Prompt
Task 1 – Library borrowing by genre
The bar chart shows the number of books borrowed from a library in four genres in 2012 and 2022. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 9 sample answer
Band 9 sample answer
The bar chart compares how many books (in thousands) were borrowed from a library in four genres in 2012 and 2022.
Overall, fiction was by far the most borrowed genre in both years. Over the decade, borrowing rose for science and children’s books, while non-fiction declined; fiction changed very little.
In 2012, fiction accounted for just over 105 thousand loans, far ahead of the other categories, which ranged between roughly 45 and 70 thousand. By 2022, fiction edged up slightly to around 110 thousand, maintaining its clear lead.
Science showed the most notable growth. Borrowing increased from approximately 47 thousand in 2012 to about 65 thousand in 2022, a rise of nearly 20 thousand. Children’s books also became more popular, climbing from just under 60 thousand to around 70 thousand.
By contrast, non-fiction was the only genre to see a fall, dropping from a little over 50 thousand in 2012 to roughly 45 thousand ten years later. In 2022 it was the least borrowed category, whereas in 2012 it had exceeded science.
Verified word count: 174
Why this answer works
explanation
It includes a clear overview, highlights the dominant category and main trends, uses precise approximate figures, and makes direct comparisons across genres and years in a logically organised structure.
what this question tests
This Task 1 assesses your ability to summarise key features in a bar chart, provide an overall comparison (overview), select relevant data, and report changes over time using accurate figures and clear comparative language.
Useful vocabulary and phrases
accounted for
Adds a formal, academic tone for describing quantities.
Fiction accounted for just over 105 thousand loans in 2012.
edged up slightly
Shows precise control of trend language for minor changes.
Fiction edged up slightly to around 110 thousand in 2022.
maintaining its clear lead
Summarises ranking and gap succinctly.
It remained the most popular genre, maintaining its clear lead.
showed the most notable growth
Helps identify the standout trend for the overview/details.
Science showed the most notable growth over the period.
By contrast
Improves cohesion and clear comparison.
By contrast, non-fiction was the only genre to decline.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting an overview that summarises the main trends and rankings.
- Listing every figure without making comparisons or highlighting key changes.
- Using exact numbers when the chart requires approximation (use around/approximately).
- Confusing units: figures are in thousands, so avoid writing raw numbers as single books.
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