Tips for table

Tips for table

Tables seem difficult when they contain a lot of numbers. Here's some advice:

· Try to write 4 paragraphs - introduction, summary of main points, 2 detail paragraphs.

· Before you start writing, highlight some key numbers. Choose the biggest number in  each category in the table (i.e. in each column and row). If the table shows years, look for the biggest changes in numbers over the time period. You could also mention the   smallest numbers, but you can ignore 'middle' numbers (neither biggest nor smallest).

· For your summary paragraph, try to compare whole categories (columns or rows) rather than individual 'cells' in the table. If you can't compare whole categories,compare the biggest and smallest number. Write 2 sentences for the summary.

· In your two 'details' paragraphs, never describe each category (column or row) separately. The examiner wants to see comparisons. Try to organize the numbers you  highlighted into 2 groups - one for each paragraph (e.g. highest numbers for all  categories together, and lowest numbers together).

· Describe / compare the numbers you highlighted - include at least 3 numbers in each  paragraph.

· Use the past simple for past years, and 'will' or 'is expected/predicted to' for future  years. If no time is shown, use the present simple.

EXAMPLE:

The table below gives information about the underground railway systems in six cities.

Full essay (band 9):

The table shows data about the underground rail networks in six major cities.

The table compares the six networks in terms of their age, size and the number of people who use them each year. It is clear that the three oldest underground systems are larger and serve significantly more passengers than the newer systems.

The London underground is the oldest system, having opened in 1863. It is also the largest system, with 394 kilometers of route. The second largest system, in Paris, is only about half the size of the London underground, with 199 kilometers of route. However, it serves more people per year. While only third in terms of size, the Tokyo system is easily the most used, with 1927 million passengers per year.

Of the three newer networks, the Washington DC underground is the most extensive, with 126 kilometers of route, compared to only 11 kilometers and 28 kilometers for the Kyoto and LosAngels systems. The LosAngels network is the newest, having opened in 2001, while the Kyoto network is the smallest and serves only 45 million passengers per year.

(185 words)