IELTS Writing Task 1 Table
Master IELTS Writing Task 1 table questions with this complete guide. Learn the key task requirements, high-band vocabulary, a Band 9 sample answer and step-by-step writing tips – then practise online with instant feedback.
About IELTS Writing Task 1 Tables
On this page, you'll learn how to write IELTS Writing Task 1 table essays using clear structure, high-band vocabulary and a Band 9 sample answer.
What does this task test?
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you may be given a table instead of a chart or diagram. The question usually asks you to:"Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant."
A table question tests whether you can:
- read and compare numerical data across rows and columns
- pick out highest / lowest figures and clear patterns
- group cities / categories logically (e.g. similar prices or very different ones)
- describe the information in clear, academic English without copying the table
Assessment Criteria
- Task Achievement:Describe main patterns, clear overview, avoid listing every number.
- Coherence:Logical paragraphs, group similar data, use linking words.
- Lexical Resource:Comparison vocabulary, flexible number expression.
- Grammar:Complex sentences, accurate comparatives and tenses.
Timing & Rules
- Recommended time: 20 minutes
- Minimum length: 150 words
- Contains: Description, Table with figures, Instructions.
Useful Vocabulary & Sentence Patterns
To score Band 7–9 in IELTS Writing Task 1 table questions, you need accurate number language and clear comparison patterns.
Nouns: charge, cost, rate, fee, average bill
Verbs: be, stand at, amount to, reach, be set at
be higher/lower than, exactly the same as
Adverbs: nearly, almost, roughly, just over, just under
among the five cities, in both X and Y, by contrast, the highest/lowest figure
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Key Nouns |
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| Useful Verbs |
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| Comparing Numbers |
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| Grouping Language |
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Core Sentence Patterns
- Overview: "Overall, water prices and household bills vary considerably between the cities, with Perth and Sydney generally charging more than the others."
- Describing a column: "For usage up to 125 kilolitres, charges range from $0.42 in Adelaide and Perth to $0.98 in Sydney."
- Comparing: "In Brisbane and Melbourne, the rate remains unchanged after 125 kilolitres, while in Adelaide and especially Perth it rises sharply."
Band 9 Sample Answer
Analyze this high-scoring response to understand paragraph structure, grouping, and data selection for table tasks.
Cost of Water in Australian Cities (2004)
| City | Usage charge per kL (up to 125 kL) | Usage charge per kL (over 125 kL) | Average Bill US$ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $0.42 | $1.00 | $312 |
| Brisbane | $0.84 | $0.84 | $310 |
| Melbourne | $0.78 | $0.78 | $253 |
| Perth | $0.42 | $1.50 | $332 |
| Sydney | $0.98 | $0.98 | $319 |
Planning Notes
- Up to 125 kL: Lowest (Adelaide/Perth $0.42) vs Highest (Sydney $0.98).
- Over 125 kL: Big jumps (Perth $1.50) vs No change (Brisbane/Melbourne).
- Bills: Perth highest ($332) despite low initial rate; Melbourne lowest ($253).
- Structure: Intro → Overview → Charges → Bills.
The table provides a detailed comparison of water costs in five Australian cities in 2004, focusing on usage charges for different consumption levels and the average household water bill. This data reveals notable disparities in water pricing across these urban areas.
Initially, examining the cost of water usage up to 125 kilolitres, we observe significant variation among the cities. Adelaide and Perth offer the most economical rates at $0.42 per kilolitre, making them the most affordable options for moderate water consumers. In stark contrast, Sydney imposes the highest charge at $0.98 per kilolitre, nearly double that of Adelaide and Perth, indicating a substantial financial burden for residents consuming up to this threshold.
A more pronounced disparity emerges when considering the charges for water usage exceeding 125 kilolitres. Brisbane and Melbourne maintain a consistent rate of $0.84 and $0.78 per kilolitre respectively. However, Perth stands out with a steep increase to $1.50 per kilolitre, the highest among the cities. Adelaide also raises its rate to $1.00, while Sydney continues to charge $0.98.
The average water bill per household further illustrates the impact of these pricing structures. Perth, despite its low initial usage charge, records the highest average bill at $332. Conversely, Melbourne, with its moderate charges and stable pricing, has the lowest average bill at $253, indicating a more balanced approach to water costs.
Writing Tips for IELTS Table Essays
Task Response
Always give a clear overview: identify the overall cheapest / most expensive items and any striking patterns. Don't try to mention every number.
Coherence & Cohesion
Group similar rows or columns together (e.g. cities with similar rates). Use comparative linkers: while, whereas, on the other hand, in contrast.
Data Selection
Focus on extremes (highest, lowest), unusual patterns (no change vs large increase), and relationships between columns (e.g. low rate but high final bill).
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answers (Band 7–9)
Retired individuals in Australia
The figures below show the expenses of a retired single person and a retired couple in six fields per week in Australia in 2015.
Opinions on a new theatre
The tables below show the questionnaire about opinions of club members and the general public for the new theatre in one town in 2012.
University-educated workers in Europe
The table below shows the percentage of workers who already finished university education in five European countries in 1999.
IELTS Writing Checker
If you would like to practise IELTS Writing Task 1 tables and Task 2 with instant AI feedback, you can use Lingoleap, an AI-powered platform designed for IELTS and TOEFL learners.
On Lingoleap's IELTS page, you can:
- Generate and practise Writing Task 1 and Task 2 questions
- Get AI scoring and corrections on your essays, including feedback on task response, coherence, vocabulary and grammar
- Build your own bank of sample answers and vocabulary for different IELTS topics
- Combine writing practice with integrated speaking, reading and listening tools
FAQs about IELTS Writing Task 1 Tables
Do I need to describe every number in the table?
No. You should select and report the main features, not list every single figure. Focus on extremes, clear patterns and useful comparisons.
Should I use past or present tense for a table?
If the table includes a year in the past (e.g. 2004), use past simple: charges were highest in Sydney. If it describes a general situation with no time reference, present simple is acceptable.
How many paragraphs should my table answer have?
A clear structure is: Introduction + Overview + 2 body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should group related rows or columns (for example, low-cost vs high-cost cities).
Is a separate conclusion necessary?
A short final sentence is helpful but not essential. The most important part is a strong overview after the introduction.
What is the biggest mistake in table essays?
Common problems include copying phrases directly from the table, writing long lists of numbers, and forgetting to highlight overall patterns. Use comparison language and grouped descriptions instead.