The chart compares average figures for temperature and precipitation over the
course of a calendar year in Kolkata.
It is noticeable that monthly figures for precipitation in Kolkata vary considerably,
whereas monthly temperatures remain relatively stable. Rainfall is highest from
July to August, while temperatures are highest in April and May.
Between the months of January and May, average temperatures in Kolkata rise from
their lowest point at around 20°C to a peak ofjust over 30°C. Average rainfall in the
city also rises over the same period, from approximately 20mm of rain in January to
100mm in May.
While temperatures stay roughly the same for the next four months, the amount of
rainfall more than doubles between May and June. Figures for precipitation remain
above 250mm from June to September, peaking at around 330mm in July. The final
three months of the year see a dramatic fall in precipitation, to a low of about 10mm
in December, and a steady drop in temperatures back to the January average.
Band Score Analysis
Estimated IELTS Band Score: 7.5
- Task Achievement: 7.5 – Covers all major trends and key figures but could enhance comparisons.
- Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 – Logically structured with effective use of linking words.
- Lexical Resource: 7.5 – Uses a good range of vocabulary, but some repetition.
- Grammar: 7.5 – Generally accurate with minor sentence structure issues.
Band 8 :
The climograph presents the average monthly temperatures and rainfall levels in Kolkata over a year.
It is evident that precipitation levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, while temperature remains relatively stable. Rainfall is highest between July and August, whereas temperatures peak in April and May.
From January to May, temperatures in Kolkata gradually rise from about 20°C to slightly above 30°C. Rainfall also increases over this period, from approximately 20mm in January to 100mm in May.
Although temperatures remain relatively stable for the next four months, rainfall rises sharply, more than doubling from May to June. Precipitation exceeds 250mm between June and September, peaking at around 330mm in July. From October onwards, rainfall declines steeply, reaching its lowest point of about 10mm in December. Meanwhile, temperatures gradually drop back to the January level.
Overall, Kolkata experiences the highest rainfall during the monsoon months of July and August, while temperatures remain warm throughout the year, peaking in late spring.
Word Count: 173
Band 9 :
The climograph illustrates the average monthly temperature and precipitation levels in Kolkata over the course of a year.
It is evident that while temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, precipitation levels fluctuate considerably. The heaviest rainfall occurs from July to August, whereas temperatures reach their peak in April and May.
Between January and May, the average temperature in Kolkata rises steadily from around 20°C to slightly above 30°C. Precipitation also follows an upward trend, increasing from approximately 20mm in January to 100mm in May.
Despite relatively stable temperatures from May to September, rainfall surges dramatically, exceeding 250mm from June onward and peaking at approximately 330mm in July. From October onwards, precipitation declines sharply, reaching a low of around 10mm in December. Meanwhile, temperatures exhibit a gradual downward trend, returning to their initial levels by the year’s end.
In summary, Kolkata’s climate is characterized by a pronounced monsoon season with heavy rainfall between June and September, while temperatures remain warm year-round, peaking in late spring.
Word Count: 174
Comparison Table
| Feature | Band 7-8 Version | Band 9 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Uses common phrases (e.g., “rainfall rises sharply”) | Uses precise and advanced vocabulary (e.g., “precipitation surges dramatically”) |
| Sentence Structure | Straightforward sentences | More varied and complex sentence structures |
| Data Presentation | Covers main trends with basic comparisons | Highlights contrasts more effectively |
| Clarity & Cohesion | Well-structured but slightly less refined | More fluid and sophisticated |
Examples from Essays
| Aspect | Band 7-8 Example | Band 9 Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Structure | “From October onwards, rainfall declines steeply, reaching its lowest point of about 10mm in December.” | “From October onwards, precipitation declines sharply, reaching a low of around 10mm in December.” |
| Data Presentation | “Rainfall is highest between July and August, whereas temperatures peak in April and May.” | “The heaviest rainfall occurs from July to August, whereas temperatures reach their peak in April and May.” |
| Clarity & Cohesion | “Although temperatures remain relatively stable for the next four months, rainfall rises sharply, more than doubling from May to June.” | “Despite relatively stable temperatures from May to September, rainfall surges dramatically, exceeding 250mm from June onward.” |
Grammar Mistakes
- Original: “Rainfall is highest from July to August, whereas temperatures are highest in April and May.”
Correction: “The heaviest rainfall occurs from July to August, whereas temperatures peak in April and May.” - Original: “Between the months of January and May, average temperatures in Kolkata rise from their lowest point at around 20°C to a peak of just over 30°C.”
Correction: “Between January and May, Kolkata’s average temperature rises from approximately 20°C to just over 30°C.” - Original: “The final three months of the year see a dramatic fall in precipitation, to a low of about 10mm in December.”
Correction: “During the final three months of the year, precipitation declines sharply, reaching around 10mm in December.”
Vocabulary Repetition
| Repeated Word | Suggested Alternatives |
|---|---|
| “Increase” | Rise, Surge, Growth, Expansion |
| “Temperature” | Heat levels, Climate, Atmospheric conditions |
| “Rainfall” | Precipitation, Downpour, Rain |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Exercises with Answers
Fill in the blanks using appropriate words:
- The graph illustrates the average _______ (temperature/pressure) and precipitation in Kolkata over a year.
Answer: temperature - Rainfall is highest in _______ (July/August/December), with over 300mm recorded.
Answer: July - Between January and May, the temperature _______ (falls/rises) steadily.
Answer: rises - From October onwards, precipitation _______ (increases/decreases) significantly.
Answer: decreases
