The table and pie charts below show the number of research students in Australian universities in 2001 and 2010.
Sample Response
The table and pie charts give information about how many research students studied at universities in Australia in the years 2001 and 2010. Overall, the number of research students rose significantlysaw a significant rise over the period given, with local research students far exceeding international ones. It is also noticeable that the figures for males and females, regardless of local and international students, were relatively the same in both years, except for those for local males in 2001, which were almost twice as high as their female counterparts. In 2001, Australian universities recorded a total of 38,849 research students, of which a striking 33,657 students came from Australia, whereas the rest (5,192) were from other countries. Over the following nine years, the total number increased considerablya considerable growth was seen in the total number, increasing to 54,081. Notably, such a growth primarily resulted from international research students, whose numbers almost tripled to 14,593, compared to a smallermarginal increase of around 6,000 among local research students, although they still clearly remained the majoritydominated the table. Regarding local students doing research in Australian universities, the percentage of males and females made up a combined 87%, with each gender accounting for around 44%. However, in 2010, both of these proportions declinedunderwent a declining pattern, falling to 38% and 35% respectively. As for foreign research students, initially international males accounted for 9% of all research students, while international females accounted for 4%9% of them were males, as opposed to only 4% of their female counterparts, after which their sharesenrollment rates rose noticeably, with a more significant rise seen in the sharenumber of female international research students (15% in 2010).
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response presents the table figures accurately and uses a strong range of language to explain the substantial growth in research enrolments. Its central limitation is an inaccurate overview of the gender pattern, since local men and women were almost equal in 2001 while the marked gap occurred among international students, and the one-paragraph format weakens navigation. Prioritise an accurate visual overview and distinct paragraphs for totals and gender proportions.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
Most totals and proportions are reported accurately, but the overview reverses the notable 2001 gender comparison and the 2010 international male figure is omitted.
Correct the overview to show near parity among local students and the larger international gender gap in 2001, then include the 12% male share for 2010.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas follow a sensible sequence from totals to gender proportions, but presenting the entire response as one paragraph limits clarity.
Separate the introduction and overview from body paragraphs covering totals and the pie-chart proportions.
Lexical Resource
The response uses a broad range of comparative and trend vocabulary, though some collocations are unnecessarily elaborate or imprecise.
Use more natural phrasing such as proportions declined and avoid enrollment rates when the chart shows percentage shares.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Varied complex sentences are generally accurate and meaning remains clear throughout despite some overextended structures.
Break up the longest sentences and refine article use in phrases such as such growth to improve control and naturalness.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The table and pie charts below show the number of research students in Australian universities in 2001 and 2010.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.