IELTS Writing Task 1: the same language

People sometimes ask me to teach them "the language for pie charts" or "the language for tables". I tell them that they already know it. The language for the following 4 types of chart is the same:

• Line graphs
• Bar charts
• Pie charts
• Tables

These 4 types of chart all show the same thing: numbers. You can usually take the same set of numbers and present them in either of these 4 ways. The language you use to describe them will not change.

So what type of language are you going to use? You need to be able to 1) describe numbers 2) compare different numbers 3) describe changes in numbers (increase, decrease etc.). Easy!

Comments

[A Kiss]

yes, some of them are easy, but some....are not.
I looked at Test4 Book 9 today. It is a line graph that I found difficult, because there are to many details.
The graph below gives information from a 2008 report about consumption of energy in the USA since 1980 with projection until 2030.

for introduction I wrote
The line graph compares the figures for six different types of fuel used in the USA between 1980 and with prediction until 2030, based on a report from 2008.
I just want to improve my writing....as much as I can , but sometimes it is difficult.

I took IELTS test in July and I got 5.5 for writing, 5 speaking,6.5 reading and 7 listening I need 5.5 in each.
thank you Simon for your effort, this is a great website

[Karen]

Hi Simon,

Thank you for you IELTS tips. I have been reading you blog for a while and found it the information contained is very useful. I'm getting more confidence to take the test since studying them.

I was wondering if you could post some topic about the percentage of people in different age groups in terms of doing something? As I found this type of graph is quite difficult, I do not know how to describe them.

Thank you.

Regards,
Karen

[sjm]

Agreed, though I also advise to notice whether the information is a 'snapshot' or shows changes over time, as this affects the type of language involved (primarily whether to use 'increase/decrease' language or not).

[Naresh]

Hi Simon,

For Task 2 question “Using computers every day will have more negative effects than positive effects on Children. Do you agree or disagree?”

Which of the following should be followed?

1) One paragraph with positive effects and other paragraph with negative effects. Give conclusion what we agree on like “As negative effects outweigh the positive effects, I agree that there are many negative effects ………………..”

2) Write both paragraphs with what we agree such as both paragraphs should explain only negative effects if we agree.

Thanks,
Naresh

[lijomon joseph]

Hi everybody , nice to seen you all . I recently appeared for ielts exam but I got a score of 6.5 overall . I would like to improve my score . Please help me with that .

[lijomon joseph]

thank you simon for your tremendous help.

[Hasanain]

Hi Simon,

when you mention "describe numbers" what do you mean by describing the numbers in these four types of charts. and how I can describe the figures.

Regards
Hasanain

[Allan]

thank you for your help Simon

[mandy]

Hi Simon ,
i have confussion between agree or disagree statement and to what extent do you agree .what is the difference between both?

[Jagtar Singh]

Writing pdf send me sir new