The table is one of the most frequently encountered chart types in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 section. In this guide, IDP will show you a step-by-step method to approach Writing Task 1 - Table, fully aligned with the IELTS scoring criteria.
1. Overview of IELTS Writing Task 1 - Table Type
A table is a common data presentation format in IELTS Writing. This type of question provides a chart with multiple figures on a single topic but with variations in time, location, or subject. Candidates are required to summarize key features by selecting and reporting the most relevant details and making comparisons when appropriate.
Typical question prompt: "Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant."
There are two main types of table data:
Table with data over time: Similar to line or bar charts, this format requires highlighting trends over time and comparing the rate of increase or decrease.
Table without time element: No trends need to be analyzed. Focus on comparisons such as highest and lowest values.
Regardless of type, the structure of a table report usually includes four main parts:
Opening: Paraphrase the question (1 sentence).
Overview: A general summary of key trends without including specific data (2–3 sentences).
Body 1 and Body 2: Describe the most notable features and comparisons (3–4 sentences each).
2. How to Analyze Information in a Table
Before writing, examine the table to understand:
What is the topic?
What years or locations are shown?
How many categories are there?
Does the table include changes over time or percentages?
Group the data into two main sections for Body 1 and Body 2:
Body 1: Categories with increasing trends, significantly high figures, or strong growth.
Body 2: Categories with decreasing or stable trends, lowest values, or minimal change.
Focus on:
Highest and second-highest values
Lowest and second-lowest values
Major differences or similarities in trends across categories or regions
3. Detailed Guide to Writing IELTS Writing Task 1 - Table
Whether the data is dynamic (over time) or static, the writing structure and vocabulary remain quite similar.
3.1 Writing the Opening
The opening sentence should paraphrase the task question. Do not copy the prompt exactly.
Method 1: Use synonyms
Original: The table below shows the percentage of young people in higher education in 2000, 2005, and 2010.
Paraphrased: The given table presents the proportion of youth undergraduates in the years 2000, 2005, and 2010.
Method 2: Change sentence structure
Original: The table below shows the percentage of young people in higher education in 2000, 2005, and 2010.
Paraphrased: The percentage of young people enrolled in higher education in 2000, 2005, and 2010 is displayed in the table. The table provides information about the share of young people in higher education during those years.
Common phrases: The table presents / illustrates / shows / displays...
3.2 Writing the Overview
The overview is the most important part. Without it, your score for Task Achievement may drop below Band 5.0.
Your overview should highlight:
Trends (increase, decrease, fluctuation, stability)
Order (highest and lowest figures)
Changes (especially the most significant one)
Useful phrases:
It is clear that...
As can be seen from the table...
Overall, the table indicates...
Trend Vocabulary:
Increase | Decrease | Stable | Fluctuate |
increase, rise | decrease, fall | remain stable | fluctuate |
climb, grow | decline, drop | remain steady | oscillate |
Noun Forms: an increase, a decrease, a rise, a fall, a fluctuation, no change
Example Overview: As can be seen from the table, all five types of vehicles showed an upward trend, with motorcycles recording the most significant growth. While passenger vehicles had the highest figures, light trucks remained the lowest across the period.
3.3 Writing Body Paragraphs
Split your main features into two body paragraphs.
Body 1 | Body 2 |
Highest values or strong growth | Lowest values or minimal change |
Group with increase | Group with slight or no change |
Avoid giving personal opinions. Use only the data. Follow the 4-points rule: Starting point - Peak - Lowest point - Ending point.
Useful sentence structures:
The number of + category...
Compared to...
By contrast...
Throughout the period...
S + saw/recorded/witnessed + a significant change...
Example:
In 2010, 11.8 million passenger vehicles were registered, ranking first among the five categories. This number increased by 10.2% to 13 million in 2014. In contrast, motorcycles saw the largest growth, rising by 30.8% from 540,000 to 709,000. Heavy trucks had minimal growth of only 8.3%, while light trucks remained the least registered, with 131,000 in 2014.
4. Practice Sample for Table Writing
Sample Task: The table below shows how many vehicles were registered in Australia in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
Model Answer:
The given table illustrates how many vehicles were registered in Australia in three years: 2010, 2012, and 2014.
As can be seen from the table, all five types of vehicles showed an upward trend, with motorcycles experiencing the most significant growth. Passenger vehicles consistently had the highest registration figures, while light trucks recorded the lowest.
In 2010, 11.8 million passenger vehicles were registered, compared to just 2.3 million commercial vehicles. By 2014, the number of passenger vehicles had increased by 10.2% to 13 million, while commercial vehicles rose by 17.4% to 2.7 million.
Motorcycles saw the largest growth rate, rising 30.8% from 540,000 to 709,000. Meanwhile, heavy trucks showed the smallest growth of 8.3%. Light trucks had the lowest numbers overall, increasing from 106,000 in 2010 to 131,000 in 2014.
Additional Practice Task: The table below shows the price of a cup of coffee in six Australian cities in 2010 and 2014.
Writing Directions:
Overview: Most prices increased. Melbourne had the highest percentage increase, Brisbane stayed unchanged. Sydney had the highest price overall.
Body 1: Focus on Melbourne (largest increase), Brisbane (no change), and Sydney (consistently highest).
Body 2: Combine Canberra, Adelaide, and Perth with shorter descriptions.
By following this guide, you now have a complete strategy to write high-scoring answers for IELTS Writing Task 1 - Table type. Practice regularly and apply the techniques above to gain confidence and achieve your desired band score.