The graphs below show four categories of citrus fruits and the top three countries to which these were exported (in thousand tonnes) in 2012.
📌 Note: This question appeared in the IELTS CBT Writing on 13th May, 2025 in India.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
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The bar graphs illustrate the top three countries that exported four types of citrus fruits — oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and other citrus — in 2012, measured in thousand tonnes.
Overall, oranges were exported in the highest quantities compared to the other citrus categories. South Africa was the leading exporter of oranges, while Mexico dominated lemon and other citrus exports. The United States appeared consistently across all four fruit types, though it never ranked first.
In terms of oranges, South Africa was by far the largest exporter, shipping approximately 1,200 thousand tonnes. Egypt followed with around 900 thousand tonnes, while the United States exported about 600 thousand tonnes. For lemons, Mexico led with about 550 thousand tonnes, followed by the United States at nearly 400, and Argentina contributed close to 250 thousand tonnes.
Grapefruits showed a more balanced distribution. Turkey and the United States each exported roughly 300 thousand tonnes, while Mexico was slightly higher at just under 400 thousand tonnes. In the "Others" category, Mexico again ranked first with 500 thousand tonnes, significantly higher than Egypt (about 250) and the United States (just over 100).
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✅ Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Criteria
1. Task Achievement
✔ All categories and countries are clearly described using accurate figures.
✔ Key comparisons are made without over-interpretation.
Example: “South Africa was by far the largest exporter, shipping approximately 1,200 thousand tonnes.”
2. Coherence and Cohesion
✔ Clear structure: Introduction → Overview → Two body paragraphs.
✔ Natural use of linking phrases: Overall, In terms of, While, Compared to, Followed by.
✔ Logical flow of data within and across graphs.
3. Lexical Resource
✔ Wide variety of vocabulary for comparisons and quantities: dominated, consistently, significantly higher, slightly more, balanced distribution.
✔ No word repetition or informal language.
✔ Vocabulary suits the task and tone perfectly.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
✔ Excellent control of tense and structure.
✔ Mix of passive and active voice.
✔ No grammatical or punctuation errors.
Example: “The bar graphs illustrate the top three countries that exported four types of citrus fruits…”
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