Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Data on daily television viewing and academic achievement across nine countries

These tables show data about the amount of television watched by children in different countries (hours per day) and also the average academic achievement ofpeople in these countries (% of people completing each level.) Select and describe the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

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

Hours of TV per day

Country	Hrs/Day
India	2
China	3
USA	4
Italy	3
Brazil	2
Canada	4
UAE	1
Malta	1
UK	4

Average academic achievement (% of people completing)

Country	School	High School	University
India	80	60	12
China	95	68	24
USA	99	86	29
Italy	100	92	25
Brazil	90	80	23
Canada	100	97	32
UAE	98	92	19
Malta	100	100	18
UK	99	89	39

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 tables illustrate the daily hours of television watched by children and the percentage of the population completing three distinct levels of education across nine countries. Overall, television viewing habits vary significantly, ranging from one to four hours daily, while academic completion rates generally decline as the level of education advances.

Regarding television consumption, the USA, Canada, and the UK record the highest figures at four hours per day. Conversely, the UAE and Malta report the lowest engagement, with only one hour of daily viewing. India and Brazil sit at the lower end of the spectrum with two hours, while China and Italy report three hours.

In terms of academic achievement, school completion rates are universally high, with Italy, Canada, and Malta reaching 100%. India records the lowest school completion at 80%. At the high school level, Malta leads with 100%, followed closely by Canada at 97%. University graduation rates are notably lower across all nations; the UK boasts the highest proportion at 39%, followed by Canada at 32%. India records the lowest university completion rate at 12%, despite its school completion figure of 80%.

185 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.

Conversely: Used to introduce a contrasting or opposite statement
Spectrum: A range of different values or related items
Proportion: A part, share, or number considered in relation
Notably: In a way that is worthy of attention
Correlation: A mutual relationship or connection between two things
Attainment: The action or fact of achieving a goal

Write your own report and get a band

Take a timed Academic writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Practise IELTS Academic writing

On your phone? Get the BandLadder app.

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While countries with higher television consumption do not consistently show lower academic attainment, there is a clear positive correlation between completion rates at school and university levels across the nations surveyed.

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.