Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Participation numbers in a British wildlife survey from 2001 to 2009

The graph below shows the number of people taking part in a wildlife survey in Britain between 2001 and 2009.

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

Number of people taking part in a wildlife survey in Britain between 2001 and 2009
YearAdultChildrenTotal
200136,00012,00048,000
2003212,00036,000248,000
2005332,00032,000364,000
2007331,00031,000362,000
2009270,000270,000540,000

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 table illustrates the number of adults and children who participated in a wildlife survey in Britain over the eight-year period from 2001 to 2009.

Overall, total participation in the wildlife survey experienced a significant upward trend, with adult involvement dominating the figures until a dramatic surge in child participation occurred in 2009.

In 2001, the survey began with a modest total of 48,000 participants, comprising 36,000 adults and 12,000 children. Participation grew rapidly by 2003, reaching 248,000, with adults accounting for the vast majority at 212,000. This upward trajectory continued for adults, peaking at 332,000 in 2005, while child participation remained relatively low, fluctuating between 31,000 and 36,000 during the 2003 to 2007 period.

By 2009, the data showed a notable shift. While adult participation declined to 270,000, the number of children taking part increased exponentially to 270,000, matching the adult figure exactly. Consequently, the total number of participants reached a period high of 540,000 in 2009, representing a substantial increase from the initial figures recorded at the start of the decade.

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

How to write about tables

upward trend
a general direction in which something is developing
dominating
having a commanding influence on or over something
exponentially
becoming more and more rapid over a time
fluctuating
rising and falling irregularly in number or amount
trajectory
the path followed by a development or trend
substantial
of considerable importance, size, or worth

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, total participation in the wildlife survey experienced a significant upward trend, with adult involvement dominating the figures until a dramatic surge in child participation occurred in 2009.

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.

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