IELTS Writing Task 1 | Contrasting data in Bar Charts

​It’s important that you use a range of phrases and structures to contrast (compare) data in order to receive a higher band for these types of Academic Writing Task 1.
​Today’s post will:

• Help you to analyze bar charts.
• Provide you with useful linking phrases for contrasting data.
• Test your ability to contrast data.
• Provide some useful vocabulary for talking about age groups.
• Give you a graph to write about and the option to receive some feedback on your writing.

Let's have a look at a typical bar chart task:
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The graph below shows the number and age range of members of clubs at a university.

​First we must understand the graph. It is very important that we do this before we begin writing. Test how well you understand the graph with the true or false interactive questions below.
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ACtivity 1

ARE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE?

​Activity 2

​Now you are going to use some linking words to contrast and compare the information in the graph. Chose the appropriate ending for each sentence.

COMPLETE THE SENTENCES

Being able to use the language in the exercise above will really impress the IELTS examiner so make sure to review these answers in your own time, as well as checking out our notes below.
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Our Grammar and Vocabulary Notes

​Notice that:

• in comparison with
• compared with

…are followed by noun phrases only (For example: In comparison with the hiking group)

Notice that:

• whereas
• but
• while
• although

…are followed by clauses (For example: ...whereas the film society is equally popular with both.)

Notice that:

• age group
• age bracket

…are synonyms.

Notice that:

• society
• group
• club

…are all synonyms.

Notice that:

• if you are signed up to a group, then you are a member of the group.

Notice that:

• a broader range
• a wider range

…are synonyms.

Now let's practice what we've learned with a writing task.
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Writing Task

The graph presents information about the percentage of people employed in the United Kingdom, Italy and the G7 average.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
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You must write at least 150 words.

​If you want some feedback, then copy and paste your essay into the comments section and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

For more on task 1, learn how to use vocabulary for data and figures here. 

We hope you found today's post useful. Feel free to explore our website for more great lessons!