Writing Task 1 Table Sample – Static Data

This writing task 1 table sample compares the participation in cultural activities across three age groups.

Tables are not as visually clear as graphs, pie charts, etc. as you are presented with lots of numbers, which can make it more difficult to immediately see what patterns there are to make comparisons. 

So you have to look at the data carefully to work out how you will organize it into logical groups and paragraphs. 

Since this table has no time information in it, it is static data and we can use present simple to answer this question.

Writing Task 1 Table Sample

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The Table below shows the results of a survey that asked 6800 Scottish adults (aged 16 years and over) whether they had taken part in different cultural activities in the past 12 months. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Model Answer

The table illustrates the results of research undertaken in Scotland with adults aged from 16-74 to assess their involvement in a variety of cultural activities over a 12-month period. Overall, it is evident that participation in any performance and crafts were the most popular for all age groups. 

The highest participation in any activities was seen in the 16-24 age group, with 35% and 30% respectively doing performance and visual arts. In contrast, other activities were much lower, particularly those computer-based, at only 10%.

Turning to the older age groups, like the under 25s, the highest participation rate seen for 25-44 years olds was in performance, though this was much lower, at only 22%. A similar rate of 22% was evident for the most popular activity for the 45-74 age group, which was crafts. Again, the popularity of computers was very low for all those who were 25 plus, as was interest in writing. 

Taking all age groups together, it can be seen that performance and crafts were the most popular, at over 19%, whereas cultural purchases and visual arts were slightly less popular at 16% and 15% respectively.  Finally, little interest was shown in writing and computing.

(196 Words)

Evaluation of the model answer

Your analysis of the table is well-structured and clear. You’ve effectively summarized the key trends and provided a good comparison between the age groups. Below are some suggestions for improving the clarity and flow of the response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8

• The overall structure is logical, with separate sections for different age groups. You transition well between these sections.
• The sentence “Taking all age groups together” smoothly introduces the overall comparison.

Language and Grammar: Band 7-8

• Verb tense: Tenses are used correctly. However, in the sentence “the highest participation rate seen for 25-44-year-olds,” you could simplify it by saying, “the highest participation rate for 25-44 year-olds.”
• Phrasing: In the sentence “a similar rate of 22% was evident,” the word “evident” could be replaced with “observed” or “recorded” for variety.

Task Achievement: Band 8

• You clearly identify the main trends and provide detailed comparisons between age groups.
• You could enhance the interpretation by offering more insight into why certain activities might be more popular among different age groups.

Lexical Resource: Band 7

• The vocabulary is generally appropriate but could be slightly more varied. For example, you repeat the phrase “low for all” in reference to computing. Consider rephrasing, such as “computer-based activities were consistently unpopular.”
• “Cultural purchases” could be more specific if the table provides more detailed information on what these entail.

Suggestions for Improvement:

• Avoid repeating phrases like “seen” or “evident.” Try alternatives like “observed” or “recorded.”
• Provide more interpretation beyond just stating the numbers, such as why older people might prefer crafts or why computing is less popular overall.

Overall Evaluation: Band 7.5-8

This response is clear, well-structured, and effectively conveys the main trends. To reach a higher band, you could add more varied vocabulary and include some interpretation of the reasons behind the trends. Keep refining your phrasing to ensure it remains formal and diverse throughout.