How to Read a Table
- 1Read the column headings (categories) and row labels (groups).
- 2Identify the units carefully β they may vary between columns.
- 3Find the overall highest and lowest values across the entire table.
- 4Look for rows or columns with similar values β group these in your description.
- 5You do NOT need to mention every figure β select the most significant ones.
Introduction
The table presents data on [topic] for [X] [categories/countries] during [period].
The table compares [X] aspects of [topic] across [number] [groups] in [year].
The table shows the [unit] of [topic] in [X] different [categories] between [year] and [year].
Selecting & Grouping Data
The highest figure was recorded in [Row/Column], at [figure].
[A], [B], and [C] all recorded broadly similar figures, ranging from X to Y.
In contrast, [X] showed considerably lower values, with just [figure].
Across all categories, [subject] consistently outperformed [subject].
[X] stood out as the only [row/column] where figures exceeded [threshold].
Tip: The biggest mistake with tables is listing every single number. Instead, group similar values and highlight what stands out. Examiners reward selection of KEY features.
Sample Answer β Band 7
Question
The table shows the results of a survey about the importance of various factors when choosing a job, for four age groups.
Introduction
The table presents survey data on what people consider most important when selecting employment, broken down by four age groups.
Overview
Overall, salary was ranked as the most important factor across all age groups, though its importance decreased with age. Work-life balance, by contrast, became increasingly significant for older respondents.
Body
Among 18β25 year-olds, salary received the highest importance score at 87%, followed by career progression at 76%. These figures were broadly mirrored in the 26β35 age group, with salary at 83% and career opportunities at 71%. However, for respondents aged 46 and above, work-life balance overtook career progression as the second most valued factor, rising to 79% compared to just 58% for the youngest group. Job security remained consistently important across all ages, ranging from 60% to 68%.
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