Prompt
Task 1 – Renewable electricity by country
The bar chart shows the percentage of renewable electricity generation in five countries in 2018. 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 the share of electricity produced from renewable sources in five countries in 2018.
Overall, Country C generated by far the highest proportion of renewable electricity, whereas Country A had the lowest figure. The remaining countries formed a middle group, with Country D and B recording relatively high levels and Country E sitting slightly below them.
In detail, renewables accounted for approximately 77% of electricity generation in Country C, making it the clear leader. Country D ranked second at about 56%, which was around 20 percentage points lower than Country C but still comfortably above half.
Country B also relied heavily on renewables, with a figure of roughly 50%. By contrast, Country E produced just under two-fifths of its electricity from renewable sources (around 37%), placing it closer to the lower end of the range. Country A had the smallest renewable share, at just over 30% (about 31%), meaning it lagged behind Country B by nearly 20 points and trailed Country C by well over 40 points.
Verified word count: 171
Why this answer works
explanation
It provides a clear overview (highest/lowest and clustering), reports accurate approximate values, and makes relevant comparisons with quantified gaps. Paragraphing is logical and language is precise and varied without over-detailing.
what this question tests
This Task 1 assesses your ability to identify key features in a bar chart, write a clear overview, and make accurate comparisons using approximate figures and appropriate data language.
Useful vocabulary and phrases
account for
Common academic collocation for describing percentages.
Renewables accounted for approximately 77% of generation in Country C.
by far the highest/lowest
Creates a clear overall ranking succinctly.
Country C generated by far the highest proportion.
ranked second
Helps organise comparisons logically.
Country D ranked second at about 56%.
comfortably above
Adds precise emphasis without exaggeration.
This was comfortably above half.
lagged behind
Natural, high-level comparative phrasing.
Country A lagged behind Country B by nearly 20 points.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting an Overview paragraph or listing figures without summarising trends.
- Using inconsistent units (percent vs percentage points) when describing differences.
- Over-precision (e.g., 76.8%) when the chart only supports approximate values.
- Failing to compare countries (Task 1 requires comparisons, not just descriptions).
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