Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Survey Results Regarding Student Satisfaction at McGill University Over Ten Years

The table below shows the results of surveys in 2005, 2010 and 2015 about McGill University.

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

Survey results for McGill University

Category	2005	2010	2015
Teaching quality	74	72	78
Library resources	86	88	87
Student services	54	81	95
Range of modules offered	39	31	25
Sports and social facilities	65	65	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 changes in student satisfaction levels at McGill University across five specific categories over the years 2005, 2010, and 2015.

Overall, student services witnessed the most significant positive transformation, whereas the range of modules offered saw a steady downward trend. Other categories remained relatively stable throughout the period.

Regarding the most improved area, student services satisfaction rose sharply from 54 in 2005 to 81 in 2010, eventually reaching a peak of 95 in 2015. Conversely, the range of modules offered saw a consistent decline, dropping from 39 in 2005 to 31 in 2010, and further to 25 by 2015.

In terms of the remaining categories, library resources maintained high satisfaction levels, fluctuating slightly between 86 and 88. Teaching quality experienced a minor dip from 74 in 2005 to 72 in 2010, before recovering to 78 by 2015. Finally, sports and social facilities remained entirely unchanged, holding a steady satisfaction score of 65 throughout the entire ten-year period. These figures highlight a clear divergence in student sentiment regarding different aspects of the university experience.

175 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.

dramatic: a sudden and very noticeable change in value
downward trend: a consistent movement towards a lower numerical value
fluctuating: changing irregularly between high and low levels
steady: remaining at the same level without any change
divergence: the process of moving in different directions or paths
witnessed: to have experienced or seen a specific change

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While student services saw a dramatic improvement in satisfaction levels, the range of modules offered experienced a consistent decline over the decade.

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.