Academic Writing

Bar Charts
Description
This version of Task 1 tests your ability to look at and identify the most important and relevant
information and trends in a bar chart, and then report the information in your own words.

On the question paper, you see a bar chart with a title. The instructions for writing your
response appear in a box above the chart. There is also a brief description of the information in
the bar chart in the box. There is usually a key (legend) that explains what each bar represents.
Your job is to look at the chart and select, summarise and describe the most important
information.

Bar charts represent different values with rectangular bars. They present the same sort of
information that is found in line graphs but in a different form. Typically, one axis represents
some numerical value such as costs, income, birth rates, temperatures, etc. The other axis can
represent many different types of information: units of time, different countries or cities,
means of travel, sources of energy, and types of people (male and female; employed and
unemployed; teenagers and adults. etc.).

Bar charts are often used to compare things and many bar charts show trends - changes in
numbers in a certain direction over time. You should describe these trends and compare and
contrast them in your response. However, be aware that not all bar charts show consistent
trends.

There may also be exceptions. For example, a chart may show that the number of people who
use smart phones has been growing annually except for one year.

It is important to look at the bar chart carefully and think about the information in the chart.
You shouldn't write about all of the information; you have to choose the points to write about
carefully.

Here are the basic rules for writing about a bar chart:

1. Look at the chart carefully and decide what the most important information and striking
features are.
2. Write a well-organised overview.
3. Include data to support the key points.
4. Use an academic register or style.
5. Write at least 1 50 words.
6. Complete the task in about 20 minutes.
7. Include only the key points. Minor details or irrelevant data can be left out.
8. Don't do any calculations or give your opinion about the information.
Tactics
1. The first step is to look carefully at the information in the bar chart. Don't
rush through this step. Make sure you understand the chart before you
start to write.
2. Underline important words in the question and circle important points in
the bar chart.
3. Identify what key information is being presented in the bar chart and which
important dates, figures or striking features you'll need to write about.
4. Plan your writing. You can usually divide it into four paragraphs:
introduction, overview, first main feature and second main feature.
5. Look carefully at the timeframe that the bar chart covers and work out
what tenses you need to use (past, present, present perfect or future).
6. Begin with an introductory sentence that describes the bar chart in general
terms, but don't repeat the exact wording of the question.
7. Then describe one or two general trends or features shown in the bar
chart. Don't go into detail; just report the most important trends and
features you see when you look at the chart.
8. In the first main paragraph, select and write about the features that are
most important and interesting, and include relevant data to support the
points you make.
9. When selecting key information, look for the highest and the lowest bar.
Look for any trends and exceptions to those trends.
10. Don't try to write about all the data in the bar chart and don't include
details that are irrelevant to the main trends.
11. Remember, don't try to analyse or explain the information in the chart, or
do any calculations; just describe and report it.
12. Be careful when talking about quantities. If you're unsure about exact
figures, it's better to give an approximate figure, e.g. Factory A produced
around 5,000 units.
13. Keep track of the time. Don't spend more than 20 minutes on Task 1.
14. Make sure your handwriting is clear and legible.
15. Keep in mind the criteria that the examiners use to mark your response.
1. Read the task and answer the questions below.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The graph below shows the expenditure of France and the UK, in pounds
sterling, on consumer goods in 2010.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words

1. What is the most striking feature of the chart?

2. What patterns can you see for the countries?
3. Does it show static or dynamic information? Why?
4. Is it possible to use line graph vocabulary when describing this chart?
5. What grammatical tense should be used? Why?
6. Is it possible to break the data into two parts? If yes, what can they be?
If no, what structure can you suggest?
2. Read the model answer. What is the function of each paragraph in it?

The chart illustrates the amount of money spent on five consumer

goods (cars, computers, hooks, perfume and cameras) in France and the
UK in 2010. Units are measured in pounds sterling.

Overall, the UK spent more money on consumer goods than France in

the period given. Both the British and the French spent most of their
money on cars whereas the least amount of money was spent on
perfume in the UK compared to cameras in France. Furthermore, there
was a wide disparity in expenditure between the two countries was on
cameras.

In terms of cars, people in the UK spent about £450,000 on this as

opposed to the French who spent £400,000. Similarly, the British spent
more money on books than the French (around £400,000 and £300,000
respectively). In the UK, expenditure on cameras (just over £350,000)
was over double that of France, which was only £150,000.

