Academic Writing Task 1 · mixed chart

Transport preferences in four countries and reasons for Canadian car usage

The table below shows the percentage of journeys by different means in 4 countries and the bar graph shows the reasons for Canadian people to use a car to reach their workplace.

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

Percentage of journeys by different means in four countries

Journeys made by	Canada	Belgium	Germany	Netherland
Car	90%	72%	68%	47%
Bicycle	1%	2%	2%	26%
Public Transport	3%	12%	18%	8%
On foot	5%	11%	11%	18%
Other	1%	3%	1%	1%

Reasons for Canadian people to use a car to reach their workplace (percentage)

View the data

	Work night shift	Quicker	Need for work	Convenient	No alternative
Percentage	7	12	30	22	38

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 proportion of journeys made by various transport methods across four countries, while the bar chart details the motivations for Canadians choosing to commute by car. Overall, it is clear that cars are the most popular mode of transport in all listed countries, with Canada showing the highest reliance. Conversely, the primary driver for car usage among Canadians is a lack of viable alternatives.

Regarding transport methods, Canada exhibits the highest car usage at 90%, significantly higher than the Netherlands at 47%. In contrast, the Netherlands shows a distinct preference for cycling, with 26% of journeys made by bicycle, compared to only 1% or 2% in the other nations. Public transport is most popular in Germany at 18%, while walking is most common in the Netherlands at 18%.

Focusing on Canadian car commuters, the most cited reason for driving is having no alternative, accounting for 38% of responses. This is followed by the necessity of a car for work purposes at 30% and convenience at 22%. Minor reasons include the journey being quicker (12%) and the requirement to work night shifts (7%).

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

How to write about mixed charts

Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals.
Give each visual its own detail paragraph.
Point out where one chart explains the other.

dominant: having the most influence or being most common
reliance: dependence on or trust in someone or something
proportion: a part, share, or number considered in comparative
distinct: recognizably different in nature from something else
cited: referred to as a reason or example
account for: to make up a specific amount or percentage

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The table highlights that car travel is the dominant mode of transport in all four nations, particularly in Canada, while the bar chart reveals that a lack of alternatives is the primary reason Canadians drive to work.

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 mixed charts?

Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals. Give each visual its own detail paragraph. Point out where one chart explains the other.