The table below gives information about the average annual distance travelled by adults and the types of travel in 1997 and 2007

Table gives information average annual distance travelled adults types travel 1997 2007 - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 8 · 182 words.

The table illustrates the average annual distance travelled by adults using various modes of transport in 1997 and 2007.

Overall, the total distance travelled increased significantly over the decade, driven primarily by a massive surge in car and taxi use, while most other forms of transport saw a decline.

In 1997, the car was the most popular mode of travel, accounting for 3,500 miles. This was followed by rail and bus travel, at 900 and 800 miles respectively. Walking and taxis contributed 400 and 200 miles to the total, while motorcycles and bicycles were the least used, each covering only 100 miles.

By 2007, the distance travelled by car had more than doubled to 7,100 miles, maintaining its dominant position. Taxi travel saw the most dramatic growth, quadrupling from 200 to 800 miles. In contrast, the distance covered by bus fell to 500 miles, and walking also saw a decrease to 300 miles. Minor modes such as motorcycles and bicycles experienced slight drops, falling to 90 and 80 miles respectively, making them the least utilized forms of transport in the latter year.

Examiner feedback

This is a very strong response characterized by excellent grammatical control and sophisticated vocabulary. The overview is clear and the logical progression makes it easy to follow. To reach a higher band in Task Achievement, ensure that no significant data points (like Rail in 2007) are left out of the final comparison.

Task Achievement - 7

- The response covers all requirements of the task, including a clear overview of the main trends. - Key features are highlighted; however, there is a minor omission regarding the "Rail" data in the 2007 description, which was a significant mode in 1997. - Data is used effectively to support the description of trends for most categories.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Information and ideas are logically sequenced with a clear chronological progression from 1997 to 2007. - Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview, the baseline data, and the subsequent changes. - Cohesive devices such as "In contrast," "while," and "in the latter year" are used naturally and accurately.

Lexical Resource - 8

- A wide range of vocabulary is used to convey precise meanings (e.g., "quadrupling," "dominant position," "massive surge"). - Lexical choices are natural and appropriate for an academic report. - There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of complex structures is used with full flexibility and control. - The majority of sentences are error-free, utilizing sophisticated participial phrases like "driven primarily by..." and "making them the least utilized..." - Punctuation is used correctly throughout the response to enhance clarity.

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