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INTRODUCTION to writing a graph description
For the IELTS writing test, you are required to complete two writing tasks. Task 1 is some kind of data report, while Task 2 is an essay. You are probably already familiar with how to write an essay, but less familiar with the format and content of a report.
So let’s look at an example of a graph description, then break it down into steps so you can practice writing your own graph description reports for IELTS Task 1 practice. NB: Not every Task 1 asks you to describe a graph; there may be tables, charts, or even a diagram or flowchart for you to describe instead. However, the same principles of organization and steps for writing the report apply.
FIRST SAMPLE IELTS TASK 1
18
16
14
Mainland China
12
10
8
6
Other areas in
Asia
Non-Asian countries 2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
4
2
0
2002
People (in millions)
Visitors to Hong Kong by country/area 2002-2009
Years
Compiled from two sources (Last access date: August 3, 2009.): http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_807/transport.pdf http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjsj/ndsj/2007/html/W2437E.HTM (Figures for 2009 have been extrapolated)
Prepared by Julie Groves
11/16/2009
Sample Report 1 – Model Answer
The graph shows the number of travelers from various parts of the world entering Hong Kong for the years from 2002 to 2009. It can clearly be seen that there has been* a large increase in the number of Mainland Chinese visitors, while figures for visitors from Asia as well as other areas of the world have only shown* a slight growth. The numbers of Mainland Chinese visiting Hong Kong have risen considerably over this time period. In 2002 there were nearly 7 million Mainland Chinese visitors, similar to the figure for other parts of Asia and just over double that for non-Asian travelers. This number climbed to approximately 8 million in 2003, then rose dramatically by 4 million to
For the IELTS writing test, you are required to complete two writing tasks. Task 1 is some kind of data report, while Task 2 is an essay. You are probably already familiar with how to write an essay, but less familiar with the format and content of a report.
So let’s look at an example of a graph description, then break it down into steps so you can practice writing your own graph description reports for IELTS Task 1 practice. NB: Not every Task 1 asks you to describe a graph; there may be tables, charts, or even a diagram or flowchart for you to describe instead. However, the same principles of organization and steps for writing the report apply.
FIRST SAMPLE IELTS TASK 1
18
16
14
Mainland China
12
10
8
6
Other areas in
Asia
Non-Asian countries 2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
4
2
0
2002
People (in millions)
Visitors to Hong Kong by country/area 2002-2009
Years
Compiled from two sources (Last access date: August 3, 2009.): http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/FileManager/EN/Content_807/transport.pdf http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjsj/ndsj/2007/html/W2437E.HTM (Figures for 2009 have been extrapolated)
Prepared by Julie Groves
11/16/2009
Sample Report 1 – Model Answer
The graph shows the number of travelers from various parts of the world entering Hong Kong for the years from 2002 to 2009. It can clearly be seen that there has been* a large increase in the number of Mainland Chinese visitors, while figures for visitors from Asia as well as other areas of the world have only shown* a slight growth. The numbers of Mainland Chinese visiting Hong Kong have risen considerably over this time period. In 2002 there were nearly 7 million Mainland Chinese visitors, similar to the figure for other parts of Asia and just over double that for non-Asian travelers. This number climbed to approximately 8 million in 2003, then rose dramatically by 4 million to