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IELTS Bar Chart Sample Answer
Study this ielts bar chart sample answer with a practice task, data description, Band 7 sample answer, Band 9 improved answer, overview analysis, key features, useful vocabulary, and common mistakes.
This is an IELTS-style practice task, not an official IELTS exam question.
IELTS-style sample task
The bar chart compares the percentage of university students studying four subjects in 2010 and 2020: Business, Engineering, Arts, and Computer Science.
Data description
- Business: 2010 = 30%, 2020 = 25%
- Engineering: 2010 = 25%, 2020 = 28%
- Arts: 2010 = 20%, 2020 = 12%
- Computer Science: 2010 = 15%, 2020 = 30%
Band 7 sample answer
The bar chart shows the percentage of university students who studied four subjects in 2010 and 2020. Overall, Computer Science increased the most and became the most popular subject in 2020, while Arts decreased clearly. Business was the highest subject in 2010 at 30%, but it fell to 25% in 2020. Engineering rose slightly from 25% to 28%. Arts dropped from 20% to 12%, which was the biggest fall. In contrast, Computer Science doubled from 15% to 30%, making it the leading subject by the end of the period.
Band 9 improved sample answer
The bar chart compares the proportions of university students studying Business, Engineering, Arts, and Computer Science in 2010 and 2020. Overall, Computer Science experienced the most dramatic rise and became the leading subject by 2020, whereas Arts declined markedly. Business accounted for the largest share in 2010, at 30%, but this figure slipped to 25% ten years later. Engineering changed only modestly, increasing from 25% to 28%. The most noticeable fall was in Arts, which dropped from 20% to 12%. By contrast, Computer Science doubled from 15% to 30%, overtaking all other subjects in 2020.
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Overview analysis
Computer Science saw the biggest increase and became the most popular subject by 2020, while Arts declined significantly.
Key features
- Computer Science doubled from 15% to 30%.
- Arts fell from 20% to 12%.
- Business declined slightly.
- Engineering rose moderately.
Useful vocabulary
- rose to
- fell from
- doubled
- declined slightly
- became the most popular
- by comparison
Common mistakes
- describing every bar separately
- missing the overall trend
- using too many numbers
- not comparing categories
- writing personal opinions
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FAQ
How do I write an IELTS bar chart answer?
Start with an introduction, write a clear overview, then compare the most important figures.
What should the overview include?
Mention the biggest changes, highest or lowest categories, and the main pattern.
Should I describe every number?
No. Select the figures that best support the main trends.
How many comparisons should I make?
Two or three strong comparisons are usually enough.
Can I check my bar chart answer online?
Yes. Use a Task 1 checker to review overview, comparisons, and language.
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