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Mixed Charts IELTS Writing Task 1 is a common type of question in the IELTS Writing test. However, this is a relatively difficult type of question, requiring you to have a clear understanding of the test-taking strategy and practice quite proficiently.

In this article, IDP will provide all the information about the Mixed Charts IELTS test format, test-taking steps, grammar structures, scoring vocabulary as well as sample questions to help you get familiar with the test structure.

1 What Are Mixed Charts in IELTS Writing Task 1

Mixed Charts, also known as Multiple Charts, are a common question type in IELTS Writing Task 1. This format typically presents two different charts that provide related or complementary data sets. The charts may be of the same type or different types.

To perform well, you must identify trends, compare key data, and highlight similarities and differences between the two visuals.

Common Mixed Chart Combinations:

  • Table and Pie Chart

  • Table and Line Chart

  • Table and Bar Chart

  • Pie Chart and Line Chart

  • Pie Chart and Bar Chart

  • Line Chart and Bar Chart

Example Types:

  • Line Chart with Table – Vietnam

  • Pie Chart with Bar Chart – Vietnam

  • Line Chart with Bar Chart – Vietnam

2 Structure for Mixed Charts – IELTS Writing Task 1

Like other Task 1 types, your Mixed Charts essay should include three main parts: Introduction, Overview, and Body.

Introduction

In this section, paraphrase the question prompt in one or two sentences. Avoid copying phrases directly from the task. Mention:

  • The types of charts (e.g., bar chart, pie chart)

  • Time frames (if applicable)

  • The main topic or content of each chart

Example:

The given bar chart illustrates an opinion survey about the factors as to why people choose to go to school, while the pie chart portrays how adults consider the costs of academics should be funded.

Overview

Provide a general summary of the most noticeable trends from both charts. Focus on:

  • General trends over time

  • The highest or lowest values

  • Significant differences between the two visuals

Avoid listing every data point. Instead, highlight the key insights and relationships between the charts.

Guiding questions:

  • What does each chart show?

  • What is the time period?

  • What is the most prominent feature of each chart?

  • Is there any connection between the charts?

Example:

Overall, it is apparent in the bar chart that there are seven reasons as to why adults decide to study, and the subject of interest is the most significant one. On the other hand, it can be observed from the pie chart that individual funding for education has had a far higher percentage compared to the other two.

Body Paragraphs

You should write two separate paragraphs for each chart:

Body 1: Focus on two key details from the first chart Body 2: Focus on two key details from the second chart and include a comparison if possible

Tips:

  • Avoid describing both charts in the same paragraph

  • Maintain logical flow and coherence

  • Do not include personal opinions

Example:

The bar chart represents seven causes in the survey, with the subject of interest representing the biggest percentage at 40 percent. Gaining qualifications is the second main reason at 38 percent. Three factors achieved nearly the same share of almost 20 percent, and meeting new people had the lowest percentage at 9 percent.

The pie chart shows that 40 percent of the people think that education should be funded individually. However, 35 percent believe it should be paid by employers, while 25 percent think taxpayers should fund it, which is the smallest portion.

3 Key Elements to Score High in Mixed Charts

To score well in Mixed Charts questions, you need more than just correct grammar. A logical structure, accurate comparisons, and diverse vocabulary are essential.

Grammar Structures

Introduction sentence starters:

  • The chart illustrates / gives information about / provides data on / compares / describes...

When comparing two charts:

  • While / Whereas S + V, S + V

Overview expressions:

  • It can be seen that...

  • It is clear that...

  • Overall,...

Body paragraph starters:

  • Regarding...

  • With regard to...

  • Concerning...

  • As can be seen from...

  • According to...

Vocabulary for Mixed Charts

Describing Trends

Trend Type

Verbs and Nouns

Increase

increase, rise, climb

Sharp Increase

rocket, jump, leap

Decrease

decrease, fall, go down

Sharp Decrease

plunge, slump, plummet

Fluctuation

fluctuate, oscillate, wave

Stability

remain stable, stay unchanged, stabilize

Highest Point

reach a peak, hit the highest point

Lowest Point

reach the lowest point, fall to a low

Describing Percentages

Percentage

Phrase

5 percent

a small fraction

10 percent

a tenth, one in ten

15 percent

less than a fifth

20 percent

a fifth

25 percent

a quarter

30 percent

nearly a third

33 percent

a third, one-third

50 percent

a half

65 percent

nearly two-thirds

75 percent

three quarters

4 Mixed Charts Sample Essay – IELTS Writing Task 1

Below is a high-scoring sample for a Mixed Charts question. Practice by analyzing the structure, vocabulary, and how each paragraph is developed.

Sample Question: The table and pie chart give information about the population in Australia by nationality and living area.

Sample Answer:

The given pie chart illustrates the percentages of different nationalities that make up the Australian population, while the table provides information about whether they live in urban or rural areas.

In general, it is evident that the vast majority of Australia’s population is of Australian nationality. Furthermore, most people in this country, regardless of nationality, prefer to live in cities.

The percentage of the Australian population that are of Australian nationality is 73 percent, while British and other nationalities account for 7 percent and 14 percent respectively. Additionally, 3 percent of the population is from New Zealand, 2 percent from China, and 1 percent from the Netherlands.

According to the table, 80 percent of Australians live in cities, followed by 89 percent of the British and 90 percent of New Zealanders. Nearly all Chinese residents (99 percent) live in urban areas, while 83 percent of Dutch people also live in cities.

Word Count: 157

Confidently Score High in Mixed Charts – IELTS Writing Task 1

With a clear understanding of the structure, strategy, and language used in Mixed Charts tasks, you are now equipped to tackle this question type effectively. Remember to refer to IDP’s IELTS resources for more sample tasks, tips, and vocabulary lists.

When you are ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP and gain access to exclusive preparation materials, expert video lessons, writing guides, and online practice courses developed by Macquarie University.

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About this Article

Published on 26 June, 2023

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One Skill Retake - IELTS Australia
Quynh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm về lĩnh vực giáo dục