IELTS writting test 1

 #85

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The table below shows the number of medals won by the top ten countries in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

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

Write at least 150 words.

London 2012 Olympic Games Medal Table
Rank by Gold	Country		Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1		United States	46	29	29	104
2		China	38	27	23	88
3		Great Britain	29	17	19	65
4		Russia	24	26	32	82
5		South Korea	13	8	7	28
6		Germany	11	19	14	44
7		France	11	11	12	34
8		Italy	8	9	11	28
9		Hungary	8	4	5	17
10		Australia	7	16	12	35

Source: http://www.london2012.com/medals/medal-count/

IELTS Writing Tip

When you write about a chart or table you will receive marks for organising and describing all the information. You will not receive marks for giving reasons for the information or giving your opinion about the information (but you will not lose marks if you do this). As you have limited time and number of words, write about the information only.

Model answer

The table shows the number of medals won by the top ten countries in the London 2012 Olympic Games. The USA won greatest number of medals overall with the total of 104. They won more gold medals than silver and more medals than any other country in both categories. China had the second number of medals at 88, and like the USA, China won fewer silver medals than gold medals.

While Russia’s silver medal total was better than Great Britain’s, they did not do as well as Great Britain in the gold medals, winning just 24. In fact Great Britain had a lower overall medal total than Russia but, as the table is based on the number of gold medals won, they were placed third. Similarly, Germany was significantly more successful at winning medals than South Korea, with a total of 44 compared to South Korea’s 28, but because South Korea won two more gold medals than Germany they were ranked higher. Australia gave the worst performance in this group, winning only seven gold and sixteen silver medals.

(178 words)