Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Percentage of International Graduates in Canadian Universities by Province 2001 and 2006

The chart below shows the percentage change in the share of international students among university graduates in different Canadian provinces between 2001 and 2006.

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

International Graduates, Canadian Universities, 2001 & 2006 (%)
048121620New BrunswickNova ScotiaQuebecAlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaNewfoundland and Labrad…Ontario
  • 2001
  • 2006
View the data
New BrunswickNova ScotiaQuebecAlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaNewfoundland and LabradorOntario
200176.564.54.53.53.53
200611.510.58.5710.56.56.56

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 percentage of international students among university graduates across eight Canadian provinces in 2001 and 2006. Overall, it is evident that every province recorded an upward trend in the share of international graduates over the five-year period.

In 2001, New Brunswick held the highest proportion of international graduates at 7%, followed closely by Nova Scotia at 6.5% and Quebec at 6%. Conversely, Ontario had the lowest share at 3%, while Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador both stood at 3.5%. By 2006, New Brunswick maintained its lead, with its figure rising significantly to 11.5%. Nova Scotia and British Columbia also saw substantial increases, both reaching 10.5%.

Regarding the remaining provinces, Quebec’s share grew to 8.5%, while Alberta, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador all experienced growth, reaching 7%, 6.5%, and 6.5% respectively. Ontario, despite having the lowest percentage in 2006 at 6%, still managed to double its 2001 figure. In summary, while the starting points varied, the consistent growth across all regions highlights a widespread increase in the internationalisation of Canadian university graduates during this timeframe.

178 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
proportion
a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation
substantial
of considerable importance, size, or worth
followed closely
occurring immediately after in a sequence or rank
timeframe
a specified period of time in which something occurs
consistently
in every case or on every occasion

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The proportion of international graduates increased across all listed Canadian provinces between 2001 and 2006, with New Brunswick and British Columbia experiencing particularly notable growth.

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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