The table compares the numbers of people who cycled to work in twelve areas of the UK in
the years 2001 and 2011.
Overall, the number of UK commuters who travelled to work by bicycle rose
considerably over the 10-year period. Inner London had by far the highest number of
cycling commuters in both years.
In 2001, well over 43 thousand residents of inner London commuted by bicycle, and this
figure rose to more than 106 thousand in 2011, an increase of 144%. By contrast, although
outer London had the second highest number of cycling commuters in each year, the
percentage change, at only 45%, was the lowest of the twelve areas shown in the table.
Brighton and Hove saw the second biggest increase (109%) in the number of residents
cycling to work, but Bristol was the UK’s second city in terms of total numbers of cycling
commuters, with 8,108 in 2001 and 15,768 in 2011. Figures for the other eight areas
were below the 10 thousand mark in both years.
(172 words)
Estimated IELTS Band Score: 7.5 – 8.0
- Task Achievement (7.5):
Clearly describes overall trends and key details, though minor comparisons could be more explicit. - Coherence & Cohesion (8.0):
Logically structured with clear paragraphs and smooth transitions. - Lexical Resource (7.5):
Good range of vocabulary; could use more varied synonyms. - Grammar & Accuracy (7.5):
Generally accurate sentence structures, with minor refinements possible.
Step 2: Rewritten Essays
Band 8
The table presents the number of people commuting by bicycle in twelve areas of the UK in 2001 and 2011, along with the percentage change over this period.
Overall, the total number of cyclists increased considerably across all listed areas. Inner London had by far the largest number of cycling commuters, while Brighton and Hove recorded the second-highest percentage increase.
In 2001, more than 43,000 people in inner London cycled to work, rising to over 106,000 in 2011—an increase of 144%. Although outer London also had a relatively high number of cyclists, its growth rate was the lowest at 45%. Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove saw a 109% jump in cyclist numbers, from 3,168 to 6,635.
Bristol had the second-highest total of cycling commuters, increasing from 8,108 in 2001 to 15,768 in 2011. All other areas remained below 10,000 cycling commuters in both years, even though they also showed significant percentage increases, ranging from 48% in Liverpool to 94% in Bristol City.
Word Count: 164
Band 9
The table compares twelve UK areas in terms of the number of residents who cycled to work in 2001 and 2011, along with the percentage change. Overall, the data indicate a substantial rise in bicycle commuting across all locations, with Inner London standing out both in absolute numbers and growth.
In 2001, Inner London registered over 43,000 cycling commuters, which surged to more than 106,000 by 2011—an impressive 144% increase. Despite Outer London recording the second-highest count of cyclists in both years, its growth rate of 45% was the lowest among the twelve areas. By contrast, Brighton and Hove experienced the second-largest jump at 109%.
Bristol was notable for having the second-highest total number of cyclists—8,108 in 2001, climbing to 15,768 by 2011. Meanwhile, the remaining eight areas all stayed below the 10,000 mark, even though some posted notable percentage increases. For instance, Bristol’s 94% growth was significant, while Liverpool’s 48% was comparatively modest.
In summary, Inner London dominated both in 2001 and 2011, whereas Brighton and Hove showed one of the most dramatic percentage rises. Outer London, despite its large base, recorded the smallest relative increase.
Word Count: 180
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Band 7-8 Version | Band 9 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Uses clear expressions (“largest number,” “second-highest increase”) | Employs more precise language (“dominated,” “dramatic percentage rises,” “comparatively modest”) |
| Sentence Structure | Mostly straightforward with some complex sentences | More variety in structure, including subordinate clauses and seamless transitions |
| Data Presentation | Summarizes main figures and comparisons effectively | Highlights contrasts more sharply and provides context for percentage changes |
| Clarity & Cohesion | Logical flow, good paragraphing | Slightly more polished transitions and concluding statements |
Examples from Essays
| Aspect | Band 7-8 Example | Band 9 Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Structure | “Inner London had by far the largest number of cycling commuters, while Brighton and Hove recorded the second-highest percentage increase.” | “Overall, the data indicate a substantial rise in bicycle commuting across all locations, with Inner London standing out both in absolute numbers and growth.” |
| Data Presentation | “Although outer London also had a relatively high number of cyclists, its growth rate was the lowest at 45%.” | “Despite Outer London recording the second-highest count of cyclists in both years, its growth rate of 45% was the lowest among the twelve areas.” |
| Clarity & Cohesion | “All other areas remained below 10,000 cycling commuters in both years.” | “Meanwhile, the remaining eight areas all stayed below the 10,000 mark, even though some posted notable percentage increases.” |
Grammar Mistakes
- Original: “The table compares the numbers of people who cycled to work in twelveareas of the UK in the years 2001 and 2011.”
Correction: “The table compares the numbers of people who cycled to work in twelve areas of the UK in 2001 and 2011.” (Spacing/typo fix.) - Original: “Inner London had by far the hihgest number of cycling commuters in both years.”
Correction: “Inner London had by far the highest number of cycling commuters in both years.” (Spelling error corrected.) - Original: “By contrast, altough outer London had the second highest number of cycling commuters in each year, the percentage change,at only 45%, was the lowest.”
Correction: “By contrast, although Outer London had the second-highest number of cycling commuters in each year, its percentage change of 45% was the lowest.” (Spelling, punctuation, and clarity improvements.)
Vocabulary Repetition
| Repeated Word | Suggested Alternatives |
|---|---|
| “Increase” | Rise, Growth, Surge, Climb |
| “Highest” | Largest, Greatest, Most substantial |
| “Cyclists” | Cycling commuters, Bicycle commuters |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Exercises with Answers
Fill in the blanks using the words below:
(notable, overall, substantial, stood at, relatively, dominant, modest)
- The table shows _______ changes in the number of UK commuters cycling to work between 2001 and 2011.
Answer: substantial - ________, the data indicate that more people took up cycling in all twelve areas.
Answer: Overall - Inner London was the _______ region, with over 43,000 cyclists in 2001 rising to more than 106,000 in 2011.
Answer: dominant - By contrast, Outer London’s percentage increase was _______ low at only 45%.
Answer: relatively - Brighton and Hove saw a _______ jump of 109% in cycling commuters, while Bristol’s figure _______ 8,108 in 2001 and climbed to 15,768 in 2011.
Answer: notable, stood at - Liverpool’s growth was more _______ at 48%.
Answer: modest
