Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Percentage participation of men in senior development positions across three companies

The bar chart below shows the percentage participation of men in senior development in three companies between 1980 and the year 2010.

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

Percentage participation of men in senior development positions (%)
020406080100198019851990199520002010
  • IBM
  • Microsoft
  • Apple
View the data
198019851990199520002010
IBM2212253365
Microsoft81011111344
Apple141212191725

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 male participation in senior development positions at IBM, Microsoft, and Apple between 1980 and 2010. Overall, it is evident that while male representation in these roles was relatively low across all three firms in the early 1980s, there was a significant upward trend by 2010, with IBM witnessing the most substantial increase.

In 1980, Apple had the highest proportion of men in senior development at 14%, compared to 8% for Microsoft and a mere 2% for IBM. By 1990, the figures for Microsoft and Apple remained stable at 11% and 12% respectively, while IBM saw a notable rise to 12%, matching its competitors.

From 1995 onwards, the growth trajectory for IBM accelerated sharply, climbing from 25% to 33% in 2000, and eventually reaching a peak of 65% in 2010. Microsoft also experienced a significant surge, rising from 13% in 2000 to 44% by the end of the period. In contrast, Apple’s growth was more modest, increasing from 19% in 1995 to 25% in 2010, making it the company with the lowest male participation in senior development by the final year.

187 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
substantial
of considerable importance, size, or worth
trajectory
the path followed by an object or trend
accelerated
increased in rate, amount, or extent
modest
relatively moderate, limited, or small in amount
proportion
a part, share, or number considered in comparison

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, the percentage of men in senior development roles increased in all three companies over the period, with IBM experiencing the most dramatic growth, particularly after 1990.

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.

More bar charts