How to Describe a Table in IELTS Writing Task 1

How to Describe a Table in IELTS Writing Task 1

In this question type, you have to describe the data of the table. Let’s get to know about the procedure that how to describe a table in IELTS writing task 1. I assure you that it will be very helpful.

Basic purpose of describing table

As IELTS is a language test in which all types of tasks are included with a specific purpose to train an individual about English language. The four modules of IELTS are:

  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking

A task of describing table chart is included in IELTS academic writing task 1. The purpose of this task is to analyze the data of the table presenting it in a written format.

Summary

With the aim to know how to describe a table in IELTS writing task 1, you have to learn the structure of answer report for this type of task. Follow 5 steps to write an answer in IELTS writing task 1 table chart. Firstly, analyze the question statement and note all information from the table. After it, start to write answer report in which first paragraph is about introduction. You have to paraphrase the question statement in introduction. Provide key features in overview and in the body paragraph 1 and 2, write detailed information of the key features and it is also important to write comparison found in table.

Structure of answer for IELTS writing table chart

The structure of an answer is divided into four paragraphs. Therefore, your answer should be in four paragraphs as there is limit of 150 words minimum and the time period is 20 minutes. So, be concise and write to the point while answering IELTS writing task 1 table chart.

The four paragraphs for IELTS academic writing task 1 table are given below:

  • Introduction
  • Overview
  • Body paragraph 1
  • Body paragraph 2

Follow the structure for answering this type of task in IELTS writing. Furthermore, I am providing detailed discussion about these points in given portions.

5 Steps to describe a table in IELTS writing

The five steps are being shared to understand the description of table in IELTS writing. These five steps are:

  • Read the question.
  • Identify the main features and select information.
  • Write an introduction.
  • Write an overview.
  • Write detailed paragraphs.

Read the question

It is essential to know that what the major things are to do in this task. Therefore, first of all read the question and analyze it. You will get to know the instructions and rules that are provided in the question statement. When you understand the question statement, you will have knowledge and get familiarized about the question and table.

By doing this activity, you will plan your best to write an answer. The format of IELTS academic writing task 1 question is same for all types of tasks in writing test. In this question, three main points are discussed below:

  • Discussion about the question
  • Instructions
  • Visual aid (table)

Identify the main features and select information

In the second step, you have to identify the main features from the question statement and table. Select all information from the table and make a plan to write an answer report for this. You are required to note time constraints, units for measurement, specific names, any trend, similarities or dissimilarities etc. for planning an answer.

How to write an introduction

Introduction is the first paragraph of your answer report. In this paragraph, you have to paraphrase the question statement and write main features or ideas.

While paraphrasing, you do not need to write exact wording of the question statement. Use synonyms instead of using exact words of the question statement. Also change sentence structure and word order to make a good introduction of the table chart question type.

How to write an overview

Writing an overview is the second paragraph, you can also write overview in the end. While presenting overview, you have to provide general information about the main features. Detailed discussion is necessary to write in other two detailed paragraphs.

If there is any comparison, mention it in overview. You must write around 40 words to present overview with two to three sentences. It is essential to write answer of the table chart in correct tenses.

Method to write detailed paragraphs

In the paragraph 3 and 4, you have to provide detailed information. In the paragraph 3, present 1 or 2 key features and also compare if there is any. Write all information about the key features. As same is in paragraph 4, you have to write other key features and their information in your essay answer.

Always remember to lookout about the word limit. If these are less than minimum word limit, add more details about the key features. The minimum word limit for IELTS writing task 1 table chart is 150 words.

Factors for scoring good bands in IELTS writing task 1 table

There are four factors for scoring good bands in IELTS writing task 1 table. A brief discussion is mentioned below:

  • Task achievement
  • Coherence and cohesion
  • Lexical resource
  • Grammatical range and accuracy

The term task achievement means your answer must meet the requirement of the question statement. Your answer should be relevant to the question statement and to the point without discussing irrelevant or extra discussion.

Coherence and cohesion refer to organize your essay structure in the best manner. Write your answer in paragraphs and all paragraphs should be logically interlinked with each other.

In the case of lexical resources, you have to present your answer by using appropriate vocabulary. Use wide range of vocabulary in your answer and do not repeat same words in your answer report.

Turning to grammatical range and accuracy, you have to write your answer accurately. There should be no mistake regarding grammar or punctuation. Use complex sentences in your answer report.

In a nutshell: table description in IELTS writing

In terms to know how to describe a table in IELTS writing task 1, you have to follow the essay structure of task 1 and you also need to apply 5 steps to write good answer report. First of all, analyze the question statement and start to write answer by presenting introduction, overview and detailed paragraphs in which you have to provide all data from the question statement and given table.

FAQs about IELTS writing task 1 table chart

Write your answer in four paragraphs consisting of introduction, overview and body paragraph 1 and 2. In introduction, paraphrase the question statement. While in overview, present main key features and comparison if there is. In the body paragraph 1 and 2, you have to write detailed information about the key features and also need to present contrast and comparisons.

Read the question statement first so that you can get to know that what to do by table chart. After reading the question statement, have a look at the table and understand all information given in the table. Note all trends, comparisons, and examples etc.

There are four basic elements in the table chart of IELTS writing task 1 that are:

  • Introduction
  • Overview
  • Body paragraph 1
  • Body paragraph 2

You have to write 150 words minimum for describing a table in IELTS. I must recommend writing 20 to 30 words to get good bands.

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