Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Percentages of homeschooled students across different grade levels from 1999 to 2004

The table below describes the percentages of homeschooled students in Some Countries in 1999-2004.

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

Percentages of homeschooled students in some countries 1999-2004

Grade / Year	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Kindergarten	2.4	2.5	2.6	2.7	2.7	2.9
Grade 1 - 2	1.5	1.2	1.3	1.5	1.8	2.1
Grade 3 - 4	1.6	1.7	1.8	1.9	2.1	2.2
Grade 5 - 6	1.5	1.3	1.3	1.6	2.1	2.6
Grade 7 - 8	1.6	1.6	1.6	2.2	2.4	2.5

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 proportion of homeschooled students across five different grade categories between 1999 and 2004. Overall, there was an upward trend in homeschooling participation across all groups, with Kindergarten consistently recording the highest figures throughout the period.

In 1999, Kindergarten had the highest percentage of homeschooled students at 2.4%, while the other grades ranged between 1.5% and 1.6%. By 2004, the figure for Kindergarten had risen to 2.9%. Similarly, the percentage of homeschooled students in Grades 5-6 experienced a significant growth, climbing from 1.5% in 1999 to 2.6% in 2004, which was the second-highest figure by the end of the period.

Regarding the remaining categories, Grades 7-8 saw a notable increase from 1.6% to 2.5% over the six years. Grades 3-4 also showed a steady rise, growing from 1.6% to 2.2%. Finally, Grades 1-2 experienced the most fluctuation, dipping to a low of 1.2% in 2000 before recovering to reach 2.1% by 2004. In summary, while all categories saw growth, the gap between Kindergarten and the other grade levels remained relatively consistent throughout the timeframe.

177 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.

upward trend: a general direction in which something is developing
proportion: a part, share, or number considered in comparative
fluctuation: an irregular rising and falling in number or amount
notable: worthy of attention or notice; quite remarkable
consistently: in every case or on every occasion
timeframe: a specified period of time in which something occurs

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, the percentage of homeschooled students increased across all grade levels over the six-year period, with Kindergarten consistently maintaining the highest proportion of homeschooled children.

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.