previous one

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

Overall, donation rates among younger Canadians declined significantly between 2000 and 2015, whereas older age groups showed an upward trend in charitable giving.

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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