Bar charts are one of the most common visuals in IELTS Writing Task 1. They test your ability to compare categories, highlight the highest and lowest figures, and describe changes between years. On this page, you'll learn how to meet the official band descriptors with vocabulary lists, Band 9 samples, visual explanations, and practice ideas.
Did you summarise the main features and include a clear overview?
Is your answer well-organised into logical paragraphs?
Do you use a range of precise vocabulary?
Do you use a mix of simple and complex sentences?
Analyze a high-scoring response to understand structure and vocabulary usage.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The bar chart compares reservoir water levels in six Australian cities in 2009 and 2010. Overall, Brisbane and Perth consistently recorded the highest levels, while Sydney and especially Darwin had much lower figures. Only half of the cities saw modest increases over time, whereas the others remained stable.
In both years, Brisbane's reservoirs were almost full, at around 100% of capacity, making it the city with the highest water levels. Perth followed, with figures of about 80% in 2009 and 2010. By contrast, Sydney and Darwin had much less water stored. Sydney's level stayed at roughly 50%, while Darwin's reservoirs were the lowest of all, rising only from around 30% to 40% during the period.
The remaining two cities showed moderate but noticeable improvements. In Melbourne, water levels climbed from approximately 70% in 2009 to 80% in 2010, bringing it close to Perth. A similar pattern can be seen in the Gold Coast, where the figure increased from about 60% to 70%. These gradual rises contrast with the unchanged levels in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth.
"Overall, Brisbane and Perth consistently recorded the highest levels, while..." — Immediately identifies key trends.
Body paragraphs are split logically: High/Stable cities vs. Lower/Changing cities.
To score Band 7+, avoid repeating 'increase' and 'decrease'. Use a variety of precise verbs and adverbs.
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The charts below show the number of rural and urban people born in and outside Australia in 1950 and 2010.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The chart below shows the percentage of Australians of five age groups attending different concerts in 2006. Select the main features to summarize the information and compare them in relevant places.
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