How to Describe a Table in IELTS Writing Task 1?

How to Describe a Table in IELTS Writing Task 1 is an academic task. The IELTS academic writing task 1 deals with info-graphic questions. The info-graphic questions in IELTS writing task 1 require candidates to write a summary or overview based on a diagram, a table, a line graph, or a bar graph in at least 150 words. IELTS writing score is marked based on band scores. The band scores range from 0 to 9. Candidates need to consider IELTS practice papers as part of their preparation for this section.

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How To Describe Table In IELTS Writing?

The different steps that one can follow to describe a table in IELTS writing are given below :

Step 1 : Thoroughly reading the question and then selecting information.

The first and the most important step in any type of question in IELTS writing task 1 is to thoroughly read the question and understand it properly. One should analyse the question whether it is in the past, present or future and then the table should be structured accordingly.

An IELTS task 1 table vocabulary list can also be added alongside that helps to explain the question effectively.

Step 2 : Write a proper introduction.

After carefully reading the question, now one should go for writing a proper introduction for the IELTS writing task 1 table question. Also , the introduction should not be too long, it should cover maximum 3-4 lines of the sheet. It should include the most important or key points of the table question. Firstly, by rearranging words or by using synonyms , one can paraphrase the question statement to make it more to the point. One can also mention the year or time period to enhance it further.

Step 3 : Analyse the table question carefully.

Similar to the other IELTS writing task 1 questions , providing the key features in the table question too is crucial. After reading the table carefully, start analysing it. Firstly, analyse the trend of the given figures according to the columns and then according to the rows. While analysing, one can notice if the figures are constant, decreasing ,increasing or undergoing fluctuations and then mention it. Mentioning the highest and the lowest figures in a particular row/ column is also a good idea.

Step 4 : Write your body paragraphs.

After successfully analysing the table, one can now finally begin to write the body paragraphs. Make a proper structure of the body paragraph in order to align the writing well in terms of coherence. Use of sentence connectors such as "whereas", "furthermore" , "other than this", "instead of this" etc can also be applied to add more in terms of cohesion. In IELTS writing task 1 question, one should not make more than 2 body paragraphs. One can also check for any differences or similarities by comparing the figures.

Step 5 : Write a proper conclusion.

After writing the introduction and the body, one should make such a conclusion or a summary that adds a high value to the writing task 1 assessment. As a conclusive feature in a table, one can mention the overall increasing or decreasing trend of a specific column or row. The highest and the lowest figures can also be mentioned. But , one should really be aware that these things don't become repetitive.

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Tips For Interpreting a Table In IELTS

Some of the important tips that is helpful while writing the table provided in the IELTS examination are :

• In the overview paragraph , the test takers are instructed to include all the salient features while writing the test. One needs to write multiple salient features in order to get a high score.
• In order to make the points easily explainable for you and readable for the examiner, one can divide the points into respective paragraphs.
• Don't include all the details provided in the table. One just needs to write the available salient features and explain it properly to make it effective.
• Instead of including each and every detail, try to select some specific areas in the graph that are easy to explain for you.
• Writing 150 words is mandatory or else, he/she may be penalized. Also , one should keep in mind that the explanation doesn't exceed 200 words.
• While writing the explanation, one should always try not to repeat any words or sentences.

Testing Criteria

Some of the criteria on the basis of which the explanation is tested and evaluated are given below :

• How accurately or precisely one can present the data from the figures provided on the table.
• How well one has successfully compared and contrasted the provided data.
• Instead of explaining the mentioned data, if one goes further to give his/her own opinion, it may lead to a low score.
• While explaining, one should be really careful about using the tone ,as the usage of the tone is also held into account while evaluating.

Guidelines To Write A Good Answer

Few of the guidelines which may act helpful while writing a good answer to the table question are given below :

• The explanation should consist of a proper structure having a well defined introduction, body paragraph and a conclusion. In order to make up to 150 words easily, one can also get the help from some suitable connective words.
• One should make sure that the sentences or phrases provided are not repetitive and devoid of any grammatical or vocabulary mistakes.
• The explanation should accurately meet the requirements of the given task. Any explanation of less than 150 words may result in a penalty. One should properly highlight and explain the salient features of the table appropriately, alongwith the important trends.