How to answer table chart essay in IELTS writing task 1 Academics

Table chart essay is one of the most important questions asked in IELTS writing task 1 Academics.

In this, you are provided with one or two data tables. You will need to compare the data between different entities for a given time. You don’t need to include everything that you notice in the questions instead focus on mentioning the main points in your essay.  Grouping the data is one of the key skills that you need here.

In this article, we will discuss how to answer a table chart essay in IELTS Writing task 1 Academics.

What is a table chart essay?

A table chart essay is a form of the question asked in the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academics in which you are given a table with information and you have to explain the table in your words citing the main points with supporting facts, figures given in the question.  In any table chart, the horizontal and vertical axis is the two major points to be talked about in the essay.

The table contains words, numbers, or both displayed in boxes or columns.  There can be a single table or a combination of two.

In the task, you will be required to describe the table in a 150-word report. You are not supposed to give your opinion in the essay. Just walk by the facts given in the question to frame your answer.

What is the purpose of the Table Chart Essay assessment in IELTS Writing Task 1?

The purpose of the Table Chart Essay Assessment in IELTS Writing task is to judge a student based on the following skills:

• The information described in the answer
• Clarity of Compare and contrast are done in the answer
• Making a report on an impersonal topic
• Use of language in the answer

What are the different parts of the table chart essay questions?

Part 1:  Part1 one of the table chart essay talks about the information given in the question and the table

Part 2:  Part 2 directs you what to do in the question. It talks about the context and the comparisons

Part 3: Part 3 of the essay is the graphical representation of the question.

Structure of the Table chart Essay

Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Conclusion

     Or

Introduction
Overview paragraph
Body paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2

Introduction- Write the introduction within 3-4 lines. Your introduction should cover the main points mentioned in the question. You can begin the introduction by paraphrasing the question.

Body paragraph 1- You can talk about the main issue in the body paragraph 1 that aligns well with your introduction.

Body Paragraph 2- Talk about the second main point in body paragraph 2

Conclusion- Introduction, and conclusion are the 2 major points that decide the score. So, frame your conclusion concerning your understanding of the question.

Marking Criteria of the IELTS Writing Test
1. Task Achievement

Task Achievement is all about how well you answer the question.

To increase your score for TA:

• Present the information accurately
• Answer all parts of the task
• Provide a clear overview
• Highlight the key features

2. Coherence and Cohesion

Coherence and Cohesion are all about testing the organization of the essay, the paragraph used, and the linking devices.

To increase your score for Coherence and Cohesion you can:

• Have 4 paragraphs
• Organize your ideas logically
• Use a range of linking  words
• Make sure each paragraph share an idea

3. Lexical Resource and Vocabulary

Lexical resource tests how good your vocabulary is. Apart from that, it tests spelling and paraphrasing.

To score more on lexical resource and vocabulary front you can:

• Pay attention to the collocations
• Use a range of words appropriate for the topic
• Spell the words correctly
• Avoid using informal language

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

In the IELTS Writing task 1 Academics, you will be examined based on your grammar, i.e., the tense used in the paragraph, the tone, use of complex sentences, and the number of errors.

To score well on the grammatical Range and Accuracy front, you can:

• Use a wide range of grammatical structures
• Manage punctuation
• Avoid errors in sentences
• Pay attention to the order of the words in the sentence

Keeping a tab over these points will help you in creating a good essay structure and help you achieve the desired band score.

Each of these parameters is equally weighted. (25%)

How to plan your essay in Writing task 1 Academics
Planning is one of the most important things in conquering the IELTS battle.  You can follow the steps below to plan your easy:

1. Analyze the Question
Analyze the question by reading the instructions and analyzing the figures, facts mentioned in the information.

2. Identify the main features
Pick 2-3 most important trends by analyzing the table chart and write about it in your essay.

3. Brainstorm the ideas and vocabulary
Brainstorm the ideas to design your introduction and overview of the essay.

Introduction- paraphrase the question

Overview- summarize the chart

Detailed paragraphs- You can talk about or elaborate on the main features of your essay in the paragraph.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 1-Academics

Incomplete analysis of the data
For attempting the question perfectly, you need to understand its base. Therefore incomplete analysis of data will hamper your answer. Take time to read the question and form your answer for the same.

Writing Explanation for the data
Though you have to write an essay on the data, you don’t have to talk about every single point in the essay.  Try skimming the passage and focus on the explanation of the main points.

Not Writing an Overview
The overview is critical to your answer formation and completion. Therefore, missing out on an overview can cause your marks. And, of course, you don’t want that to happen!  Write a complete overview of what the question is all about. You can include the overview at the beginning or the end of the essay.

Mentioning every detail
As mentioned in the 2nd point, you don’t need to include everything in your essay. Just include the main points asked in the question.

Exceeding the word limit
Although there is no upper limit, most of the IELTS aspirants think that exceeding the word limit is cool. Well, that’s not the case. You should try to complete the essay within 160-190 words and avoid going beyond it.

Illogical structure
Follow a logical structure while writing the essay

Not Planning before writing
Planning accounts for one of the crucial steps in writing the essay. Therefore, always plan your essay and organize the structure before writing it.

This is how you can answer the Table Chart questions in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academics. Always take time in reading, organizing the question, and grouping the information. This accounts for an important skill in IELTS Academic Writing and helps you score well.

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