This is a sample IELTS bar chart showing the different transport modes used in a European city.
You will notice that there is a time frame. This means that you will need to use the language of change and the language of comparison and contrast.
| You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The following bar chart shows the different modes of transport used to travel to and from work in one European city in 1960, 1980 and 2000. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
Model Answer
The bar chart shows the changing patterns of transport use in a European city during the period from 1960 to 2000. In brief, the chart shows that the use of cars as a means of transport dramatically increased over the period shown, while the number of others fell.
In detail, in 1960, the motor car was used least as a method of transport, with only about 7% of the population using this method. However, car use grew steadily and strongly to finally reach about 37% of the population by 2000, a massive 5-fold increase in use.
Over this same period, however, the popularity of walking, which had been the most popular means of transport with 35% of the population in 1960 having it as their preferred way of getting around, fell to 10%. Bicycle use also fell from a high of about 27% in 1960 to just 7% in 2000.
On the other hand, bus use was more erratic. It was popular with almost 20% of the population in 1960 and rose to a peak of about 27% in 1980 before falling back to about 18% in 2000.
(188 Words)
Evaluation of the Model Answer
Task Achievement: Band 8
- The response accurately summarizes the main trends in transport use from 1960 to 2000 in the European city.
- Key details are included, such as the significant rise in car use and the decline in walking and bicycle use.
- The overview and body paragraphs provide clear comparisons between the different modes of transport.
- The answer is relevant and well-developed with no major omissions.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
- The structure is logical, with a clear introduction, detailed body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
- Cohesive devices like “in detail,” “however,” “on the other hand,” and “over this same period” are used effectively to link ideas and create a smooth flow.
- The progression from one idea to the next is clear and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.5
- The vocabulary used is appropriate and varied, with phrases like “dramatically increased,” “steadily and strongly,” and “erratic.”
- The response could benefit from more variation in the expression of increase and decrease (e.g., “rose significantly” instead of “rose to a peak”).
- There are no major lexical errors, but more advanced vocabulary would enhance the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
- The response demonstrates a good range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, comparative structures, and passive forms.
- There are no significant grammatical errors, and sentence structures are used correctly throughout.
- Minor improvements in sentence complexity could further elevate the grammatical range.
Overall Band: 7.5-8
This is a well-written and clear response that effectively communicates the changing patterns of transport use. To reach a solid 8, further lexical variety and more sophisticated grammatical structures could be incorporated.
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