The chart below shows the GDP growth per year for three countries between 2007 and 2010.

Sample Response

1

The column graph compares the annual GDP growth of Tunisia, Japan and Ecuador from 2007 to 2010. Overall, yearly GDP (grossGross domestic product) growth for Tunisia and Ecuador was higher than that of Japan in 2007, but2007 but Japan recorded steadily rising growthmanaged to accelerate it while growth declinedit reduced in the other two countriesin two other countries over the period.

2

To start with, GDP growth in Tunisia in 2007 was over 6%, whichover 6% which was three timesthrice and twicedouble than that of Japan and Ecuador respectively. The following year,Next year, all threeall these three countries’ GDP growth rates werecountry’s GDP growth were similar, ranging from 4 to 5 percent. However, in 2009 Japan’s GDP growth rate rose to just over 5%Japan witnessed a steady increase in its GDP while Ecuador’s rate fell sharply to just over 1%, while Tunisia’s declined to just over 3%both Ecuador and Tunisia’s GDP plummeted remarkably. Japan’s upward trend continuedThe same scenario continued the following yearin the next year and Japan had a much higher GDP growth ratea far better GDP that yearin this year. Japan’s GDP growth was almost 6.5% while the corresponding figures were approximately 3% for Tunisia and 2% for Ecuadorit was approximately 3% and 2% in Tunisia and Ecuador.

3

To summarise, Japan achieved a steadily rising GDP growth ratefast-growing GDP during the given period while this rate actually declined noticeably in both Tunisia and Ecuadordeclined noticeably both in Tunisia and Ecuador.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response accurately captures the contrasting trends and supports them with well-selected figures across the period, making the key message easy to follow. Its main limitation is imprecise language, especially phrases such as “accelerate it,” “thrice and double than,” and “far better GDP,” which weaken otherwise strong reporting. Prioritise precise comparative structures and consistently refer to GDP growth rather than GDP itself.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

8.0
Scoring rule

The overview accurately identifies the opposing trends, and the supporting details cover all years with relevant, largely precise comparisons.

Next step

Maintain strict distinction between GDP growth rates and GDP itself when describing the final-year comparison.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0
Scoring rule

The response is logically sequenced and easy to follow, though the final summary repeats the overview and some transitions are formulaic.

Next step

Use the ending space for an additional precise comparison instead of restating the overview.

LR

Lexical Resource

6.5
Scoring rule

There is sufficient range for trends and comparisons, but several inaccurate collocations and comparative expressions reduce lexical precision.

Next step

Replace expressions such as “thrice and double than” and “far better GDP” with exact comparative language about growth rates.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

6.5
Scoring rule

A mix of simple and complex sentences communicates the data clearly, but agreement, possessive, article, and comparison errors recur.

Next step

Check plural agreement and comparative constructions, especially after quantities and when referring to several countries.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

The chart below shows the GDP growth per year for three countries between 2007 and 2010.

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