The chart below shows the percentage of a car manufacturer's total sales in various regions from 2006 to 2010.

Percentage of car manufacturer total sales in various regions from 2006 to 2010 - 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 6 · 181 words.

The bar chart compares the total sales of car manufacturing in 4 continents between 2006 and 2010.

Overall, it is clear that Asia held the most of the share among manufacturers of those continents with consistent growth, while South America could sell the least proportion of cars during the five years. By contrast, there was a downward trend, in the sales of cars of European and North American countries.

In 2006, 25% of total car sales was from Asian car producers, which demonstrated a gradual progress until 2009. It surged to 50% in the final year, reaching its peak percentage. In 2009, South America's sales were approximately twice less than that of 2006. Subsequently, it rose to 11%, which was its initial figure.

Regarding the sales of European manufacturers, it underwent a marginal growth every year, ending with 38% in 2008. Afterwards, it dropped moderately by 8% untill 2010. The level of North America's sales gently went to down from 30% to 21% in three years and then, it plunged to 9%, showing the least indicator for car sales in 2010.

Examiner feedback

The response provides a clear description of the trends and supports them with specific data. To improve the score, the candidate should focus on more precise mathematical comparisons and professional collocations for describing fluctuations.

Task Achievement - 6

- The response covers all regions and identifies the main trends (growth in Asia, decline in North America). - Data is included to support descriptions, though the comparison 'twice less than' for South America is confusing. - The overview is clear and identifies the key features of the chart.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Information is organized logically with a clear progression through the years and regions. - Cohesive devices are used well, though 'subsequently' is slightly misused to describe a recovery after a drop. - Paragraphing is appropriate, separating the overview from the detailed data analysis.

Lexical Resource - 6

- Vocabulary is generally adequate with some variety ('surged', 'plunged', 'marginal growth'). - Some imprecise collocations and phrases occur, such as 'twice less than' (mathematically ambiguous) and 'most of the share'. - Terminology like 'initial figure' and 'final year' shows an attempt at flexibility.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 6

- A mix of simple and complex structures is used, such as relative clauses ('which demonstrated...'). - There are some awkward phrasings like 'gently went to down' and 'least indicator'. - Spelling errors like 'untill' and minor punctuation issues are present but do not impede meaning.

Related prompts

• Male Female Students Art Related Subjects UK University 2011
• Town Centre Changes 1990 and Today
• Male Female Students High Grades Five Subjects Parston School National Average
• Qualifications Staff Advertising Company 1990 and 2010
• Australian School Leavers Activity 1980 1990 2000
• Layout Town Shopping Centre Present and Future Redevelopment