Learn how to describe an IELTS bar chart by following the tips and techniques in this video lessons. This lesson is 100% vital for all IELTS candidates doing writing task 1 academic paper.
You must learn:
- how to write an introduction
- how to identify key features
- how to write an overview (this is the key paragraph)
- if there is a conclusion or overview
- how to organise the body paragraphs
- how to write complex sentences
- tips to avoid getting a low score
- how to get a high score
- MODEL ANSWER FOR THIS LESSON: BAR CHART MODEL ANSWER BAND 9
IELTS Bar Chart Tips Video Tutorial
This video lesson shows you how to tackle an IELTS bar chart for writing task 1 (academic paper). To see the full model answer for this video lesson, please click on the link above. Also read the summary of tips below the video.
IELTS Bar Chart Essential Tips
Below are useful tips for an IELTS bar chart.
1. Introduction Paragraph
Keep your introduction paragraph simple. Just paraphrase the information given by IELTS. It is usually just one sentence. It is possible to also comment on the units of measurement in the chart “Units are measured in …”. You might want to add other key information such as country names, category names and dates.
2. The overview
Look at your bar chart and choose the key features. These might be highs, lows, main differences etc. Collect them together and present them in an overview. To learn more about the overview / conclusion debate, please see my IELTS Overview Video Lesson. You must remember that the examiner is looking for the overview and it is an essential part of your Task Achievement mark. That criterion is 25% of your marks.
3. Body Paragraphs
Make sure you have more than one body paragraph. The usual is two body paragraph. Decide how you will divide the information in the bar chart into difference body paragraphs. You must organise your paragraphs into a logical order.
4. Support Sentences with Data
Your body paragraphs must have numbers to support them. If you fail to have numbers with your sentences in the body paragraphs, you might get only band 5 in Task Achievement. To learn useful vocabulary for using data accurately, see my lesson: IELTS Vocabulary: Accurate Data.
5. Complex Sentences
You must write your task 1 using a range of complex sentences. You must learn these sentence structures. The best way is from model answers: IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answers.
6. Linking devices
You should use a range of linking devices. For example, while / whereas / as opposed to / compared to / in comparison with. All these will help you get a higher score in Coherence and Cohesion which is 25% of your marks. Make sure you use them correctly.
7. Assessment Criteria
Learn more about what the examiner wants to see in your writing. You must understand the requirements for the band score you are aiming for. See this page to learn about IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Scores 5 to 8 Explained.
Recommended
- Bar Chart Model for Above Lesson
- Bar Chart Introduction and Overview Practice
- Model Bar Chart: Gap Fill Grammar Practice
- Sample Bar Charts for Practice
- ALL WRITING TASK 1 LESSONS, TIPS & MODEL ANSWERS
Main IELTS Pages
Develop your IELTS skills with tips, model answers, lessons, free videos and more.
- IELTS Listening
- IELTS Reading
- IELTS Writing Task 1
- IELTS Writing Task 2
- IELTS Speaking
- Vocabulary for IELTS
- IELTS Test Information (FAQ)
- Home Page: IELTS Liz
Thank you so much Liz!
I had my IELTS test about three weeks ago and thanks to your writing lessons I got a score of 7!
That’s wonderful. I’m so pleased for you! Very well done 🙂
Hey Liz!
In overview, can we add a feature related to the same expenditure in both countries? As for computers, the citizens of both countries spent almost the same amount of money.
Overviews are all about key features. This means that things that stand out as noticeable. That the numbers are similar for France and the UK on computers isn’t a noticeable feature. The numbers are also similar for perfume and cars as well. So, the category of computers is not significantly more noticeable than cars and perfume (meaning the difference is minimal rather than considerable between all those categories). If all categories, except computers, had widely different data, then that would be a stand out feature. But in this case, it is just a small detail that doesn’t have a place in the overview. Key features need to “jump off the page” – it means that when you stand from a distance, they are so obvious and noticeable that it is impossible to ignore them.
