Below is an IELTS Writing Task 1 Table. Below the table is a model answer.
With a table, you need to do much the same as you would for any other question that requires you to write about data.
In this case, the table is over time, so you would treat it like a line graph and describe the changes.
Task 1 Table
| You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The table shows the proportions of pupils attending four secondary school types between 2000 and 2009. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
Secondary School Attendance
Model Answer
The table illustrates the percentage of school children attending four different types of secondary school from 2000 to 2009. It is evident that whereas the community schools experienced a marked increase in the proportion of those attending their institutions over the period, the others saw a corresponding decline.
To begin, the percentage of pupils in voluntary-controlled schools fell from just over half to only 20% or one-fifth from 2000 to 2009. Similarly, the relative number of children in grammar schools – just under one quarter – dropped by half in the same period. As for the specialist schools, the relatively small percentage of pupils attending this type of school (12%) also fell, although not significantly.
However, while the other three types of schools declined in importance, the opposite was true in the case of community schools. In fact, whereas only a small minority of 12% were educated in these schools in 2000, this figure increased to well over half of all pupils during the following nine years.
(170 Words)
Comment About The Task
Task Achievement: Band 8
- The response provides a clear, accurate summary of the key information in the table.
- The main trend (increased attendance in community schools, decline in other types) is highlighted effectively, with relevant data to support the analysis.
- It addresses all parts of the task, but it could benefit from specific figures for the decline in grammar and specialist schools for greater precision.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
- The response is well-organized and logically structured.
- Linking words and phrases like “Similarly,” “As for,” “However,” and “In fact” are used appropriately to guide the reader through the text.
- The overall progression is clear, though some transitions could be more nuanced to further improve cohesion.
Lexical Resource: Band 7
- A good range of vocabulary is demonstrated, including expressions like “marked increase,” “corresponding decline,” “small minority,” and “relative number.”
- The vocabulary is appropriate but could be more varied, as terms like “decline” and “percentage” are repeated.
- Overall, there is accuracy in word choice, with only minor room for improvement in lexical diversity.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
- The response shows a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences (“whereas only a small minority of 12% were educated in these schools in 2000…”).
- There are no grammatical errors, and the structures used are appropriate for the task.
- However, additional variation in sentence structures would elevate the score to a Band 9.
Overall Band: 7.5-8
This is a strong response with clear, detailed analysis and accurate use of grammar and vocabulary. Minor improvements in lexical variety and more specific details would enhance the score further.
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