The table gives information about the underground railway systems in six cities.
Sample Response
The table provides information aboutshows data about the underground rail networks in six major cities.
The table compares the six networks in terms of their opening dates, route lengthstheir age, size and the number of people who use them each year. It is clear that the three oldest underground systems are larger and serve many more passengers annuallysignificantly more passengers than the newer systems.
The London underground is the oldest system, having opened in 1863. It is also the largest system, with 394 kilometres of route. The Paris system, the second largest,The second largest system, in Paris, is only about half the size of the London underground, with 199 kilometres of route. However, it serves more people per year. While only third in terms of size, the Tokyo system is by far the busiesteasily the most used, with 1,927 million1927 million passengers per year.
Of the three newer networks, the Washington, D.C. systemWashington DC underground is the most extensive, at 126 kilometres, compared with 11 and 28 kilometreswith 126 kilometres of route, compared to only 11 kilometres and 28 kilometres for the Kyoto and Los Angeles systems. The Los Angeles network is the newest, having opened in 2001, while the Kyoto network is the smallest and serves only 45 million passengers per year.
Why this response received Band 8.5
This is a highly effective report with an accurate overview, well-selected comparisons, and precise use of the table's figures. Its only real limitation is that a few secondary details, such as Los Angeles's annual passenger total, are omitted, although this does not weaken the main trends. For further refinement, include one additional comparison among the newer systems while maintaining the same concise focus.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The response presents a clear overview and accurately selects and compares nearly all of the table's key features.
Add one concise comparison of the remaining passenger figures, especially Los Angeles, for even more complete coverage.
Coherence and Cohesion
Information progresses logically from the overall pattern to the older systems and then the newer networks, with cohesive links used naturally.
For maximum precision, make the shift from size comparisons to passenger comparisons slightly more explicit within the third paragraph.
Lexical Resource
A strong range of precise vocabulary, including terms such as "most extensive" and "serves significantly more passengers," conveys the data naturally.
Continue broadening the range of comparison phrases while avoiding unnecessary repetition of "system" and "route."
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A varied range of complex structures is used with consistently accurate grammar and punctuation throughout.
Maintain this excellent control while experimenting with equally concise alternative comparative structures.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The table gives information about the underground railway systems in six cities.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.