IELTS Table Chart: Overview, Writing Strategies, Tips and Samples

In IELTS writing task 1, the table chart is one of the questions that can be asked. Like other types of diagrammatic data representation in academic writing, the IELTS table chart appears in distinct ways.

Now, let’s see what we are going to cover in this article.

• What is the Table Chart?
• How to describe a Table chart in IELTS?
• Strategies to Score High in IELTS task 1 table
• Tips for describing Table in IELTS Writing Task 1
• Sample Table with answer
• FAQs about table chart in IELTS

What is the Table Chart?

A table chart is nothing but another way to present information. The table contains words, numbers, or a combination of both displayed in boxes or columns. It illustrates a set of facts and the association between them.

Moreover, there can be a single table or a combination of two. It can even be a combination of another diagram such as a line chart, bar chart, or pie chart. 

You will be a table containing figures. Here, your task is to describe the given information in the table by writing at least 150-word reports. You are not supposed to provide your opinion. You should spend around 20 minutes on the task.

The following skills are tested:

• Describe the information presented in a table
• Compare and contrast
• Report on an impersonal topic without giving your opinion
• Use appropriate language to the table description

How to describe a Table chart in IELTS?

Describing a table chart in IELTS is like describing graphs or charts. The same comparison structures and contrast are used if the table is over time. 

Furthermore, it does not need you to learn a new type of language or a new way to organize things.

Whatever the question is, you can follow the below sequence to describe the table.

Read the Question: The first step in IELTS academic writing task 1 is to read and understand the question.  Moreover, it helps you answer the question.

Select your Required Information: You can find the basic information in the heading and question statements of the table. Besides, you can also check the main headings of rows and columns with a slight glance at the figures.

Write Introduction: Write an introduction between 3 to 4 lines. This is one of the crucial steps in describing the table of IELTS academic writing. It should cover the main things of the question but should not be like a body paragraph. Paraphrase the question by rearranging the words; enhance it further mentioning the time.

Analyze the Question: Like other question types, mentioning the key features is essential in the table of IELTS writing. Read the table data for analyzing the table starting from columns to rows. This can be done based on the increasing, decreasing fluctuation of the values.

Create Body Paragraphs: begin writing the body paragraphs after analyzing the table. Structure your body paragraphs and align your writing coherence. Write more than two paragraphs in IELTS academic writing task 1 question. Compare the given figures to find out if there are any similarities or differences. 

Write Conclusion: The final step is writing a summary with great value towards your IELTS writing task 1. Remember to mention the table features in the conclusion.

Following the above sequence, you can describe the table of IELTS academic writing.

Structure of the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Table

Introduction: Explain what the graph or table is showing in your own words

Overview: Summarize the main/interesting features of the graphic.

Body: Use two body paragraphs if you have two graphs/tables/diagrams.

Conclusion: Do not forget to summarize the key points, meaning and the major areas of the graphic.

Strategies to Score High in IELTS Task 1 Table

Does the table have a suitable structure?

A proper structure means the table should consist:

• Introduction, body, and conclusion
• Connective words to make the writing cohesive within sentences and paragraphs

Does the table have enough grammar and vocabulary?

It includes:

• Proper sentence structures
• Range of appropriate vocabulary

Does the table meet the requirements of the task?

Requirements include:

• Meeting the word limit requirements
• Describing the whole graph adequately
• Focusing on the important trends presented in the table

Tips for Describing Table in IELTS Writing Task 1

Follow the below tips while describing the table in IELTS academic writing task 1

• Read understand the given question
• Identify the key information and note them
• Paraphrasing the given question
• Use numeric data 
• Explain the details given in the table
• Keep a count on the word count 
• Maintain an eye on the time
• Use proper grammar and vocabulary
• Use Transition Words to maintain continuity
• Don’t give your opinion

Remember, vocabulary for IELTS plays a major role in describing the table.

So, Why Vocabulary is Important for Table in IELTS?

You must be equipped with the right vocabulary to crack IELTS academic writing task 1.

Using the proper vocabulary helps you present the main trend, compare and contrast data and presenting the logical flow of the table. It even ensures in attaining a high band score in the IELTS academic writing task 1.

Additionally, it helps you learn all the vocabulary phrases and words required to use in your academic writing task 1.

Moreover, it holds 25% of your score in Task 1. Thus, enriching vocabulary can help you hit a high band score.

To prove that you have a great vocabulary, you need to: 

• Use a range of vocabulary
• Use right synonyms 
• Do not repeat phrases and words
• Use precise and accurate words in a sentence
• Do not repeat the same word more than once/twice.

Experts advise you to learn synonyms and use them in your writing to give the impression that you can use a wide vocabulary range.

Sample Table for IELTS Writing task 1:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The table below shows the percentage of mobile phone users using various mobile phone features.

Percentages of mobile phone users using distinct mobile phone features.

Feature	2017	2018	2019
Make Calls	100	100	100
Send & Receive messages	98	92	94
Take photos	60	72	90
Browse Internet	80	85	92
Play MP3	40	68	80
Record Video	No data	20	31
Online Shopping	36	65	83
Money Transfer	No data	57	78
File Transfer	9	38	62

According to the table given, you can see the share of mobile phone users using distinct features in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

The table provides information about various function types used by mobile phone users across 9 categories in three specific years 2017, 2018, and 2019. 

Overall, it can be observed that the most frequent usage of the mobile phone was to make calls. Also observed that only fewer figures for browsing the internet, moreover, the file transfer is very less in 2017.

In each of these years, the mobile use for calling was significantly higher than the other eight functions, with 100% usage levels in all the three years.  The other features include sending and receiving text messages, taking photos, playing music, file transfers, money transfers all had a slight increase in the frequency of usage percentage by mobile phone users.

By the table, it is clear that the money transfer had the largest rise in usage frequency starting with 9% in 2017. By 2019, this figure went up to 62% of the owners using the mobile phone for money transfer.

FAQs about IELTS Table Chart