Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Proportions of people living in different types of houses in three areas in 2012

The illustration below shows the proportions of people living in different types of houses in three different areas in 2012 in Denmark.

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

Type of Houses/ Area	Terrace Houses	Semi-detached houses	Detached houses	Bungalows
Green Park Area	75%	5%	15%	5%
Central Area	45%	15%	5%	35%
Central Park Area	25%	5%	5%	65%

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 distribution of four different housing types across three distinct areas in Denmark during 2012. Overall, it is evident that housing preferences varied significantly by location, with terrace houses being the most prevalent in the Green Park and Central areas, while bungalows were the primary choice for residents in the Central Park Area.

In the Green Park Area, terrace houses accounted for a substantial 75% of the total, followed by detached houses at 15%. Semi-detached houses and bungalows each represented a minor 5% share. Conversely, the Central Area showed a more diverse distribution; although terrace houses remained the most popular at 45%, bungalows comprised a significant 35% of the housing stock. Semi-detached houses and detached houses made up 15% and 5% respectively in this region.

Regarding the Central Park Area, the pattern shifted dramatically, as bungalows were the dominant housing type, housing 65% of the population. Terrace houses followed at 25%, while both semi-detached and detached houses accounted for only 5% each. Notably, the Central Park Area had the highest proportion of bungalows, while the Green Park Area recorded the highest percentage of terrace houses.

188 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.

prevalent: widespread in a particular area at a time
distribution: the way in which something is shared out
accounted for: to make up a specific portion of something
comprised: to consist of or be made up of
proportion: a part or share in relation to whole
notably: used to draw attention to a specific fact

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Terrace houses were the most common dwelling in the Green Park and Central areas, whereas bungalows dominated the Central Park Area.

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.