Tables present numerical data organised in rows and columns, often comparing categories across time periods, countries, or other variables. Tables can contain a large amount of information, so the key challenge is selecting the most relevant data rather than attempting to describe every figure. A strong response identifies meaningful patterns, highlights the highest and lowest values, and draws clear comparisons between categories.
Essay Structure
1
Introduction
Paraphrase the question to explain what the table shows. State the categories being compared, the unit of measurement, and the time frame or context.
2
Overview
Summarise the two or three most significant patterns in the data. Identify which category has the highest and lowest values overall, and note any clear trends across the rows or columns.
3
Body Paragraph 1
Describe the first logical group of data with specific figures. This might be the highest-ranking categories or the first time period. Make comparisons within and across rows or columns.
4
Body Paragraph 2
Cover the remaining data, focusing on contrasts with the first group. Highlight any surprising figures, notable changes, or categories with similar values.
Key Vocabulary for Table
respectively
In the order already mentioned, used when listing corresponding figures for multiple items
considerably
By a notably large amount or to a significant extent
marginally
By a very small amount; only slightly
roughly
Approximately; not exactly but close to a given figure
surpass
To exceed or go beyond in amount, degree, or achievement
comparable
Similar in size, amount, or quality; able to be compared
noteworthy
Deserving attention or notice; particularly interesting or significant
overall
Taking everything into account; considering all the data together
rank
A position in a hierarchy or ordering based on value
disparity
A great difference or inequality between two or more things
Model Answer
The table compares government expenditure on education, healthcare, and defence across four countries in 2022, measured in billions of dollars.
Overall, Country A spent the most across all three categories, while Country D had the lowest expenditure. Healthcare received the highest funding in the majority of countries, whereas defence budgets were generally the smallest.
Country A allocated roughly $120 billion to healthcare, making it the single largest figure in the table. Its education and defence budgets were $95 billion and $80 billion, respectively. Country B spent considerably less overall, with $60 billion on healthcare, $55 billion on education, and $40 billion on defence.
Country C and Country D recorded notably lower spending. Country C directed approximately $45 billion towards healthcare and comparable amounts to education and defence, at $38 billion and $35 billion, respectively. Country D had the smallest budgets across all categories, spending just $20 billion on healthcare, $15 billion on education, and $10 billion on defence. The disparity between Country A and Country D was particularly striking in healthcare, where the former spent six times more than the latter.
Practice Questions
The table below shows the percentage of people using public transport in six cities in 2005 and 2015. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The table below provides data on the average annual salary in five industries in two different countries. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Top Tips
Do not describe every number in the table; select the most significant figures and patterns to write about.
Identify key comparisons such as the highest versus lowest values, and categories that changed the most or least.
Group data logically by row, column, or theme rather than reading the table cell by cell from left to right.
Always include an overview that highlights the main patterns before diving into specific figures in the body paragraphs.
Practice Task 1
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