IELTS Bar Chart Sample Answer

Below is a band score 9 sample answer for an IELTS  bar chart in writing task 1. Below the model is a link to a video lesson about how to describe an IELTS bar chart. Watch the video to learn essential tips for each paragraph for a high score bar chart.

IELTS bar chart

The bar chart illustrates how many children, divided by gender, played six kinds of sports (tennis, badminton, cycling, swimming, football and hockey) in a town in England in 2012.

Overall, the number of  boys playing sport exceeded that of girls in the given period and the sport with the most significant difference between the genders was football. Football was also the most popular sport for boys while the majority of girls preferred swimming. Furthermore, both males and females least preferred playing hockey.

There were four sports in which boys participated more than girls. While 60 boys played football, the number of girls playing that sport was considerably lower (around 20).  With regards to tennis, the figure for boys who played that sport was 50 as opposed to just under 40 for girls. Similarly, more boys cycled than girls (approximately 35and 20 respectively). The difference, in terms of hockey, was minimal with only about 5 more boys playing that sport than girls.

On the other hand, more girls took part in the two remaining sports which both showed a difference of about 10 between the genders. As many as 50 girls preferred swimming in comparison to 40 girls for badminton.

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Comments

  1. Dimple Dhawan says

    very informative.

  2. jenny vergara says

    thanks for the tips! Godbless

  3. Hi liz. First of all I would like to thank you for all your tips, I fell I am improving a lot with your help. I have a question, in writing task 1 can I divide paragraphs by using linkers such as firstly, secondly, thirdly or is it better to avoid this vocabulary since it is not an essay?

    • Linking words are a must. It is part of the marking criteria that you show the use of linking words. However, using “first, secondly, thirdly” in that way is mechanical – “like a machine” and this will limit your score. Be natural and flexible with your use of linking words. Not all paragraphs need to start with one. Review my model answers and note all linking words: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

  4. in this you did not even mention about badminton..lol

    • Badminton was given in the second body paragraph:
      On the other hand, more girls took part in the two remaining sports which both showed a difference of about 10 between the genders. As many as 50 girls preferred swimming in comparison to 40 girls for badminton.

  5. You are a true daughter of God. Your ❤ is so big (generous) enough for others to see and experience AGAPE, the love of Jesus Christ through you. May God bless you abundantly my dear sister in Jesus Christ. God bless …

  6. Ragul barath says

    Hi liz.
    I would like to have an independent conversation with you….

  7. Hi Liz,
    First of all I would like to thank you for your great lessons. I wish all the best for you. I also have a question. If in a task 1 writing topic we have “per month” like in the following sentence. The chart shows the amount of time teenagers watch television per week or in week. Can I paraphrase it with montly? I am not sure if monthly is formal enough to be used here?

  8. Hi Liz, Your lessons are clear and concise.You are amazing !

  9. Hi Liz,
    Thanks for your help so far ,your teachings has been of tremendously assisted. Please,does task one has conclusion?

  10. Bob parashar says

    hi liz
    i have a querry related this graph’s introduction
    in the question it is not described that the boys and girls are children,adults or teens then how can we say them children ?
    and thanxx a lot for all your very beneficial lessons

    • The word “boy” means a male who is a child. The word “man” means a male who is an adult. Please review your basic English vocabulary.

  11. Hi Liz, can we use word leapfrog for comparison or is it informal?

  12. Hi liz.. how r u ?
    Some authortities claim that the phrase ” on the other hand”is informal. Glad to see you using this phrase. Kindly clarify afformentioned misconception. Thanks in anticipation.

  13. ravi chand says

    hi Liz I’m so happy cuz I’ve found the right person for my Ielts preparation…though this is the first time just about a week that I m taking classes..but following u is just great..
    now I have improved many more seeing your ielts related post…
    thanks once again..😃😃😃😃

    • I’m glad my lessons are helping you 🙂

      • Thank you so much. You are doing a splendid job. I have been searched for many good videos regarding IELTS, than i came to know about your’s, it will help me to get a good band score for sure.

  14. Hello Liz, thanks a lot for your effort with us and I hope u recover from your health problems and get well soon, if u please can I organize my body paragraphs for this topic as one for girls and another for boys after stating the comparisons in the overview of that will be lacking enough comparisons for my task achievement.

  15. Hi, Liz,

    in a “road to ielts” they say that the “overall” part of an essay should be put in the end of an essay. you always put it in a second paragraph. Is there a right way to do it?

    • The examiner will looking for a logical order of paragraphing. The overview contains the key features which are more important than the smaller detail and for this reason it is recommended to put the overview before the body paragraphs. However, it is still possible to put it at the end. Always remember that it is the most important part of your writing task 1.

  16. Hi Liz,
    I want to thank you for your absolutely great help, I have used your website specially for some help with the writing section and I have earned 7.5 for writing in my IELTS just a couple of weeks ago thanks to you!
    many greetings from Palestine!
    Gabi

    • Well done, Gabi 🙂 I’m really pleased for you 🙂

      • Sourav Pal says

        Hi Liz could you let me know with the percentages( should I use singular verb or Plural verb).For example, 60% percentage of expenditure (it should followed by singular or plural verb).

  17. in the overview , can I take some words from the phrase provided and use it ? like in this case boys and girls

    • You don’t need to paraphrase all words. Just paraphrase some and change the order of the words as well.

  18. Dear Liz
    Your amazing in lots of way, thanks for couching.

  19. one of the scholars (he got band score 8.5) in Cambodia suggested your website, and I’ve been browsing through and find it very helpful. Thank you Liz.

  20. Hi Liz,

    How to tackle if we are given two line charts for Task 1? For example, one chart shows the comparison of tuition fee for different fields of study in three different countries and second chart gives information on hostel charges in these countries. Should the overview be based on the combined theme or separate?

    Thanks

  21. I got it
    Thanks alot teacher ^_^

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