On the other hand, the amount spent on the remaining goods was
higher in France. Above £350,000 was spent by the French on
computers which was slightly more than the British who spent exactly
£350,000. Neither of the countries spent much on perfume which
accounted for £200.000 of expenditure in France but under £150,000 in
the UK.
 3. Fill in the gaps with the highlighted words from task 2.

Comparison Language

Introducing Differences

Generally, there is a significant difference between a and b

1)_________________________ in + n
Comparative Structures

In contrast (to B), A is larger/smaller by a narrow margin

In comparison (with B), by x

A is [just]+[under/over] x larger/smaller than B

[approximately]

A is twice as large/great/high as B
[under/over] two/three
times

A produces/consumes/ 2)______________/less + than B

uncountable n.
more/fewer +
countable n

A is considerably/substantially greater/3)__________/smaller
marginally/slightly than B

A is almost/roughly as large/high as B
Superlative Structures

A is the [second/third] largest/smallest/most productive/... + uncountable n.

A has the [second/third] greatest/widest/most significant/... productive + n

A uses the largest proportion of + uncountable n

produces highest 4)_____________ of + uncountable
consumes smallest n number of + countable n
lowest quantity of +
countable/uncountable n
4. Look at the chart and write accurate comparative sentences about the
information in it using these prompts.

1) Coffee in the UK / expensive

/ France
2) The cost of a coffee in Spain
/ cheap / France
3) There is / big disparity /
price /coffee / the UK and
Latvia
4) The price of coffee / France / high / Spain / narrow margin
5) The cost of coffee / Portugal / twice / large / Latvia
6) Expensive / coffee is / the UK.

5. Read the task and answer the questions below.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The chart shows the results of a survey about the most important inventions in
the last 300 years

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words

 1) What is the most striking feature of the chart?
2) What voting patterns can you see for females?
3) What voting patterns can you see for males?

6. Write down 3 sentences to describe the indices of Bicycle and Car.

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
 General Training Writing
Letter of Application
Overview
1. You may be asked to write a letter of application (e.g. applying for a job) in
the IELTS Test. A letter of application should be polite and factual. It should
also emphasise your experience and strengths.
2. In the introduction you should briefly introduce yourself and say why you
are writing. Information such as when and where the job was advertised is
important because it is information the company needs assess how
affective their advertising is.
3. Typically, you should give brief details about your background. However,
you shouldn’t give details such as dates and places where you’ve worked
(except your latest job) because this information is included in your
résumé.
4. Another usual feature is that you should outline your achievements, giving
brief details or promotions or special projects you’ve worked on, including
brief details of your responsibilities. Again, don’t add too much detail
otherwise you'll repeat the information in your résumé.
5. Also, you should give your reasons for applying for the job. This is
important because the reader will want to know the reason why you want
to leave your present company or job
6. When writing the conclusion to a letter of application you want the person
reading the letter to reply to you. However, it is important to keep it brief
because the person reading the letter is probably very busy.
 General Training Writing
Job Application Letter
1. Read the task and answer the questions.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

You have seen an advertisement on the Internet for a job working in an airline.
You have decided to apply for the job.
Write a letter to an HR manager of the airline. In your letter:
 introduce yourself
 explain what experience and skills you have
 explain why you are interested in the job

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter with as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

1. What style should you use when writing a response?

2. What should be included in the response?
3. How many paragraphs should be written? What information should be
included into those paragraphs?
4. Is it a good idea to invent additional information? If yes, what kind of
information? If not, why?
5. What experience and skills should be included?
6. What can you write to show that you are interested in this job?
2. Read the model answer and find the answers to questions 5 and 6 from task 1

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to submit my enthusiastic application for the flight attendant position

for Air Atlantic, as advertised on AirJobs.com.

As you can see from my CV, I have extensive experience in the customer service
industry which has taught me the value of providing positive, individualized
service to all customers. As a restaurant host, I made sure to promote each
guest’s comfort and well-being. As a sales representative, I worked one-on-one
with customers to ensure that all of their questions about products were
answered and that each customer felt listened to. I would bring this positive
energy and hospitality to my job as a flight attendant at Air Atlantic.

I am confident that my dynamic customer service and teamwork skills will make
me a strong member of your crew. Therefore, I would love the opportunity to
speak with you about how my skills and experience would make me an asset to
your flight crew.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Yours faithfully,

Rob Stark

3. What phrases in the model answer are used to:

1) Start the letter

2) Introduce the reason why the author is writing the letter

3) Show experience and skills

4) Show that the author is interested in the job

4. Tips and phrases.

1. Write a formal introduction

Dear Sir/Madam, (or write person’s name if it was given in task instructions)

2. Write what position are you applying to, and where it was advertised.

I would like to apply for the position of secretary advertised in ‘Herald Tribune’ of April
15th 2005.

