Tables in IELTS writing task 1 can be tricky because you are presented with a lot of data, but you need to be concise and selective here. Sometimes tables show dynamic data (data that changes over a time period) in this post, the table is static data (one time period)
Start by paraphrasing the task, then make sure to write a concise overview that summarises the data. The overview should only be 2 or 3 sentences, and it starts with the word ‘overall‘.
There are three main body paragraphs in this model answer, but I made sure to keep the report under 200 words. This is because you need to be concise and clear in IELTS writing task 1, so a report over 200 words is far too long.
Model Answer
The table illustrates secondary school teachers’ salaries during 2009 in five nations. Overall, starting and maximum salaries were the lowest in Australia, whereas Luxembourg indicated the highest figures. Moreover, teachers in Japan took the longest to reach their maximum salary, while teachers in Denmark arrived at maximum salary far quicker.
Starting salaries in Australia showed the lowest income, accounting for 28,000, followed by Korea and Japan at 30,000 and 34,000, respectively. Next was Denmark at 45,0000, while teacher salaries in Luxembourg were the highest, consisting of 80,000. Regarding teachers with 15 years of experience, Luxembourg showed a significant increase in earnings, representing 119,000. Japan comprised 65,000, and Korea and Australia both amounted to 48,000 in this category.
In terms of maximum salaries, Luxembourg again indicated the highest figure, totalling 132,000. Japan and Korea followed at 86,000 and 62,000 respectively. Most notably, Australian and Danish salaries did not change, comprising 48,000.
Regarding reaching maximum salary, Japan took the longest at 37 years. Next came Korea at 34 years and then Luxembourg at 30 years. Interestingly, teachers in Australia and Denmark achieved maximum salary in just 9 years and 8 years respectively.
189 words
Analysis
In red, I have indicated which category I will write about. This is a way to show the examiner that you are covering a specific part of the table, and it is good for overall cohesion. I highlighted vocabulary for reporting on statistics, as this will help your vocabulary score.
Word count is 189 words; this is long enough for a task 1 report. There is no need to write a very long report here, and you will not have time in the exam.
See the link below for useful vocabulary in IELTS writing task 1.
Writing task 1 academic vocabulary
