IELTS Tips
- Introduce the topic of the graph. Try to paraphrase the original sentence.
- Write about the main features. Mention some of the most significant figures shown in the chart.
- Linking words and phrases like in contrast help to show the connection between the sentences or paragraphs.
- What is the difference between the two bars in each pair?
- Pay attention to the labels so that you know what you need to write about.
- Look at how the relationship between the two bars changes.
- Include an overview, describing the main trend.
- Use a variety of verbs like grow, fall, increase and decrease to describe trends.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The chart below shows the places visited by different people living in Canada.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Model answer
The chart gives information about the kinds of leisure activity engaged in by three distinct groups: native Canadians, recently arrived immigrants from English-speaking countries and new migrants for whom English is not the first language in their country.
The cinema is by far the most popular free-time activity listed in the chart for those with English as their first language — 70% of non-migrants and 65% of English-speaking migrants. Half the migrants from non-English-speaking countries also go to see a film but interestingly, 5% more of this group prefer the library to the cinema. Roughly 40% of the other two groups say they visit the library.
Zoos are visited most by half of the English-speaking migrants compared to just over 40% of those born in Canada and approximately 35% of the migrants born where English is not widely spoken. The theatre is least popular for all concerned, with only 10% of non-English-speaking migrants attending, while double the number of native Canadians go to see a play. A quarter of those born in English-speaking countries are theatre-goers.
Overall, it is perhaps unsurprising that Canadians prefer the cinema to the theatre, but the popularity of the library with new migrants may reflect the financial circumstances of these new citizens.
(206 words)