Academic Writing Task 1 · table

International student numbers in Canada and the USA across two years

The two tables below show the number of international students from different resource countries in Canada and the USA in two school years.

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

International students in Canada

Resource Country	2002-2003	2003-2004	Change
China	5400	7850	+ 45%
The USA	5000	5450	+ 9%
India	2100	2835	+ 35%
Total	59870	70004	+ 17%

International students in The USA

Resource Country	2002-2003	2003-2004	Change
India	200,000	182,000	-9%
China	110,000	116600	+ 6%
Canada	31000	33170	+ 7%
Total	581,600	570000	-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 compare the number of international students from three specific countries in Canada and the USA during the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 academic years. Overall, Canada saw a positive trend in student numbers from all listed nations, whereas the USA experienced a slight overall decrease.

In Canada, the total number of international students rose by 17%, reaching 70,004 in 2003-2004. China showed the most dramatic growth, increasing by 45% from 5,400 to 7,850 students. India also saw a substantial rise of 35%, growing from 2,100 to 2,835. The number of students from the USA in Canada grew more modestly, by 9%, rising from 5,000 to 5,450.

Conversely, the USA experienced a 2% decline in total international students, falling to 570,000. This was primarily due to a 9% decrease in students from India, which dropped from 200,000 to 182,000. In contrast, the number of students from China and Canada studying in the USA increased, rising by 6% and 7% respectively. By 2003-2004, there were 116,600 Chinese students and 33,170 Canadian students in the USA, representing a steady upward trend for these two groups.

182 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.

dramatic: a very sudden or noticeable change in size
modestly: a small or limited amount of change
conversely: introducing a statement that contrasts with previous information
decline: a gradual decrease in the number of items
substantial: a large or significant amount of change
upward trend: a general direction in which something is increasing

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While Canada experienced growth in international student numbers across all listed countries, the USA saw an overall decline, largely driven by a significant drop in students from India.

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.