How to Describe a Bar Chart in IELTS: Bar Graph For IELTS
Updated on 18 August, 2022
Mrinal Mandal
Study Abroad Expert
Study Abroad Expert
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.
Source: https://www.english-exam.org/IELTS/academic_writing_samples_task_1/1054/
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 was 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.
These tips and examples will aid you in preparing for the bar chart interpretation task. To score well in this exercise, you can go through some vocabulary words that accurately describe the data. With these steps, you will be able to get a high score on this task.
Important Resources to Read About IELTS:
Test-takers should have a solid vocabulary to describe bar graph IELTS task 1 to 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
Adjectives and Adverbs
Eg: The number of COVID cases in India is increasing steadily.
Eg: Her rapid progress in learning English is amazing
Expressing Time
Read More:
IELTS Eligibility | IELTS Registration | IELTS Syllabus |
Academic IELTS | IELTS Band Score | IELTS Writing Task 1 |
IELTS Writing Task 2 | IELTS Slot Booking | IELTS Band Score Chart |
Here are some bar graph IELTS task 1 sample questions:
(Disclaimer: Sample questions are hypothetically structured and are for reference only. They are subject to change as per IELTS guidelines and structure)
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IELTS Score for UK | IELTS Score for USA | Validity of IELTS Score |
IELTS Speaking Topics | IELTS Reading Tips | IELTS Preparation Books |
Types of IELTS Exam | IELTS Academic vs General | IELTS Exam Pattern |
The steps to writing a bar graph in IELTS are:
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.
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.
Here are some criteria that a test-taker should follow while writing a bar graph IELTS Task 1:
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.
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