Now that makes sense, thanks 🙂
hey liz,
so after introduction , do i need to make3 three paragraphs ?
one for overview and 2 body paragraphs ?
You’ll find a link to a page about the structure and paragraphs for writing task 1 as well as more model answers on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
Hi Liz, thank you so much for all your information and guidance. I just wanted to know, specifically regarding the IELTS academic computer-based test, in the writing section will we be able to use other symbols besides the dollar sign( as the dollar sign is included in the numerical section of the keyboard).. what should we do if we get the pound and the euro?Should we in that case type out the entire currency?
Any infomation on the above would be truly appreciated!
Yes, you would write the word if you need to.
Hi Liz, when the units are measured in pounds sterling, can we type the dollar sign ($) to represent the pounds sterling? (For CBT) Or should we repeat typing pounds sterling?
Definitely don’t use the dollar sign because that would be incorrect information and lower your score. Repeat the word “pounds” – no need for “pound sterling” to be repeated. Also, if you mention it once in the first line of the paragraph, you don’t need to repeat it.
I see. Thank you so much for your reply, Liz!
Hello Liz
please is it okay to fuse the Introduction paragraph as well as the overview paragraph?
The overview is best as a separate paragraph, but it is possible to put it with the introduction as long as you use the linking word “Overall” so that the overview is clearly a separate part of the paragraph. If you mix the introduction information with the overview information so that it is all mixed up together, that would definitely lower your score. IELTS is about making things really clear, logical, organised and having information grouped together properly.
Hi, Liz. I thought my body paragraphs should be related to the overview. I mean I should write details about the overview in the body paragraphs. Can I arrange them independently?
The overview contains the key features of the task. The body paragraphs provides all details.
Hi Liz,
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the whole essay on the video (IELTS BAR CHART)
There’s a link to the full model answer on the page above. I’ve just quickly edited the page to make the link to the model answer more visible. Let me know if you can’t see it.
Dearest Liz! I don’t know how can we thank you enough. I wish you health and happiness (Wealth also xD)
Thanks. That’s really kind. Wishing you all the best too 🙂
Thank you for your lesson😃
You’re welcome 🙂
Can I make “5 consumer goods” longer? for example, “5 kinds of consumer goods” of “5 types of consumer goods.”
Yes, definitely.
Thank you Liz for such fabulous and succinct explanation of every topic. The content you provide is probably one of the most comprehensive IELTS curriculum out there on the internet.
You’re welcome 🙂
Hello mam, this is the task 1 given below, so please mam could you tell me my all the mistake and how much band should I get in this task.
Writing task 1
The chart illustrates the proportion of donation that provide by among people to different ages in Britain.
Overall, the greater percentage of British people give money to charity in 1990 then in 2010. However, the pattern differs before and after the age group of 50.
In 1990, over 40% of the 36-50 age group made charitable donation, and this the highest percentage of donation, Oppositely, this figure had fallen to 30% in 2010. Both in 1990 and in 2010, 18-25 age group people contributed least (almost 17% and 7% respectively). In 2010, the 51-65 age group are contributing highest just less than 40%. In 1990, just after the age of 50 this data decrease at 35%.
On the other hand, the figure of both age group 26-35 and over 65 looks similar (41% and 42%) in 1990. In 2010, the percentage of 26-35 age group is dropped by nearly 15% from the highest data and over the 60 age group people donate to charity 35%.
Hi Liz, thank you so much for your lessons. It was only ecause of your lessons that I was able to score 7.5 in writing and an overall bandscore of 8.5. I’m very grateful to you for your help and also to my fiancè for recommending your blog.
That’s great news! Very well done 🙂 I wish your fiance lots of luck.
Hi Liz,
The phrase as opposed to isn’t synonym with by contrast? How is it making sense in this sentence of overview?
Thank you
“as opposed to” means “in contrast with”.
Hey Tr.Lizz, Thanks for amazing session on writing task one. I just wanted to know if that’s okay to put numerical value like 5 consumer goods in your introduction paragraph. Except the dates and percentages being described in the test, whether it is okay to write number on certain sentences even though it’s not being written in the question.
