Academic Writing Task 1 · mixed chart

Export earnings of five product categories in 2015 and 2016

The chart below shows the value of one country's exports in various categories during 2015 and 2016. The table shows the percentage change in each category of exports in 2016 compared with 2015.

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

Export Earnings (2015-2016) ($ billions)
020406080100Petroleum productsEngineered goodsGems and jewelleryAgricultural productsTextiles
  • 2015
  • 2016
View the data
Petroleum productsEngineered goodsGems and jewelleryAgricultural productsTextiles
20156157433226
20166362413232
Percentage change in values (2015-2016)
Product CategoryPercentage change
Petroleum products3%
Engineered goods8.5%
Gems and jewellery-5.18%
Agricultural products0.81%
Textiles15.24%

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 export earnings of five distinct product categories in 2015 and 2016, while the table provides the corresponding percentage changes.

Overall, petroleum products generated the highest export earnings in both years, while textiles experienced the most significant growth, contrasting with a decline in the gems and jewellery sector.

In 2015, petroleum products led with $61 billion, followed by engineered goods at $57 billion. By 2016, these figures rose to $63 billion and $62 billion, representing increases of 3% and 8.5% respectively. Textiles, which started as the lowest earner at $26 billion in 2015, saw the most substantial growth of 15.24%, reaching $32 billion in 2016. Agricultural products remained relatively stable, starting at $32 billion and rising marginally by 0.81% to reach approximately $32 billion in 2016.

Conversely, gems and jewellery was the only category to witness a downturn. Earnings in this sector fell from $43 billion in 2015 to $41 billion in 2016, reflecting a 5.18% decrease. While petroleum products maintained their position as the primary export earner, the gap between the highest and lowest performing categories narrowed significantly by the end of the period.

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

How to write about mixed charts

generated
produced or created a specific amount of money
experienced
underwent or went through a particular change
substantial
of considerable importance, size, or worth
marginally
to a very small or insignificant degree
downturn
a decline in economic or financial activity
narrowed
became smaller or less wide in range

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, petroleum products generated the highest export earnings in both years, while textiles experienced the most significant growth, contrasting with a decline in the gems and jewellery sector.

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 mixed charts?

Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals. Give each visual its own detail paragraph. Point out where one chart explains the other.

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