Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Annual UK investments in clean energy sectors between 2008 and 2015

The graph below shows the amount of UK investments in clean energy from 2008 to 2015.

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

Clean Energy Investment - UK, 2008-2015 (£bn)

Solar
Wind
Energy smart technologies
Other

View the data

	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Solar	0.1	0.1	0.3	2.7	2.7	2.8	4.2	3.1
Wind	1.4	6.4	5.4	1.8	3.1	3.8	4.7	9.8
Energy smart technologies	0.1	0.2	0.5	0.4	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.8
Other	1.1	0.8	1	2.3	1.9	2.6	1.7	1.3

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 bar chart illustrates the annual investment in various clean energy sectors in the UK from 2008 to 2015, measured in billions of pounds (£bn).

Overall, total investment in clean energy experienced a significant upward trend over the period, with wind energy consistently emerging as the dominant sector, particularly by 2015. While solar and energy smart technologies saw growth, the 'other' category remained relatively volatile throughout the eight-year timeframe.

In 2008, total investment was at its lowest, approximately £2.7bn, with wind energy accounting for £1.4bn. By 2009, investment surged to roughly £7.5bn, driven primarily by a massive increase in wind energy to £6.4bn. This dominance continued until 2010, after which wind investment dipped to £1.8bn in 2011, while solar investment rose sharply to £2.7bn.

From 2012 onwards, wind energy regained its position as the primary investment driver, reaching a peak of £9.8bn in 2015. Solar investment also saw a notable rise, peaking at £4.2bn in 2014 before falling to £3.1bn in 2015. Meanwhile, energy smart technologies remained the smallest contributor, peaking at £0.8bn in 2015, while the 'other' category fluctuated, reaching a high of £2.6bn in 2013 before declining to £1.3bn by the end of the period.

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

How to write about 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.

upward trend: a general direction in which something is developing
dominant: having the most power or influence over others
surged: increased suddenly and powerfully in a short time
fluctuated: rose and fell irregularly in number or amount
accounted for: made up a particular amount of a total
notable: worthy of attention or notice; quite significant

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, total investment in clean energy experienced a significant upward trend over the period, with wind energy consistently emerging as the dominant sector, particularly by 2015.

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 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.