IELTS Writing Task 1: Tables — How to Describe Data

How to Approach a Table Task

Tables can have many rows and columns. You will never have time to mention everything. Spend 2 minutes identifying: the highest value, the lowest value, any outlier or exception, and any clear pattern across a row or column.

• Scan for the highest and lowest cells first
• Look for rows/columns with similar or contrasting patterns
• Group 2–3 related countries/categories together

Vocabulary for Comparing Table Data

Tables require comparison vocabulary. Use superlatives for extremes and relative phrases for middle-ground data.

• Extremes: the highest, the lowest, the greatest, the smallest, by far the most
• Relative: higher than average, below the median, comparable to, in contrast to
• Approximation: approximately, roughly, around, just over, nearly

Example: Japan recorded the highest GDP per capita at $42,000, more than four times that of Thailand ($10,200) and considerably above the regional average of $18,500.

What NOT to Do with Tables

Trying to include every piece of data is the biggest mistake. This leads to a list-style response that scores 5 or below. Always select, compare, and comment — do not simply transcribe the table.