3. Write about your skills, diplomas and experience

I am a Software Engineer with more than ten years of experience in…

I graduated in Some Study Course from Famous University, 1996

At present I am employed as a ... by company.

I am familiar with…

My skills include working with …, performing ..., managing...

In course of my present job I have been responsible for the planning and organization of
...

I am used to working at a fast pace to meet deadlines.

4. Explain, why you are interested in this job, express your motivation to contribute. Ask to
schedule an interview as soon as possible

I would like to apply my skills in your company.

I believe the position you offer will give me opportunity to...

If you find my skills and experience suitable, please contact me to schedule an interview.

I am looking forward to discussing my credentials with you personally.

5. Thank the person

Thank you for your time and consideration.

6. If you know the name of person you are writing to, sign:

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Smith

7. If you don’t know the name of person you are writing to, sign:

Yours faithfully,

Mr. Smith
5. Read the task and make notes about the point mentioned in the task.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

You have seen an advertisement on the Internet for a job working in a

restaurant.
You have decided to apply for the job.
Write a letter to the director of the Museum. In your letter:
 introduce yourself
 explain what experience and special skills you have
 explain why you are interested in the job

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter with as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam

6. Continue the phrases with your own ideas.

I am writing to………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………

As you can see from my CV, I have extensive experience in………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

My skills include working with …………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

I am confident that ………………………………………. and ……………………. skills

will make me a strong member of your crew.
 Listening Section 2

Multiple Choice with More Than One Answer

Tactics
1. The numbered questions follow the order of the information in the recording. This will
help you not get lost while listening.
2. When you listen to the recording, you hear words and ideas from the questions. These
help you to know that the relevant information is coming.
3. Remember, you are often listening for the speakers' ideas and opinions - not just
individual words and facts.
4. Remember to write TWO letters on the answer sheet.
5. Always answer all the questions, even if you're not entirely sure.

Map Labeling
Tactics
1. Before you listen, you have time to look at the map and think about what you're going
to hear.
2. Look at the list of numbered questions or list of labels and think about how the labels
relate to the map.
3. Remember that the information in the recording comes in the same order as the
numbered questions.
4. At the beginning of the recording, you hear information about where to start looking at
the map.
5. When you listen to the recording, you hear some words or ideas from the map. Look at
it as you listen and follow the information.
6. You may also hear some of the words from the labels in the recording. This tells you that
the information you need is coming.
7. Remember, the correct answer reports the meaning of the recording, but doesn't
always use exactly the same words and expressions - listen for the meaning.
8. If you aren't sure, always write something. No marks are taken off for wrong answers.
13
1 and 2

3 and 4
 5-10

5-10

1
14
1-2

3-4
 5-10

209
15
1-2

3-4

5-6
 7-10

1
Key

Academic Writing

2)

1. Paraphrased question

2. Overview of main features.

3. Details of first main feature.

4. Details of second main feature

3)

1. a wide disparity
2. more
3. higher
4. amount

4)

1) Coffee in the UK is more expensive than in France

2) The cost of a coffee in Spain is cheaper than in France
3) There is a big disparity in the price of coffee in the UK and Latvia
4) The price of coffee in France is higher than in Spain by a narrow margin
5) The cost of coffee in Portugal is twice as large as in Latvia
6) The most expensive coffee is in the UK

General training

Source: https://www.thebalance.com/flight-attendant-cover-letter-example-2060130

3)

1. Dear Sir or Madam,

2. I am writing to submit my enthusiastic application for the ……………position for…………..,
as advertised on……………...
3. As you can see from my CV, I have extensive experience in……
I made sure to
I worked with …………to ensure that……………
4. I am confident that my dynamic customer service and teamwork skills will make me a
strong member of your ………
I would love the opportunity to speak with you about how my skills and experience
would make me an asset to your …….
Listening

1)

1&2 A/D (in any order)

3&4 C/E (in any order)

5E

6A

7C

8H

9F

10 B

2)

1&2 B E (in any order)

3&4 B C (in any order)

5 G

6 I

7B

8E

9C

10 A

3)

1&2 A B (in any order)

3&4 B D (in any order)

5&6 C E (in any order)

7G

8D

9B

10 F