Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Survey results regarding the primary purpose of travel during 2002

The chart below shows the results of a survey that sampled a cross-section of travelers at a major metropolitan airport about the purpose of their trip. The survey was carried out during four different months in 2002.

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

Purpose of travel at a major metropolitan airport in 2002

Purpose	March 2002	June 2002	September 2002	December 2002
Business	73%	29%	53%	34%
Holiday	18%	54%	31%	35%
Visit family	6%	13%	11%	26%
Other	3%	4%	5%	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 distribution of travel purposes among individuals surveyed at a major metropolitan airport across four months in 2002. Overall, the data reveals significant fluctuations in travel motivations, with business and holiday trips being the most prominent categories throughout the year.

In March, business travel was the primary reason for journeys, accounting for a substantial 73% of the total, followed by holidays at 18%. However, this trend shifted dramatically by June, when holiday travel became the most popular purpose at 54%, while business trips plummeted to 29%. By September, business travel regained its lead, rising to 53%, whereas holiday travel decreased to 31%.

Regarding the remaining categories, visiting family remained relatively low for the first three quarters, ranging from 6% in March to 13% in June. Notably, this figure experienced a marked increase in December, reaching 26%, which coincided with a decline in business travel to 34% and a slight rise in holiday travel to 35%. The 'other' category remained consistently low throughout the year, never exceeding 5% of the total survey responses at any point.

178 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.

fluctuations: irregular rising and falling in number or amount
prominent: important, noticeable, or standing out from the rest
plummeted: decreased rapidly in value or amount very quickly
coincided: happened at the same time as another event
distribution: the way in which something is shared or spread
consistently: in every case or on every occasion without change

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Business travel was the most common reason for trips in March and September, while holidays dominated in June, and the proportion of people visiting family saw a significant rise by the end of the year.

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.