Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Survey Results Regarding Student Satisfaction at McGill University Over Ten Years: 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.
  • 175 words
  • Tables
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The table below shows the results of surveys in 2005, 2010 and 2015 about McGill University.

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

Survey results for McGill University
Category200520102015
Teaching quality747278
Library resources868887
Student services548195
Range of modules offered393125
Sports and social facilities656565

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 8175 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The table illustrates changes in student satisfaction levels at McGill University across five specific categories over the years 2005, 2010, and 2015.

Overall, student services witnessed the most significant positive transformation, whereas the range of modules offered saw a steady downward trend. Other categories remained relatively stable throughout the period.

Regarding the most improved area, student services satisfaction rose sharply from 54 in 2005 to 81 in 2010, eventually reaching a peak of 95 in 2015. Conversely, the range of modules offered saw a consistent decline, dropping from 39 in 2005 to 31 in 2010, and further to 25 by 2015.

In terms of the remaining categories, library resources maintained high satisfaction levels, fluctuating slightly between 86 and 88. Teaching quality experienced a minor dip from 74 in 2005 to 72 in 2010, before recovering to 78 by 2015. Finally, sports and social facilities remained entirely unchanged, holding a steady satisfaction score of 65 throughout the entire ten-year period. These figures highlight a clear divergence in student sentiment regarding different aspects of the university experience.

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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.
  • dramatic

    a sudden and very noticeable change in value

  • downward trend

    a consistent movement towards a lower numerical value

  • fluctuating

    changing irregularly between high and low levels

  • steady

    remaining at the same level without any change

  • divergence

    the process of moving in different directions or paths

  • witnessed

    to have experienced or seen a specific change

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While student services saw a dramatic improvement in satisfaction levels, the range of modules offered experienced a consistent decline over the decade.

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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