Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Exports from Rotterdam port and corresponding tax rates by destination

The charts give information about the number of exports (millions of tonnes) moving through Rotterdam port in Holland to various global destinations in 2002 and 2012; and also the % rates of tax imposed on these exports by the receiving countries. 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.

Exports (millions of tonnes) by destination

Year	USA	Europe	China	Latin America	Asia Pacific	Australasia	Other	Total
2002	4200	6900	2400	1800	800	700	350	17150
2012	3900	6400	2300	1500	2550	2300	350	18600

% Tax imposed by destination countries

Year	USA	Europe	China	Latin America	Asia Pacific	Australasia	Other
2002	3%	5%	0	1%	5%	4%	2%
2012	2%	8%	2%	2%	2%	1%	2%

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 volume of exports from Rotterdam port to various global destinations in 2002 and 2012, alongside the corresponding tax rates imposed by these regions. Overall, total exports rose from 17,150 million tonnes to 18,600 million tonnes over the ten-year period, with a marked redistribution of trade towards Asian markets.

In 2002, Europe was the primary destination, receiving 6,900 million tonnes, followed by the USA at 4,200 million tonnes. By 2012, these figures declined slightly to 6,400 and 3,900 million tonnes respectively. Conversely, exports to the Asia Pacific region more than tripled, surging from 800 to 2,550 million tonnes, while Australasia saw an even more dramatic rise from 700 to 2,300 million tonnes. Trade with China and Latin America experienced minor decreases, falling to 2,300 and 1,500 million tonnes respectively.

Regarding taxation, Europe increased its levy from 5% to 8%, representing the highest rate in 2012. In contrast, taxes in the Asia Pacific and Australasia regions were reduced, falling to 2% and 1% respectively. While the USA lowered its tax from 3% to 2%, China introduced a 2% tax, having previously imposed none.

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.

surging: increasing very quickly and by a large amount
redistribution: the act of sharing something out in a different way
conversely: in a way that is the opposite of something
fluctuated: changed frequently and uncertainly in level or amount
levy: a tax, fee, or fine imposed on something
marked: clearly noticeable or significant in its extent

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Total exports from Rotterdam increased over the decade, with a notable shift in trade volume from Western markets towards the Asia Pacific and Australasia regions, while tax rates fluctuated significantly across different destinations.

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.