Bar Chart Tips: How to tackle Bar Chart in IELTS Writing Task 1

• Comparing Categories: Identifying the highest and lowest categories and making comparisons.

• Grouped Bar Charts: Understanding and comparing multiple categories or groups within each category.

• Using Appropriate Language: Employing a variety of language to make comparisons, describing quantities and differences between the bars.

• Summarizing Main Features: Selecting the essential details without listing every single value.

The 5-step process is still applicable but with a focus on comparisons:

1. Analyze the Chart: Understand the chart type and what it represents.

2. Identify Main Features: Note the key comparisons between categories.

3. Plan Your Response: Create a structure that prioritizes comparison.

4. Write the Response: Use specific language to describe and compare categories.

5. Review and Refine: Proofread and check your writing.

Let's examine a bar chart example:

Title: Number of Books Read Annually by People in Four Different Countries in 2023

Data (Simulated):

Here is how the bar chart would visually look like:

 

Bar Chart in IELTS

Analysis:

• What is it about? The number of books read per year.

• What is being measured? Number of books read.

• Who is being measured? People in four different countries.

• Over what time period? 2023.

• Key comparisons: Country D read the most books, country C read the least, and the other countries had a number between the two.

• Overall View:

  • The bar chart provides a snapshot of the number of books read in four different countries in 2023.

  • There is noticeable variation in the number of books read across different countries.

• Specific Features:

  • Country D has the highest number of books read at 30.

  • Country C has the lowest number of books read, at 10.

  • Country A read 15 books, and Country B read 25 books.

A logical structure for a bar chart typically includes:

1. Introduction (1-2 sentences): Paraphrase the chart title.

2. Overview (2-3 sentences): Summarize the main comparisons and notable features.

3. Body Paragraph 1 (4-5 sentences): Detail the highest and lowest categories, and then other categories.

Here's an example response based on the plan:

Introduction:

The bar chart presents data on the quantity of books read annually by people in four distinct countries in the year 2023.

Overview:

Overall, there were considerable variations in the amount of books read across the four countries. Country D recorded the highest reading figures, whilst Country C had the lowest.

Body Paragraph 1:

As shown in the bar chart, the population in Country D read the highest number of books with 30 in 2023. In contrast, the people in Country C read the least, averaging only 10 books per year. Meanwhile, individuals in Country B read an average of 25 books, and Country A had an average reading count of 15 books over the same year.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases:

• Comparison language: compared to, in contrast, whereas, while, by comparison, significantly higher/lower, notably, relatively

• Quantities: the highest, the lowest, a small number, a large number, a moderate number, a significant amount

• Describing values: approximately, nearly, slightly more/less than, precisely

• General statements: overall, in general, generally, as can be seen, it is evident that

Example of a Grouped Bar Chart:

Let's say the above chart was a grouped chart showing book reading trends across different age groups within these countries. Let's add some hypothetical data:

Title: Number of Books Read Annually by Different Age Groups in Four Countries in 2023

Grouped Bar Chart

Analysis:

• Now we have comparisons within each country for different age groups.

• Country D still reads the most overall but we see that reading decreases within age groups, from youngest to oldest.

Revised Body Paragraph Example for Grouped Chart:

The bar chart reveals that within each country, the 18-30 age group generally read the most books, followed by the 31-50 age group, with the 51+ age group consistently reading the least. In Country D, 18-30 year olds read 32 books, 31-50 year olds read 30, and the 51+ read 28. Country A showed similar pattern with 18,12 and 10 books read, while country B's reading habits were 28, 25 and 22 books respectively. Country C showed the overall lowest readings, with groups reading 12, 10 and 8 books.

This will follow the same process as we discussed under line chart:

• Check for grammar and spelling: Ensure your sentences are grammatically correct and there are no spelling mistakes.

• Check for clarity: Does the information flow logically?

• Check for word count: Ensure you are within the word limit.

• Check for repetition: Ensure you are not using the same words or phrases repeatedly.

Tips for Success with Bar Charts:

• Focus on Comparisons: Use language that highlights the differences between categories.

• Identify Key Trends: Summarize the main points without listing every single value.

• Vary Vocabulary: Use a range of comparative and descriptive terms.

• Practice with Different Types of Bar Charts: Practice with single and grouped bar charts.

Why this Approach Works

By following these steps, you'll develop a strong and organized approach to tackling bar chart questions, allowing you to make efficient comparisons and create accurate summaries.

What do you think? Are you ready to practice some more? Perhaps you'd like to try a practice question with one of the examples we have here, or maybe explore another type of chart?