If it is too long to list the names of categories, you can provide the number: five countries. See my model answers to learn all the options: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
Hello Liz!
How do I insert symbols which are not on the keyboard if I take computer test? Should I keep writing “pounds” instead?
Thank you!
In nearly all question in IELTS, the currency will be given in the question which means you do not write it in the answer. However, if this isn’t the case, you can write the word.
Hi Liz
I just wanted to ask that percentage (%) are allowed to write in task 1 or should we write in alphabets only (I. E percentage).
Thanks in advance
It is completely fine to use common symbols such as %, $ and £.
Liz,
Can i write the overview after the Body paragraphs like a conclusion.
Which would get me more marks?
Yes, it can be written at the end of the report. No, it doesn’t get you a higher score – it makes no difference to your score if you put it after the introduction or at the end.
Hi liz please i would want to know if this is for Academic or general writing.
Please go the RED MENU BAR and select “Test Information”, then choose GT IELTS – you can read for yourself about GT writing.
Hi
Is it right to use “on the other hand” for task 1
Liz
It can be used to highlight contrast.
Words are not enough to say Thank you, my dearest teacher 🙂
For the introduction in task 1:
if the y-axis is in the form of (percentages %) and I need to add a second sentence like ‘Units are measured in the form of percentages’
I believe that it isn’t correct, if not what could I write instead?
Thanks in advance
If your introduction begins “the chart illustrations the proportion…”, the word “proportion” means percentage. So, you would not introduce that twice.
Hi Liz,
I tried doing one of the practice tests you posted for writing task 1. However, there was no available model answer. I just wondered if you could check this report I made with regard to one of the bar graphs, which pertained to the digital games’ revenues over a span of 6 years (2000 to 2006).
Here it is:
“The graph illustrates the global revenue of various digital games over a span of 6 years from 2000 to 2006. Units used are in billion dollars.
Overall, the most popular digital game over the period given were the handheld games, with its constant increase in sales. There was also an observed increase in the revenue trends of both online and mobile phone games whereas a gradual decrease in the sales of console games.
In the year 2000, the handheld games had almost $12 billion of sales and continuously increased to around $18 billion. In comparison, online games were not yet around until 2001. However, its revenue constantly increased from around $1 billion in 2001 up to $8-10 billion in 2006. Similarly, the mobile phone games just started selling in 2002 with almost the same revenue as online games (around $2 billion) until it reached over $6 billion of sales in 2006.
Consequently, with the rise of technology, the sales from consoles games declined from around $6 billion in 2000 to just $4 billion.”
I was just hoping to get your feedback on this one as this part of the test, including speaking, is what I am most anxious about.
Although I know that the writing task 2 has a greater impact on my writing band score, do you think this kind of writing in task 1 will warrant me a band score of greater than 6? *fingers crossed*
Apologies for the lengthy comment.
Hope to hear from you. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Liz
thanks at all , your method is very simple and really nice, I would like to ask if it is possible to write instead of the brackets a word like (such as ..) I mean .. 5 consumer goods such as cars, computers, ….
“such as” means examples – they are not examples, they are actual.
I have a problem at the site, all video can’t be open
Please how can I solve the problems
Regardes
My videos on this site are Youtube videos. They all work fine for me and other users. Not sure how I can help you.
You are very good teacher. I see your video and i can improve my writing task 1. So clear and help. May God Bless you sister liz.
From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hi , Liz
My name is Tatiana. I’m so grateful with your videos and lessons . I love your approach to us. I can understand you clearly. Just I would like to ask something in your tutorial video about bar chart , you talked about units, just I would like to know if my information from Ielst is on past tense, I would need to put ” units were measured in ….” Thank you so much. You are so nice …
That information is always in the present tense because it refers to the chart sitting before you on the paper at the present time.
Hello my teacher,
I just want to appreciate your caring.
with best regards
a student from Iran
Hello mam,
In academic writing task you mentation that we put information in bracket. So, i won to know examinar counts that words?
