IELTS Bar Chart: A Step-by-Step Guide with Sample Answer
Hello, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the world of IELTS writing, specifically focusing on how to describe bar charts. Picture this: you’ve just been handed a bar chart in your IELTS exam.
Imagine this: You’re sitting in the IELTS exam room, and you have been given a bar chart on the following topic:
The bar chart below illustrates five different industries’ percentage share of Brazil’s economy in 2009 and 2019 with a forecast for 2029.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Your first thought could be — What points should you highlight? How can you impress the examiner?
Sounds challenging? Don’t worry! By the end of this guide, you’ll feel like a pro. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Decode the Chart
First things first, let’s break down the bar chart. Spend a few moments analyzing it. Ask yourself:
- What’s the title? It gives you the big picture of what the chart is about.
- What do the X and Y axes represent? This is crucial for understanding the data.
- What categories are being compared? Identify the groups or items.
- What are the numerical values? Look at the numbers carefully.
Think of this step as getting to know your new friend, the bar chart. The better you understand it, the easier it will be to talk about it!
Step 2: Plan Your Structure
Imagine you’re telling a story. Every good story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Your essay should too! Here’s the structure we’ll follow:
- Introduction
- Overview
- Body Paragraphs
Write the Introduction
The introduction should paraphrase the title of the bar chart. This shows the examiner you understand the data presented.
Write the Overview
The overview is your chance to highlight the main trends or significant features. Think of it as a bird’s-eye view of the chart. Don’t get into specifics here; just give a general sense of what’s going on.
Write the Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs should provide detailed comparisons and mention specific data. Divide the information logically, often by comparing categories or time periods.
Step 3: Write the Introduction
Let’s start with the introduction. Remember, you’re paraphrasing the title. This is your chance to show that you’ve understood the chart.
Introduction
The bar chart presents the actual and projected economic shares of five key business sectors in Brazil for the years 2009, 2019, and 2029.
Step 4: Write the Overview
Next, let’s craft the overview. Summarize the key points without getting into the nitty-gritty details.
Overview
Overall, the Finance sector stands out as the most robust sector, demonstrating sustained growth over the period. On the other hand, the Manufacturing sector is the most adversely affected, showing consistent declines both in actual and projected terms.
Step 5: Detailed Body Paragraphs - Telling the Story
Now, let’s get into the body paragraphs. The body paragraphs should provide detailed comparisons and mention specific data. Divide the information logically, often by comparing categories or time periods.
Body Paragraph 1:
Analyzing the actual figures, from 2009 to 2019, there is a noticeable growth in the Finance, Fossil Fuels, and Food Processing sectors. Finance and Fossil Fuels sectors each expanded by approximately 5%, while Food Processing surged by about 10%. In contrast, the Tourism and Manufacturing sectors experienced a decline of around 5% each during this period.
Body Paragraph 2:
Turning to the projections for 2029, the Finance sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory with another 5% increase. Tourism is projected to remain steady at its 2019 level of roughly 21%. The Food Processing and Fossil Fuels sectors are anticipated to revert to their 2009 shares of 11% and 26%, respectively. Meanwhile, the Manufacturing sector is forecasted to decrease further, falling by an additional 10% to approximately 5%.
Step 6: Adding Depth and Cohesion
We want our essay to flow smoothly. Use linking phrases to connect your ideas. It makes your writing cohesive and easier to follow.
Step 7: Review and Refine
Finally, review your work. Look for any grammatical errors, make sure the data is accurately presented, and ensure your essay flows naturally from one point to the next.
By following these steps and structuring your essay in this manner, you can effectively describe a bar chart in the IELTS exam. Remember to stay within the word limit, typically 150 words for IELTS Task 1, and to present the information clearly and logically.
Sample Answer:
The bar chart presents the actual and projected economic shares of five key business sectors in Brazil for the years 2009, 2019, and 2029.
Overall, the Finance sector stands out as the most robust sector, demonstrating sustained growth over the period. On the other hand, the Manufacturing sector is the most adversely affected, showing consistent declines both in actual and projected terms.
Analyzing the actual figures, from 2009 to 2019, there is a noticeable growth in the Finance, Fossil Fuels, and Food Processing sectors. Finance and Fossil Fuels sectors each expanded by approximately 5%, while Food Processing surged by about 10%. In contrast, the Tourism and Manufacturing sectors experienced a decline of around 5% each during this period.
Turning to the projections for 2029, the Finance sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory with another 5% increase. Tourism is projected to remain steady at its 2019 level of roughly 21%. The Food Processing and Fossil Fuels sectors are anticipated to revert to their 2009 shares of 11% and 26%, respectively. Meanwhile, the Manufacturing sector is forecasted to decrease further, falling by an additional 10% to approximately 5%.
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