Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Projected Changes in the Top Ten Most Populous Countries by 2100: 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.
  • 200 words
  • Tables
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The table below shows top ten countries with largest population in 2019, and how it is projected to change by 2100.

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

Top ten countries with largest population, in million
20192019 Population2100 Projection2100 Population
China1,439India1,551
India1,380China941
USA331Nigeria730
Indonesia274USA478
Pakistan221Pakistan316
Brazil213D.R. Congo*296
Nigeria206Indonesia292
Bangladesh165Ethiopia212
Russia146Tanzania178
Mexico129Brazil177

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 8200 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided table illustrates the ten most populous countries in 2019 and their projected population figures for the year 2100. Overall, it is clear that significant demographic shifts are anticipated, with India set to become the world's most populous nation, while African countries will experience substantial growth in their rankings.

In 2019, China held the top position with 1,439 million people, closely followed by India at 1,380 million. By 2100, these positions are projected to reverse, with India reaching 1,551 million and China declining to 941 million. The USA, which ranked third in 2019 with 331 million, is expected to remain in the top five, growing to 478 million by 2100, despite dropping to fourth place.

Notably, Nigeria is projected to experience a dramatic increase, rising from 206 million in 2019 to 730 million by 2100, securing the third position. Furthermore, the list will see the emergence of new entries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, which are projected to reach 296 million, 212 million, and 178 million respectively. Conversely, countries like Brazil, which ranked sixth in 2019 with 213 million, will see their relative standing diminish, falling to tenth place by 2100 with 177 million.

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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.
  • projected

    estimated or predicted based on current data trends

  • overtake

    to catch up with and surpass in rank

  • demographic

    relating to the statistical study of human populations

  • diminish

    to become less in size, importance, or rank

  • emergence

    the process of becoming visible or newly prominent

  • dramatic

    a sudden, striking, or significant change or event

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While India is expected to overtake China as the most populous nation by 2100, the list will see a significant shift as several African countries enter the top ten, replacing nations like Russia, Bangladesh, and Mexico.

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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