IELTS writing task 1 often includes data-based tasks such as analyzing graphs, charts, and tables. One prevalent topic is comparing levels of investment in different sectors across various countries over time. Renewable energy investment is a significant issue in today’s global discourse, making it a relevant and frequent topic in IELTS exams. Today, we’ll examine the investment trends in renewable energy in different countries from 2000 to 2023.
Task Example
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Write at least 150 words.
The table below shows the levels of investment in renewable energy in five different countries from 2000 to 2023 (in billion dollars).
| Year/Country | USA | China | Germany | India | Brazil |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 5.3 | 4.2 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 1.0 |
| 2005 | 10.1 | 7.6 | 6.5 | 2.8 | 2.2 |
| 2010 | 20.3 | 15.4 | 10.2 | 4.7 | 5.3 |
| 2015 | 31.0 | 25.6 | 18.8 | 8.2 | 8.9 |
| 2020 | 45.6 | 38.9 | 30.1 | 15.3 | 12.2 |
| 2023 | 58.2 | 52.7 | 44.3 | 22.6 | 18.5 |
Analysis of the Task
Step-by-Step Process for Writing
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Introduction: Paraphrase the task.
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Overview: Summarize the main trends.
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Details: Break down the information in a logical way.
Writing the Introduction
The introduction should be a rephrased version of the task statement.
Example:
The table illustrates the investment levels in renewable energy across five different countries (USA, China, Germany, India, and Brazil) from the year 2000 to 2023, measured in billion dollars.
Writing the Overview
Highlight the key trends, major increases, or drops.
Example:
Overall, investment in renewable energy has increased significantly across all countries over the given period, with the USA and China showing the most considerable growth. By 2023, both these countries had surpassed the 50 billion dollar mark.
Describing the Details
Key Points to Include:
- Compare initial investments in 2000
- Highlight rapid growth periods for all countries
- Focus on the countries with the most significant and least significant changes
Example:
In 2000, the USA started with a 5.3 billion dollar investment, which steadily grew to 58.2 billion dollars by 2023. Similarly, China’s investment rose from 4.2 billion dollars in 2000 to 52.7 billion dollars in 2023, making it one of the largest investors along with the USA. Germany also saw a sharp increase, starting from 3.1 billion dollars in 2000 to 44.3 billion dollars by 2023. On the other hand, India and Brazil had more modest beginnings, but their investments also saw significant increases, reaching 22.6 billion dollars and 18.5 billion dollars, respectively, by 2023.
Sample Writing Task
Example Answer:
The table illustrates the levels of investment in renewable energy across five different countries (USA, China, Germany, India, and Brazil) over the period from 2000 to 2023, in billion dollars.
Overall, there is a substantial increase in investment across all countries, with the USA and China experiencing the most significant growth. By 2023, the investments in renewable energy in these two countries had exceeded 50 billion dollars each.
In 2000, the USA invested 5.3 billion dollars, which gradually increased to 58.2 billion dollars by 2023. Similarly, China’s investment rose from 4.2 billion dollars in 2000 to 52.7 billion dollars in 2023, making it one of the top investors along with the USA. Germany’s investments also grew markedly from 3.1 billion dollars to 44.3 billion dollars within the same period.
India and Brazil started with lower figures, at 1.2 and 1.0 billion dollars, respectively, in 2000. However, their investments saw substantial increases, reaching 22.6 billion dollars in India and 18.5 billion dollars in Brazil by 2023.
(179 words)
Important Vocabulary and Grammar
Key Vocabulary:
- Investment (n) [ɪnˈvɛstmənt]: the action or process of investing money for profit.
- Renewable Energy (n): energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
- Billion (n) [ˈbɪljən]: a thousand million (1,000,000,000).
- Significant (adj) [sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt]: sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy.
- Substantial (adj) [səbˈstæn(t)ʃəl]: of considerable importance, size, or worth.
Grammar Points:
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Past Simple Tense: Used to describe actions completed at a specific time in the past.
- Example: China’s investment rose from 4.2 billion dollars in 2000 to 52.7 billion dollars in 2023.
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Passive Voice: Used to focus on the action rather than the subject.
- Example: The table illustrates the levels of investment…
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Comparative and Superlative Forms: Used to compare two or more things.
- Example: The USA and China experienced the most significant growth.
Conclusion
To achieve a high score in IELTS Writing Task 1, it is essential to paraphrase the task, provide an overview of the main trends, and then describe the details comprehensively. Use variety in your sentence structures, ensure the correct use of grammar, and include relevant vocabulary to present a cohesive and coherent answer. Remember to keep your writing within the word limit, typically 150-200 words, for optimal performance.