In the writing task section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), test-takers are asked to explain a bar graph. It is the graphical representation of data between two axes with the use of horizontal or vertical bars. The size of the bar is used to show the volume of the variables. In the IELTS bar graph task, you have to interpret and describe the information presented in a given bar graph.
The graph illustrates car journeys in the city centre taken by both residents and non-residents in ten years. In 1996, the residents took an average of around 10,000 car journeys each day. The non-residents took about half the number, which is 5000 journeys per day. It was almost the same for the residents in the subsequent three years. However, the journeys for the non-residents increased over the years and went to more than 8000 per day in 1999.
The graph shows that between 1999 and 2000, parking meters were introduced in the city centre. The result was resident traffic reducing to half with only a slight decrease in non-resident traffic.
Towards the end of 2002, the number of the resident journey were steady, but the non-resident journeys rose to 8000, the same as in 1999. Westgate Street and Park Lane were closed to traffic at this point. It had its consequence of the decline in the non-resident traffic and slightly in the resident traffic too. After this point, the resident traffic more or less remained at the same level. The non-resident traffic showed an increase in level and reached around 5000 journeys each day in 2005.
IELTS Bar Graph Task 1 Tips & Strategies
If you want to ace the IELTS bar graph task 1, here are some tips you can follow to excel in the same:
Understand the requirements of the task:
Before starting to answer the task, understand its expectations from you. For instance, pay close attention to important details such as data categories, time periods, or any specific comparison you should address in your response.
Familiarize yourself with the bar chart vocabulary:
Studying the bar chart vocabulary would help you to describe and interpret the data in the graph accurately. The bar graph is all about drawing comparisons and describing trends and proportions. Hence, learn words and phrases such as increase, decrease, fluctuate (in case of trends), higher, lower, similar (for comparison), the largest, the smallest, and a significant portion (for proportions).
Examine the graph carefully:
Look for all kinds of additional information that might be available through labels, titles, or legends. Study the bar chart and identify the main categories or variables and the relevant axis labels. You should also look for some notable patterns or outliers in the data.
Summarize the main features of the graph:
Start with an overview to set the foundation and provide a context for the following analysis. Highlight the highest and lowest values, and mention any noteworthy patterns, variables, or trends you observe.
Structure your response:
Arrange your answer in a logical manner. You can start with an introduction by paraphrasing the task statement, then develop your paragraph with the main aspect of the graph, such as comparisons between categories or trends over time. Lastly, you can conclude with the key findings from the analysis.
Work on your time management skills while practicing:
Divide sufficient time for analyzing the graph, planning your response, writing your response, and reviewing your work. Finish the task within the time you have allocated to each of these parts, which would further improve your overall performance.
Seek feedback:
Practice answering multiple bar graph tasks and share your writing with a proficient English speaker, tutor, or teacher. This would help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement and enhance your skills in interpreting and describing different types of data.
Review and revise:
Set aside some time to review your writing. Make sure there is coherence in your writing and that you can communicate your ideas effectively.
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IELTS Bar Graph Vocabulary (Writing Task 1 )
Test-takers should have a solid vocabulary to describebar graph IELTS task 1 and score well in the IELTS. The IELTS bar graph vocabulary to describe the bar graph must stress the similarities, changes, and differences in the data presented in the bar graph.
Here are examples of bar graph vocabulary:
Verbs and nouns
Verbs used to describe upward trends: rise, increase, climb, grow, rocket, surge, soar
Verbs used to describe downward trends: decrease, drop, decline, fall, plummet, dip
Other vocabularies: fluctuate, peak, hit a low, remain stable, unchanged
Here are some bar graph IELTS task 1 sample questions:
This bar chart presents the percentage of people who consumed five portions of fruit & vegetables per day in the UK from 2001 to 2008
The bar chart here shows the hours per week that teenagers spend doing activities in Manchester from 2005-2010
The chart shows the global sales of different kinds of smartphones from 2000 to 2006
The bar graph below shows the population figures of tigers in India from 1990 to 2010
The graph below shows the number of goods imported to India from the UK from 1990 to 2022
Conclusion
In conclusion, effectively describing a bar graph or bar chart in the IELTS exam requires a clear understanding of the data presented, along with the ability to communicate this information accurately and coherently. The key lies in identifying significant trends, making comparisons where relevant, and articulating these observations with a good range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. For candidates preparing for IELTS 2024, mastering this skill involves not just familiarity with the format of bar graphs and charts but also the ability to analyze and synthesize information in a structured and logical manner. By honing these skills, test-takers can proficiently tackle the task of describing bar graphs and charts, effectively conveying complex data in a way that is both insightful and linguistically competent, thereby achieving a higher band score in the IELTS exam.
(Disclaimer: Sample questions are hypothetically structured and are for reference only. They are subject to change as per IELTS guidelines and structure)
How to identify key features from a bar graph in IELTS?
In order to identify the key features from a bar graph, a candidate must minutely check the graph chart. Candidates must compare the groups presented in the graph chart and look for differences.
How many words should we use to describe IELTS writing task 1 bar graph?
Test-takers will have to write at least 150 words to describe bar graphs in IELTS. However, the essay can be extended to 180 words.
What criteria would a band 9 graph response satisfy?
Here are some criteria that a test-taker should follow while writing a bar graph IELTS Task 1:
Use correct words and synonyms
Use a range of vocabulary
Do not repeat words
Do not use the same word more than once
Use correct grammar and accurate words
How do you summarize a bar graph?
Candidates will have to summarize a bar graph in IELTS by selecting information and writing the main features of the bar graph. Candidates will have to make comparisons where is needed while writing the essay.
How should I describe a bar chart in IELTS?
When describing a bar chart in IELTS, it's important to use appropriate language and structure to effectively communicate the information. Here are some steps you can follow:
Introduce the chart and provide an overview of the main trends or patterns.
Describe the axes and units of measurement.
Provide specific details about the data, including any significant differences or similarities between the bars.
Use appropriate language to describe trends and comparisons, such as "increase," "decrease," "higher," "lower," "the highest," "the lowest," etc.
Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and make the description coherent, such as "in addition," "similarly," "on the other hand," "however," etc.
Conclude with a summary of the main points.
Are there any common mistakes to avoid when describing a bar chart in IELTS?
Some common mistakes to avoid when describing a bar chart in IELTS include providing too much or too little detail, failing to provide an overview of the main trends or patterns, using inappropriate language or grammar, and not organizing the information in a clear and logical manner. It's important to carefully read the instructions and task requirements and to practice describing charts in advance of the exam to avoid these mistakes.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview prep, and corporate soft skills training, she has adapted these programs for the Yuno platform.
Her dedication and commitment earned high praise from students, especially for her public speaking and advanced speaking English courses. Sunita's mastery of language nuances and articulation makes her a favorite among IELTS students.
She holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature, a B.Ed., and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations.
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