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IELTS Table Sample Answer
Study this ielts table 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 table shows the average monthly spending of students in three cities on rent, food, transport, and entertainment.
Data description
- City A: Rent $600, Food $250, Transport $80, Entertainment $120
- City B: Rent $450, Food $220, Transport $100, Entertainment $150
- City C: Rent $350, Food $200, Transport $70, Entertainment $90
Band 7 sample answer
The table compares average monthly student spending in three cities. Overall, rent was the biggest cost in all cities, and City A was the most expensive. Students in City A spent $600 on rent, compared with $450 in City B and $350 in City C. Food costs were closer, at $250, $220, and $200 respectively. City B had the highest transport and entertainment spending, at $100 and $150. City C was the cheapest city overall, with the lowest figures for rent, food, transport, and entertainment except that transport was lower than City A only slightly.
Band 9 improved sample answer
The table compares how much students spent each month on four categories in three cities. Overall, rent was by far the largest expense everywhere, and City A had the highest total spending, while City C was generally the least expensive. Rent in City A stood at $600, considerably above City B's $450 and City C's $350. Food spending showed less variation, ranging from $200 in City C to $250 in City A. By contrast, City B recorded the highest figures for transport and entertainment, at $100 and $150 respectively. City C had the lowest or joint-lowest spending in most categories, especially rent and entertainment.
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Overview analysis
Rent was the largest expense in all three cities, with City A being the most expensive overall. City C had the lowest spending in most categories.
Key features
- City A had the highest rent.
- City B had the highest entertainment and transport spending.
- City C was the cheapest overall.
- Food spending varied less than rent.
Useful vocabulary
- the highest figure
- the lowest amount
- by comparison
- respectively
- whereas
- in contrast
Common mistakes
- copying every number
- missing the highest and lowest values
- not grouping similar data
- using weak comparison language
- forgetting the overview
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FAQ
How do I describe a table in IELTS Task 1?
Identify the highest and lowest figures, group similar data, and compare categories clearly.
How do I choose key features from a table?
Look for extremes, clear patterns, and differences between rows or columns.
Should I include all numbers?
No. Include numbers that support the main comparisons.
How do I compare data in a table?
Use whereas, compared with, respectively, and by contrast.
Can I check my Task 1 table answer?
Yes. A checker can show whether your overview and comparisons are strong enough.
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