IELTS Writing Task 1: Mixed Charts - Band 9 Samples

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Sample Prompt

The charts below show the percentage of people who recycled household waste in four countries between 2010 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Band 6.0 Sample

Band 6.0 Sample

The charts show the recycling rates of four countries from 2010 to 2020. Germany had the highest recycling rate, starting at 60% in 2010 and reaching 80% in 2020. Japan increased from 40% to 65%, while the UK went from 30% to 55%. Canada had the lowest rate, starting at 20% and ending at 35%. Germany improved the most, but all countries showed progress. The charts clearly show that recycling has become more common over the past decade.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Band 6 - Presents a clear overview but with some irrelevant details.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 6 - Information is logically organized but with some abrupt transitions.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Band 6 - Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 6 - Makes frequent errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 7.0 Sample

Band 7.0 Sample

The charts illustrate the recycling rates of four countries over a decade. In 2010, Germany led with 60%, followed by Japan (40%), the UK (30%), and Canada (20%). By 2020, Germany’s rate surged to 80%, while Japan, the UK, and Canada reached 65%, 55%, and 35% respectively. Germany’s consistent improvement highlights its commitment to environmental sustainability. The UK and Japan also showed significant progress, whereas Canada lagged behind. Overall, all countries demonstrated a positive trend in recycling rates.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Band 7 - Provides an overview with some supporting details but lacks depth in comparisons.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 7 - Information is well-organized with clear transitions.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Band 7 - Uses a mix of appropriate and varied vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 7 - Makes occasional errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 8.0 Sample

Band 8.0 Sample

The charts depict the recycling rates of four countries from 2010 to 2020, revealing significant growth in environmental consciousness. Germany, the frontrunner, increased its recycling rate from 60% to 80%, demonstrating a robust commitment to sustainability. Japan and the UK also made notable strides, with Japan rising from 40% to 65% and the UK from 30% to 55%. Canada, albeit the lowest, showed improvement from 20% to 35%. The data underscores a global shift towards recycling, with Germany setting a benchmark for other nations. The UK and Japan’s progress reflects their growing environmental policies, while Canada’s slower pace suggests room for improvement.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Band 8 - Provides a clear overview with detailed comparisons and relevant supporting details.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 8 - Information is logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Band 8 - Uses a range of appropriate and varied vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 8 - Makes occasional errors in grammar and punctuation but generally uses complex sentences accurately.

Band 9.0 Sample

Band 9.0 Sample

The charts provide a comparative analysis of recycling rates in four countries over a decade, highlighting distinct trends and significant progress. Germany, consistently the leader, exhibited a remarkable increase from 60% in 2010 to 80% in 2020, reflecting its proactive environmental policies. Japan and the UK also demonstrated commendable growth, with Japan’s rate escalating from 40% to 65% and the UK’s from 30% to 55%. These increments underscore the impact of effective waste management strategies. In contrast, Canada, starting at 20%, showed a modest improvement to 35%, indicating a slower but steady progress. The data collectively illustrates a global trend towards enhanced recycling practices, with Germany paving the way, Japan and the UK following closely, and Canada making gradual advancements.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Band 9 - Provides a clear overview with thorough and relevant supporting details.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 9 - Information is logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Band 9 - Uses a wide range of appropriate and varied vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 9 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms accurately.

Key Vocabulary

1. Recycling rates - The percentage of waste that is recycled.

• Example: The recycling rates in Germany have increased significantly.

1. Environmental consciousness - Awareness of environmental issues and the need to protect the environment.

• Example: There is a growing environmental consciousness among the population.

1. Sustainability - The ability to maintain or support a process over time without harming the environment.

• Example: The country is committed to sustainability.

1. Benchmark - A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.

• Example: Germany set a benchmark for other nations in recycling.

1. Waste management - The collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of waste materials.

• Example: Effective waste management strategies are crucial for environmental health.

1. Increment - An increase or addition.

• Example: The increments in recycling rates reflect policy changes.

1. Proactive - Taking initiative; acting in anticipation of future problems or needs.

• Example: Germany has been proactive in implementing recycling policies.

1. Modest - Limited in size, amount, or scope; moderate.

• Example: Canada showed modest improvement in recycling rates.

1. Steady - Proceeding or advancing without sudden changes or interruptions.

• Example: The progress in Canada has been steady.

1. Collectively - Considered as a whole; together.

• Example: The data collectively illustrates a global trend.

1. Pave the way - To make something possible or easier.

• Example: Germany paving the way for other countries in recycling.

1. Proactive environmental policies - Policies that actively promote environmental protection and sustainability.

• Example: Germany’s proactive environmental policies have led to higher recycling rates.

1. Effective waste management strategies - Strategies that are successful in managing waste efficiently.

• Example: Effective waste management strategies are crucial for environmental health.

1. Global trend - A general direction in which something is developing or changing worldwide.

• Example: The data illustrates a global trend towards enhanced recycling practices.

1. Gradual advancements - Slow but steady progress over time.

• Example: Canada’s gradual advancements in recycling indicate a slower but steady progress.

Common Mistakes

1. Ignoring the Overview: Many students jump straight into describing details without providing a clear overview of the main trends.

1. Overloading with Data: Students often include too many numbers, making the response confusing and difficult to follow.

1. Lack of Comparisons: Failing to compare different data points is a common mistake that can lower the score.

1. Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using repetitive or inappropriate vocabulary can negatively impact the Lexical Resource score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly reduce the overall score.

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