Tables seem difficult when they contain a lot of numbers. Here's some advice:
- Try to write 4 paragraphs - introduction, summary of main points, 2 detail paragraphs.
- Before you start writing, highlight some key numbers. Choose the biggest number in each category in the table (i.e. in each column and row). If the table shows years, look for the biggest changes in numbers over the time period. You could also mention the smallest numbers, but you can ignore 'middle' numbers (neither biggest nor smallest).
- For your summary paragraph, try to compare whole categories (columns or rows) rather than individual 'cells' in the table. If you can't compare whole categories, compare the biggest and smallest number. Write 2 sentences for the summary.
- In your two 'details' paragraphs, never describe each category (column or row) separately. The examiner wants to see comparisons. Try to organise the numbers you highlighted into 2 groups - one for each paragraph (e.g. highest numbers for all categories together, and lowest numbers together).
- Describe / compare the numbers you highlighted - include at least 3 numbers in each paragraph.
- Use the past simple for past years, and 'will' or 'is expected/predicted to' for future years. If no time is shown, use the present simple.
hi simon
all your instructions are very useful
thanks a lot
your student from china
Posted by: stacy | October 20, 2011 at 09:17
No problem Stacy.
Posted by: Simon | October 20, 2011 at 12:19
Dear Simon
This table description also useful for another graphs such as line graph or pie chart e.t.c?
Thank you for your help.
Posted by: Erzhan | October 20, 2011 at 13:23
Is there any possible way to write a pie chart as like table..what can we do if there is 2 diagram ,for example a pie chart and table.
Posted by: Jobs | October 21, 2011 at 06:56
Hi Jobs,
look at one of Simons lesson
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/01/ielts-writing-task-1-more-than-one-chart.html
This for two pie chart and two charts essay.
Wait for Simon reply,He will answer you more accuratley.
he explained both your questions during one of his lesson that I had on saturday in manchester.
Thanks
TAHIR
Posted by: TAHIR | October 21, 2011 at 08:25
Hi Erzhan,
I've done other lessons about line graphs and pie charts. Have a look through all of the lessons.
...
Hi Jobs,
Look at the link that Tahir (above) mentioned.
I've done several lessons about 2 charts and pie charts. Click on 'IELTS writing task 1' in the menu on the left of this page, and look through the lessons. I'm sure you'll find what you need.
Posted by: Simon | October 21, 2011 at 10:08
Hi simon
i want to know if we are allowed to write only past simple for past years, u have mentioned in
one session that when we use 'By' before the year we need to write past perfect.
Posted by: josh | December 04, 2011 at 18:48
Hi Josh,
Yes, usually you just need the past simple. The only exception to this is when you need the past perfect after "by".
Posted by: Simon | December 05, 2011 at 12:01
Hi Simon,
I can't open the link attached with this lesson for seeing an essay.
So could you help me to open it?
Thank you very much.
Your lessons are always useful for all of us.
Thanks again.
Posted by: UT | December 17, 2011 at 12:25
Hi UT,
Sorry, I've changed that link. I'll put a "table" essay on the site on Thursday this week.
Posted by: Simon | December 19, 2011 at 13:12
It's very useful for me...
Thanks lot of teacher.
Student from Vietnam
Posted by: Cam Le | March 17, 2014 at 02:08