How should you present data from a table when there are no graphs?

• A. Identify the most important differences or trends; present as continuous prose, focusing on categories and values without unnecessary detail.
• B. List every figure in bullet points.
• C. Create a chart anyway.
• D. Average the data and state a single value.

Answer: (A)

Summarizing tabular data in cohesive prose. When there are no graphs, the goal is to highlight the main differences and trends across categories and years, using a few carefully chosen figures to illustrate those points. This shows you can interpret the table and convey a clear, concise story rather than dumping every number.

Begin with a quick overview of the overall pattern (which category is highest or lowest, any general rise or fall), then add selective comparisons that support that pattern. Avoid listing every figure; instead, pick representative values to show the direction and magnitude of changes.

Listing every figure in bullet points isn’t appropriate for IELTS Writing Task 1, and creating a chart isn’t applicable when the data is already given as a table. Averaging the data into a single value hides important variation and the story the table tells.