Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Investment in Bonds and Stocks in a Country from 2001 to 2006

The graph below shows the way people of a country invested their money in stock market during the years 2001-2006.

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

Investment in Bonds and Stocks (2001-2006) (in billion)
0100200300400500200120022003200420052006
  • Bonds
  • Stocks
View the data
200120022003200420052006
Bonds100123157162179188
Stocks210216227289297311

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 amount of money invested in bonds and stocks by people in a specific country between 2001 and 2006. Overall, both investment categories experienced a consistent upward trend throughout the period, with stocks consistently attracting significantly higher capital than bonds.

In 2001, the initial investment in stocks stood at 210 billion, which was more than double the 100 billion invested in bonds. Over the following two years, stock investments grew steadily to reach 227 billion by 2003, while bond investments saw a more pronounced relative increase, rising to 157 billion. A notable surge occurred in 2004, where stock investments jumped to 289 billion, maintaining a substantial lead over the 162 billion allocated to bonds.

From 2004 to 2006, the growth in both sectors continued, albeit at a more moderate pace. By the end of the period in 2006, the total capital invested in stocks reached a peak of 311 billion. Meanwhile, bond investments also climbed steadily, finishing the period at 188 billion. Throughout the entire six-year timeframe, stocks remained the preferred investment vehicle, consistently outperforming bonds in terms of total monetary value.

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

How to write about bar charts

upward trend
a general direction in which something is developing
consistently
acting or done in the same way over time
pronounced
very noticeable, obvious, or strongly marked
surge
a sudden powerful forward or upward movement
moderate pace
a speed that is neither very fast nor slow
outperforming
performing better than another person or thing

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, both investment categories experienced a consistent upward trend throughout the period, with stocks consistently attracting significantly higher capital than bonds.

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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