ALL words are counted – words in brackets, small words: ALL words.
Is the examiner going to score handwriting??
I have a VERY BAD handwriting
If the examiner can’t read it, you will get a low score. If the examiner can read it, it’s fine.
Liz, you’re so nice to share this information to everyone! You will be blessed 🙂
Hello liz!
what should we write after an overview? we summarize all the key features in overview.
then what we suppose to write in body paragraphs A and B?
See my model answers to learn: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
maam your style of teaching is very good and helpfull…i have my ielts test next months. i m sure that i will learn alot from your online classes.
Hey Liz, I have a question of bar chart below,
54% of the older age group find learning to speak the local language the most problematic. In comparison, the youngest age group finds this easier, and the percentage who have problems learning the language is much lower, at 29%.
Above content is from a book of Cambridge English. The bar chart has 3 groups (people aged 18-34, 35-54, and over 55), and 3 abilities (learn language is one of three).
This paragraph only included two groups (oldest 54%, youngest 29%), but did not mention the other group (middle age 35%) at all.
My question is:
Do we need to write all data of the 3 groups? If we don’t write all, will we lose marks?
You are marked on selecting data. This means if there is a lot of data, you will choose what to put in. If your task 1 has little data, you will probably include it all in order to reach 150 words (plus). Your choices are being tested in both writing task 1 and writing task 2. This means that the IELTS writing test is not only language based – it is also skills based.
Plz reply what should I do if there are two things like bar graph and line graph or table and pie chart in task 1.Should I write one overall for both or separate for each?how should I explain it.?
You can find a model answer for two charts on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
Hi Liz,
You have emphasized that writing an overview is crucial for a writing 1 task and I have been following this writing structure when I practice. However, I joined a british council course recently and my teacher mentioned that only one sentence in the introduction highlighting the key features is needed followed by 2 body paragraphs. He didn’t recommend us to write overviews. Is it essential to write an overview? I am very confused right now.
Thank you for your guidance! Your website is incredibly helpful!
It is essential to write an overview for writing task 1. IELTS have published their band score descriptors and it is clearly stated by IELTS that you must have an overview. This link (https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/IELTS_task_1_Writing_band_descriptors.pdf) is from the British council, check the column called Task Achievement – read the band scores and it shows that the examiner is looking for an overview. If you see band 5, it shows that band 5 means there is no clear overview. If you see band 6, it shows presents an overview. Band 7 shows presents a clear overview. The overview is critical. If you find the link I gave you difficult to understand, see my simplified page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/
Good day Mam Liz!I’ve been following all your tips & exercises for the past few weeks & thank you so much for all these informations!I know God will bless you more for your super kindness! Just like to inquire if you have model answer for wrting task 1, flowchart ( step by step description)? thanks again!
Tetet from the Philippines
Didn’t you find the main pages of my website? They are accessed through the red bar at the top of the website. Click on the part of the test you want to learn about. This is the main page of writing task 1: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
Thanks Got it mam Liz!
Thank you so much Liz, this is an amazing work, well done dear.
Ali Helmi,
Cairo, Egypt
I really enjoyed your way of teaching and your constant smile as well . You are a miracle.
Thank you Liz
Thank you very much Liz! I don’t think I need to enroll in a review class because what you teach is more than enough!
Thank you so much Liz, you are amazing! It’s so clear to understand and easy to remember!
You’re welcome. Also check the main writing task 1 page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
Data written in brackets wil be taken in counting words
Hi madam,
Thank you. I found it very helpful. Thanks a lot
Hey liz you are doing the tremendous work
Hi Liz,
Thanks a lot for what you present. that was great to be taught with a tutor like you.
Hi Liz,
Is writing task same for academic and general training test. If not, can you please share some details about general training writing task 1&2
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-gt-academic-writing-differences/
Hello Liz! Is in writing task 1 more common to get only a bar chart or a graph, or are they often associated with something else such as a table?
