Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Population distribution trends in the Northwest Region from 1900 to 2050

The graph below shows the figures for population distribution in the Northwest Region for 1900-2050.

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

Population distribution in the Northwest Region (1900-2050) (%)
0204060801001900195020002050 (projected)
  • Rural
  • Suburban
  • Urban
View the data
1900195020002050 (projected)
Rural65452010
Suburban10202055
Urban35356035

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 changing population distribution across rural, suburban, and urban areas in the Northwest Region between 1900 and 2050. Overall, the data indicates a clear transition away from rural living, while suburban and urban areas have seen, or are expected to see, substantial growth over the 150-year period.

In 1900, the rural population was the largest, accounting for 65% of the total, compared to 35% for urban and only 10% for suburban areas. By 1950, the rural proportion had declined to 45%, while urban and suburban figures rose to 35% and 20% respectively. A dramatic shift occurred by 2000, as the urban population surged to 60%, becoming the dominant category, while rural and suburban populations both stood at 20%.

Looking ahead to the 2050 projections, the trend shifts again. The suburban population is expected to rise sharply to 55%, making it the most populous category. Conversely, the rural population is forecast to fall to a low of 10%, and the urban proportion is predicted to decrease to 35%, returning to the same level it held in both 1900 and 1950.

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

How to write about bar charts

account for
to make up a specific portion or percentage
surge
to increase suddenly and by a large amount
proportion
a part or share of a total amount
forecast
to predict or estimate a future numerical value
dominant
the most important, powerful, or largest in size
decline
to become smaller, fewer, or less in value

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The region experienced a significant shift from a rural-dominated population to one increasingly concentrated in suburban and urban areas, with suburban living projected to become the most common by 2050.

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