IELTS lesson · Writing

IELTS Writing Task 1 Table notesTables: find the pattern, skip the list

Find the highest, lowest and biggest gaps, then write about the pattern. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 10 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 10 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: read, extremes, pattern and group. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 10 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSWriting · Task 1 · Table

    Twelve numbers, no message

    copying cells is not describing

    A table already gives every number. Your job is to pick the ones that matter and say what they show.

    Sallowmere spent 820 on housing, 310 on food and 95 on transport.cell by cell Tarnvale spent 640 on housing, 340 on food and 140 on transport.still cell by cell

    That is copying the table, not describing it.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 10
  2. IELTSWriting · Task 1 · Table

    Meet the table

    four cities, three costs

    Monthly household spending by city (£)
    CityHousingFoodTransport
    Sallowmere82031095
    Tarnvale640340140
    Pellwick50529560
    Brantvale710330120

    Made-up data. ielts.org: Task 1 may assess how you "organise, present and possibly compare data".

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 10
  3. Card 3 of 10 onwards

    Card 3 is free too

    Create a free account for card 3; the other 7 come with any plan.

    Create a free account →

10 cards

Contents

  1. 1Twelve numbers, no messagecopying cells is not describingIn the preview
  2. 2Meet the tablefour cities, three costsIn the preview
  3. 3Read, circle, spot, groupfour moves for every tableFree account
  4. 4Moves 1-2: read, then circlehighest and lowest, column by columnWith a plan
  5. 5Move 3: spot the patternwhat repeats?With a plan
  6. 6Move 4: group, don't listchoose the plan before you writeWith a plan
  7. 7Two habits to swappattern, not cells; range, not changeWith a plan
  8. 8Intro, overview, patterna Band 8-style answer, markedWith a plan
  9. 9Your turnsame table, three quick checksWith a plan
  10. 10Save thisthe table checklistWith a plan

Start Tables: find the pattern, skip the list free

Create a free account to read the first 3 cards. The full lesson and its PDF come with any plan.

Create a free account →

Free practice

Practise it

Keep reading

More free IELTS study material

All free IELTS study material

Questions

FAQ

Is the Tables: find the pattern, skip the list lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Tables: find the pattern, skip the list PDF?+

The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

It is written for IELTS Academic.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Read the first 3 cards free: create a free account