It is possible to get one of the following:
bar chart
line graph
table
pie chart
map
diagram / process
or a combination of two or three
You need to prepare for all of them.
Hello liz
Hi Ms. Liz,
I’m a bit confused because am not placing conclusion for task 1 but my mentor told me that i should put one yet i’ve given an overview. I just want to clarify.
Thank you
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-tips-conclusion-or-overview-for-writing-task-1/
Dear Liz,
what if i given a bar chart that have more than 6 categories? should i write them all?
You can group similar information together if there is too much data.
Dear Liz,
In the introduction part, could we use past tense to describe the chart? The chart datas given in the past (2010)
For example,
First sentecence; The chart illustrated….
Second sentence; Units were measered…
Thanks
The introduction is written in the present because it relates to what is on your paper at that moment.
hello liz,
cant we use word disbursement for expenditure?
No, it’s wouldn’t be appropriate for this report.
See this video@ https://ieltsliz.com/writing-task-1-report-structure/
Dear Liz, I really want to thank you, your lessons are clear and effective. You have helped me a lot 😀
Hi Teacher Liz,
With due respect I would like to share my sentiments on your efforts. Madam ,You have shown a great sense of humanity and generosity while putting your lectures on IELTS for free for the whole world. I respect your teaching way and presents many thanks to your human way of help. Your style is paramount and easy to understand. Your lectures are helping me the lot. Thank you once again Mam.
Regards,
It makes me very happy to know that my work is helping students 🙂 Thanks for your support!
All the best
Liz
hi Liz,
thank you for useful tips.
is it necessary to write conclusion at the end of chart??
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
By the way, you’re so sweet 🙂 and that’s also to say that your teaching style ROCKS! I wish I can have lessons in your classroom 🙂
Thanks.
Thanks 🙂
how about if you are given 2 bar graphs
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Very good website for improving
Miss,
should i write: ” Brazil saw an upward trend in the the number of car users”
or ” The number of car users in Brazil saw an upward trend”
????
Thanks,
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Mis Liz,
Shouldn’t it be
“The expenditure on books in the UK was higher than that of in France.”
in the third line of the first body paragraph?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Well then please reply whnevr ur available. 🙂
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hello, Liz!
Your site is very useful! I’ve got a question: is ‘whilst’ has the same meaning as ‘while’ and is it okay to use it in IELTS writing?
See this link: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/while-and-whilst
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz,
Your website is very informative. Keep it up!
Thank you for making this website very useful.
Diane
I’m really glad you find my blog useful. Thanks for your support 🙂
Liz
Hi Liz,
Thank you again for sharing your videos with us. They have been very helpful.
My questions are:
1. Can I use the word “graph” for bar and pie charts as well? or only for line.
2. Can I use the word “chart” for line? or only for pie and bar?
You use the same words that IELTS give you. Don’t change it.
Liz
Hi Liz,
I have a question.Can the overview paragraph be at the last one ?Or does it have to come second,as in your video?
Thank you so much, I’ve found your video to be very useful.
Kate
It can be at the end. Please see the video lesson about the structure and paragraphs for writing task 1.
All the best
Liz
Thank you so much. I learned a lot.
Hi Liz,
My name is Palak and have recently registered my id with this site. I had my result today. Unfortunately I could not get 7 bands for writing as I missed by 0.5. I am thinking to reappear for test soon after some good practice. I came across this site very recently and and I am very much thankful for all great information and tutorials that can be access through this site. I was wondering would you able to review my couple of essays if I could post them to you?
hello liz!
i have to ask about units. For example, if it is showing the percentages then how we can describe that? Is it right to describe as;
“units are given in percentages”
thanks
You don’t need to give the units unless they are particular interesting or unusual. If it is just percentage, it is usually mentioned in the introduction anyway “the graph illustrates the percentage of…”
Liz
Hi,
Should we also write the Overview when it is a Line Graph?
All writing task 1 (academic) have an overview. See my model answers on the writing task 1 page.
All the best
Liz