Bar charts are one of the most common question types in IELTS Writing Task 1. They show data using rectangular bars, making it easy to compare values across different categories. This guide will teach you exactly how to describe a bar chart and achieve a high band score.
The Bar Chart
Look at this bar chart carefully. It shows the number of students dropping out of university courses per 1,000 enrolled students in 2019, across four European countries and three subjects.
Number of students dropping out per 1,000 enrolled (2019)
Step 1: Analyse the Chart
Before writing, spend 2 minutes identifying the key information:
What does it show?
University dropout rates per 1,000 students in 2019 across four countries and three subjects.
What are the main patterns?
- Arts has the highest dropout rates in all countries
- Law has the lowest dropout rates overall
- Italy has the highest rates, France has the lowest
What are the key figures?
- Highest: Italy Arts (8.5)
- Lowest: France Law (2.4)
- Similar values: Germany and Spain in Law (around 3)
Step 2: Know the Structure
A bar chart response should have 4 paragraphs:
| Paragraph | Purpose | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Paraphrase the question | 1-2 sentences |
| 2. Overview | Main trends (no numbers) | 2-3 sentences |
| 3. Body 1 | Detailed comparison (group 1) | 3-4 sentences |
| 4. Body 2 | Detailed comparison (group 2) | 3-4 sentences |
Step 3: Learn the Key Vocabulary
Comparing Values
| Comparison Type | Useful Phrases |
|---|---|
| Highest | the highest figure, the greatest number, the most, the peak |
| Lowest | the lowest figure, the smallest number, the least, the minimum |
| Similar | similar to, almost the same as, comparable to, roughly equal |
| Different | significantly higher/lower than, twice as many as, considerably more than |
| Small gap | slightly higher, marginally lower, just above/below |
| Large gap | far more than, substantially greater, well above |
Describing Amounts
| Amount | Example Phrases |
|---|---|
| Exact | exactly 5.2, precisely 3.8, at 6.1 |
| Approximate | approximately 5, around 4, roughly 3, about 6, just over 8 |
| Ranges | between 2 and 4, ranging from 3 to 8 |
Linking and Contrast Words
Adding information
similarly, likewise, also, in addition, moreover
Showing contrast
however, in contrast, on the other hand, whereas, while
Step 4: Write Your Answer
Now let's build the answer paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paraphrase the chart title. Do NOT copy it word for word.
Original:
"Number of students dropping out per 1,000 enrolled (2019)"
Paraphrased:
"The bar chart compares the dropout rates per 1,000 university students across three academic disciplines in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy in 2019."
Paragraph 2: Overview
State the 2-3 main patterns you noticed. No specific numbers here!
"Overall, Arts courses had the highest dropout rates in all four countries, while Law had the lowest. Italy consistently recorded the highest figures across all subjects, whereas France had the lowest rates."
Paragraph 3: Body 1
Describe the first group in detail. Let's focus on comparing countries within each subject:
"Looking at Engineering, Italy had the highest dropout rate at 6.1 per 1,000 students, followed by Germany at 5.2. Spain recorded a slightly lower figure of 4.5, while France had the fewest dropouts at 3.8. For Law courses, the differences were smaller, with all countries falling between 2.4 and 3.5. France again had the lowest rate at 2.4, and Italy the highest at 3.5."
Paragraph 4: Body 2
Describe the remaining data. Here we focus on Arts and make comparisons:
"The Arts category showed the most significant variation between countries. Italy had by far the highest dropout rate at 8.5 per 1,000 students, which was almost double that of France at 4.6. Germany recorded 7.2 dropouts, considerably higher than Spain at 5.8. Notably, Italy's Arts dropout rate was more than three times higher than France's Law dropout rate, representing the largest gap in the data."
Step 5: See the Complete Answer
Complete Model Answer
The bar chart compares the dropout rates per 1,000 university students across three academic disciplines in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy in 2019.
Overall, Arts courses had the highest dropout rates in all four countries, while Law had the lowest. Italy consistently recorded the highest figures across all subjects, whereas France had the lowest rates.
Looking at Engineering, Italy had the highest dropout rate at 6.1 per 1,000 students, followed by Germany at 5.2. Spain recorded a slightly lower figure of 4.5, while France had the fewest dropouts at 3.8. For Law courses, the differences were smaller, with all countries falling between 2.4 and 3.5. France again had the lowest rate at 2.4, and Italy the highest at 3.5.
The Arts category showed the most significant variation between countries. Italy had by far the highest dropout rate at 8.5 per 1,000 students, which was almost double that of France at 4.6. Germany recorded 7.2 dropouts, considerably higher than Spain at 5.8. Notably, Italy's Arts dropout rate was more than three times higher than France's Law dropout rate, representing the largest gap in the data.
Word count: 182 words (aim for 150-190)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do NOT describe every single bar
Focus on main patterns, highest and lowest values, and interesting comparisons.
Do NOT give reasons or opinions
Never write "This is because..." or "I think...". Just describe what you see.
Do NOT use the same words repeatedly
Instead of always saying "higher", use "greater", "more", "exceeded", etc.
Do NOT forget the overview
Without an overview, your maximum score is Band 5. Always include it!
Final Checklist
Before you finish, check:
- Did you paraphrase the question (not copy it)?
- Did you write an overview with main patterns?
- Did you include specific numbers?
- Did you make comparisons between bars?
- Did you use varied vocabulary?
- Is it 150-190 words?
- Did you avoid giving opinions or reasons?
Continue Learning
Reinforce what you've learned with videos and practice tests.