Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Global sales trends for games software, DVDs and CDs from 2000 to 2003

The chart below gives information about global sales of games software, CDs, and DVDs or videos.

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

How sales have changed ($bn)
010203040502000010203
  • Games software
  • DVD/video
  • CDs
View the data
2000010203
Games software12141718
DVD/video17212631
CDs35343333

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 global sales figures for three entertainment media—games software, DVD/video, and CDs—between 2000 and 2003, measured in billions of dollars.

Overall, the data reveals a clear divergence in market performance. CD sales followed a downward trajectory throughout the four-year period, whereas games software and DVD/video sales demonstrated steady upward trends, with the latter showing particularly rapid growth.

In 2000, CDs were the dominant format with sales of $35bn, significantly higher than DVD/video at $17bn and games software at $12bn. However, CD sales gradually decreased to $33bn by 2003. Conversely, DVD/video sales grew consistently, rising from $17bn in 2000 to $31bn in 2003, nearly catching up to the CD market by the end of the period.

Games software also saw a positive trend, starting at $12bn in 2000 and climbing steadily to reach $18bn by 2003. While it remained the smallest sector throughout the timeframe, its growth was consistent. By 2003, the gap between the three categories had narrowed significantly compared to the start of the period, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences away from traditional CDs toward digital and video formats.

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

How to write about bar charts

divergence
a situation where two or more things become different
downward trajectory
a path or trend that is moving downwards
upward trends
a general direction in which something is increasing
dominant
having the most power or influence over others
narrowed
became smaller in range or amount
sector
a distinct part or branch of an economy

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While sales of CDs experienced a gradual decline over the period, both games software and DVD/video sales saw consistent growth, with DVDs overtaking CDs by 2003.

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.

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