Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Reasons and Intentions for Giving Up Smoking by Daily Consumption: 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.
  • 194 words
  • Tables
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The tables below show people's reasons for giving up smoking, and when they intend to give up.

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

TOP 5 REASONS FOR WANTING TO GIVE UP SMOKING
Reasons for waiting to give up20+10 - 19Fewer than 10Total
Better for health in general64737471
Less risk of getting smoking-related illnesses27282125
Present health problems19101012
Financial considerations31362531
Family pressure14132016
WHEN SMOKERS INTEND TO GIVE UP SMOKING
When20+10 - 19Fewer than 10Total
Within the next month892112
Within the next 6 months26324635
Within the next year22231821
Total that intend to give up60737971
Do not intend to give up40272129

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 8194 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided tables illustrate the primary motivations for quitting smoking and the intended timeframes for doing so, categorised by daily cigarette consumption.

Regarding the reasons for quitting, 'better for health in general' is the most cited factor, peaking at 74% among those smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes daily. Financial considerations also feature prominently, cited by 31% of smokers overall, with the 10-19 category showing the highest concern at 36%. Conversely, present health problems are a greater concern for heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes), at 19%, compared to only 10% for those smoking fewer than 10. Family pressure remains a relatively minor factor, though it is most significant for light smokers at 20%.

In terms of timing, 71% of all smokers intend to quit eventually. There is a clear correlation between lower consumption and immediate intent; 21% of light smokers plan to quit within the next month, compared to only 8% of heavy smokers. Furthermore, 46% of those smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes plan to quit within six months. In contrast, heavy smokers are the least likely to intend to quit, with 40% stating they have no such intention, compared to only 21% of light smokers.

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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.
  • categorised

    divided into groups based on shared characteristics

  • prominently

    in a way that is easily noticeable

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses the previous one

  • correlation

    a mutual relationship between two or more things

  • significant

    sufficiently great to be worthy of attention

  • peaking

    reaching the highest point or level of value

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

Overall, general health is the primary motivation for quitting across all groups, and smokers who consume fewer cigarettes daily are significantly more likely to intend to quit in the near future.

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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