Tips on Teaching Graphs and Tables

       Teaching essential writing skills in effective ways indicates an extraordinary teacher and will produce outstanding students. One of the essential writing skills to be effectively taught is interpreting graphs and tables. In Task 1 of the writing section, this is the main skill that is being tested and the students must acquire. This skill requires extensive practice, especially since not everyone is familiar with and has been introduced to graph and table interpretation even in their first language.

      The key to mastering task 1 and getting a high score is practicing a lot. Students must be familiar with all graph and table types. To effectively introduce these types to the students, it is helpful to present them using visual samples. One effective method is to use PowerPoint to project the graphs, ensuring that everyone is looking at the same graph simultaneously. This approach also allows you as a teacher to highlight different features using highlighting or comment tools on the computer, or by using a traditional pointer. It is important to cover all the different types of graphs and tables that students may encounter, such as bar graphs (single, double, triple), single line graphs, double line graphs, pie graphs, tables, flow charts, and processes.

       After presenting the samples, a useful method is to ask the students to do their own graphs and tables. This activity may require some time; however, it is worthwhile dedicating one or two sessions to it, especially if the students are unfamiliar with graphs. This approach helps them gain a deeper understanding of the collected data, and the purpose of the graph, and enables them to identify key features. After they finish their work, you can provide them with a model sample, so they can compare their work with it and identify their weaknesses and strengths.

      In conclusion, although mastering this part is a must and it seems hard to deal with, its score is very obtainable. Practicing the samples and explaining the different types of graphs and tables to your student will enhance their ability to deal with Task 1 very easily and get a high score.

To clarify the types of Graphs and Tables to your students, use examples with pictures as follows:

Bar chart

Line Graph

Pie Chart

Map

                            

Table

Digram

 and here you can find a bunch of good samples and examples so your students can practice more:

https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-sample-chart-for-writing-task-1/

Also, you can have more ideas by watching the following video!

  References :

[1] V. ZURAKOWSKI, “7 ways to help your students master the academic ielts writing,” Busy Teacher, https://busyteacher.org/18406-academic-ielts-writing-help-students- master-7-ways .html (accessed Sep. 26, 2023).