A model answer for an IELTS complex table for writing task 1. The table below has been reported in the IELTS test a number of times so it is definitely worth reviewing and learning from. IELTS do like to recycle writing task 1 charts, tables etc which is why you need to review tasks from previous years. It is not common to be given a table with so many categories and numbers, but when you get it, you must be prepared to group information together in a logical way rather than ignore categories completely. This model answer will help you understand how to organise the information.
IELTS Complex Table for Writing Task 1
Download a word doc of this table by clicking: IELTS Complex Table
Band 9 IELTS Complex Table Model Answer
Note: this model answer was provided by Tony Grace, experienced IELTS tutor.
The tables illustrate the proportion of people assessing six aspects of one city’s life as good, average, or bad, in 1980 and 2010.
Overall, healthcare, education, and the environment were given the highest scores in both years, and transport facilities received the lowest. Meanwhile, education’s rating rose over the period, while that of transportation fell.
In 1980, people rated healthcare, education, and the environment the highest, with over 80% approving of healthcare, while the other two had figures of 72%. Under 10% of respondents thought these three services were bad. As for shopping and unemployment, both had similar figures, as 62-64% expressed approval, and 22-24% said they were average. Only a half of those surveyed gave a high score to transportation, with roughly a third stating it was bad.
Turning to 2010, the most significant changes were seen in education, as over 80% were happy with it, and in healthcare whose good rating fell to 74%. The employment situation improved, as in 2010, almost three-quarters of those asked expressed satisfaction. In contrast, approval of the transport facilities fell to 39%, and a similar proportion stated it was bad. Finally, with regard to the environment and shopping, their approval levels both remained relatively unchanged.
