Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Alcohol-related deaths in 2005 and beer consumption in 2002 by country

The table below gives information on alcohol related deaths in 2005 and beer consumption per capita in 2002 in some countries.

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

Alcohol-Related Deaths 2005 and Beer Consumption per Capita 2002

Country	Total Deaths	Male Deaths	Female Deaths	Beer Consumption (litres)
Lithuania	125,000	112,000	13,000	91
Ireland	582,000	413,000	169,000	104
Czech Republic	1,369,000	900,000	469,000	132
Canada	580,000	505,000	75,000	86
Estonia	383,000	332,000	51,000	98
Germany	1,185,000	986,000	200,000	107
Austria	913,000	783,000	130,000	106

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.

Band 8 sample answer

The provided table illustrates data regarding alcohol-related deaths in 2005 and per capita beer consumption in 2002 across seven distinct nations. Overall, it is evident that the Czech Republic experienced the most significant impact in terms of both mortality and consumption, whereas Lithuania remained at the lower end of the spectrum for both metrics.

Regarding mortality, the Czech Republic reported the highest total number of alcohol-related deaths at 1,369,000, followed by Germany with 1,185,000. In contrast, Lithuania recorded the fewest deaths, totalling 125,000. Across all listed countries, male fatalities significantly outnumbered female deaths. For instance, in Canada, 505,000 men died from alcohol-related causes compared to 75,000 women, a trend mirrored in Germany where 986,000 men died versus 200,000 women.

In terms of beer consumption, the Czech Republic led with 132 litres per person. Germany and Austria followed closely with 107 and 106 litres respectively. Canada recorded the lowest consumption at 86 litres per capita, closely followed by Lithuania at 91 litres. While there is a general correlation between higher consumption and mortality, the figures highlight a substantial gender disparity in alcohol-related deaths across all seven countries.

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

How to write about 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.

Spectrum: A wide range of different things or values
Outnumbered: To be greater in number than someone else
Mirrored: To reflect or show a similar pattern elsewhere
Correlation: A mutual relationship or connection between two things
Disparity: A great difference between two or more things
Per capita: For each person in a specific population group

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The Czech Republic recorded the highest figures for both alcohol-related deaths and beer consumption, while Lithuania consistently reported the lowest statistics in these categories.

How long should an IELTS Task 1 answer be?

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 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.