The graph below shows the changes in the maximum number of Asian elephants between 1994 and 2007.
Sample Response
The bar graph showselucidates the changes in the estimated maximum population of Asian elephantschanges in counting Asian elephants in Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and China between 1994 and 2007. The data are given as estimated numbers of elephantsThe data is calibrated in thousands.
After analysing the bar graph, it can be seen clearly that Vietnam has counted the population of Asian elephants for two years. In contrast, there were significant differences observed in India, where there were nearly a thousand people in 1997 compared to 3500 in 2400. Likewise, the estimated elephant populations were similarcounting wild animals was identical to that witnessed in Malaysia and Sri Lanka in 1997. At the same time, growth in the following year remained similar in the same two regions that had been observed collectively.
Turning to the remaining countriesFurther strengthening the bar graph, Cambodia had a negligible difference between 1997 and 20041998 and 2007. The chart also shows thatAccording to the estimate, the estimated population in Laos was about 1,100 elephants in both yearsapproximately one-tenth of the population of Asian elephants is in loans. Apart from that, in Myanmarin terms of the Myanmar nation, there were about 600 more4800 more Asian elephants in 1997 than in 2007. Between the two yearsWhile in the initial year, the estimated elephant populationthe standard of living decreased by almost two-thirds in Thailanddecreased by almost one-fourth in Thailand, reaching about 1,300 in 2004which decreased by tiny fractions in 2007. FinallyLast but not least, China's elephant population fell from about 1,000 in 1997 to 500 in 2004the 1500 population of China was seen by Asian elephants in both years correspondingly.
Overall, it is clear that India had the highest population estimate, while China had the lowest population.
Why this response received Band 5.0
The response identifies the broad extremes of India and China and attempts to cover every country, which gives it some task focus. However, frequent misread figures, years, and trends—especially for India, Myanmar, Thailand, and China—combine with unclear language to make much of the account unreliable; the priority is to verify each value against the chart and express comparisons in plain, accurate sentences.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The overview correctly identifies India as highest and China as lowest, but many supporting figures, dates, and trends contradict the chart.
Read the two bars for each country carefully and report a smaller set of accurate comparisons, especially the largest declines and the few stable or rising cases.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response has an introduction, detail paragraphs, and an overview, but progression is weakened by confusing comparisons and misused linking phrases.
Group countries by clear patterns such as sharp decline, slight change, and increase, then use straightforward links between those groups.
Lexical Resource
There is some range in chart vocabulary, but frequent inappropriate choices such as “counting,” “loans,” and “standard of living” repeatedly distort meaning.
Prefer precise, familiar terms such as “population,” “fell,” “remained stable,” and “rose” instead of forcing elaborate expressions.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Complex structures are attempted, but frequent faulty clauses, unclear reference, and fragments make several comparisons difficult to understand.
Write complete subject-verb sentences for one comparison at a time and check that every dependent clause is attached to a main clause.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The graph below shows the changes in the maximum number of Asian elephants between 1994 and 2007.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.