Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Total number of internet users in Vietnam from 2003 to 2012

The graph below shows total internet users in Vietnam from 2003 to the second quarter 2012.

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

Total internet users in Vietnam (2003-2012) (millions)

View the data

	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012*
Internet users	3.1	6.3	10.7	14.7	17.7	20.8	22.8	26.8	30.6	31.2

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 total number of internet users in Vietnam over a nine-year period, spanning from 2003 to the second quarter of 2012. Overall, it is clear that the number of internet users in the country saw a steady and substantial increase throughout the entire timeframe.

In 2003, the number of internet users stood at a modest 3.1 million. This figure doubled to 6.3 million by 2004 and continued to rise rapidly, reaching 10.7 million in 2005 and 14.7 million in 2006. The growth trajectory remained positive in the following years, with the user base climbing to 17.7 million in 2007 and 20.8 million in 2008.

By 2009, the total reached 22.8 million, followed by a further increase to 26.8 million in 2010. The upward trend persisted into 2011, when the number of users hit 30.6 million. Finally, by the second quarter of 2012, the figure reached 31.2 million. While the growth remained consistent, the rate of increase appeared to decelerate slightly towards the end of the period, as the jump between 2011 and 2012 was the smallest recorded in the data set.

185 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.

upward trend: a general direction in which something is developing
substantial: of considerable importance, size, or worth
trajectory: the path followed by an object or development
decelerate: to reduce the speed or rate of something
modest: relatively moderate, limited, or small in amount
span: the full extent of something from end to end

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The number of internet users in Vietnam experienced a consistent upward trend throughout the period, with the most significant growth occurring between 2003 and 2011.

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.