Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Survey results on factors affecting work performance by age group

The bar chart below shows the results of a survey conducted by a personnel department at a major company. The survey was carried out on two groups of workers: those aged from 18-30 and those aged 45-60, and shows factors affecting their work performance.

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

Factors affecting work performance (percentage)

18-30
45-60

View the data

	Team spirit	Chance for personal development	Relaxed working environment	Competent boss	Job security	Respect from colleagues	Promotion prospects	Job satisfaction	Work environment	Money
18-30	60	90	80	50	40	40	80	52	30	72
45-60	60	38	30	52	20	45	50	50	30	70

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 results of a survey regarding ten factors influencing work performance, comparing two age groups: 18-30 and 45-60. Overall, it is evident that younger employees are significantly more motivated by career advancement and a relaxed environment, whereas older staff show more balanced preferences across most categories.

Regarding career-related factors, the 18-30 age group shows a strong preference for personal development and promotion prospects, with both scoring 80% or higher, compared to 38% and 50% respectively for the older group. Similarly, a relaxed working environment is far more important to younger workers at 80%, while only 30% of those aged 45-60 consider it a key factor. Job security also holds more weight for the younger cohort at 40%, double the 20% reported by the older group.

Conversely, factors such as respect from colleagues and having a competent boss are slightly more valued by the 45-60 age group, at 45% and 52% respectively. Both age groups demonstrate a high level of consensus regarding team spirit, with 60% in both categories, and money, where both groups report figures around 70-72%. Finally, job satisfaction and work environment show similar levels of importance for both demographics.

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

How to write about 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.

cohort: a group of people with a shared characteristic
demographics: statistical data relating to a particular population group
consensus: a general agreement among a group of people
proportion: a part or share in relation to the whole
illustrates: to provide a visual explanation of something
significantly: in a sufficiently great or important way

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While younger employees prioritise personal development and promotion prospects, older workers place greater emphasis on respect from colleagues and competent leadership, with both groups showing similar trends for money and team spirit.

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.