Mastering the Use of "Which" in IELTS Writing Task 1
Effective use of relative clauses, particularly those introduced by "which," can significantly enhance the clarity and sophistication of your IELTS Writing Task 1 responses. This article explores how to incorporate "which" naturally while presenting data accurately, with up-to-date examples to illustrate key techniques.
Why "Which" Matters in IELTS Writing Task 1
Relative clauses help provide additional information without creating overly complex sentences. In data-driven tasks, "which" allows you to:
- Add descriptive details about trends or figures
- Avoid repetition by combining related ideas
- Improve grammatical range and coherence
A 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English found that candidates who effectively used relative clauses scored 0.5–1.0 bands higher in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Correct Usage of "Which" in Data Descriptions
Non-Restrictive Clauses (Extra Information)
Use commas when "which" introduces non-essential information:
"Global smartphone shipments reached 1.43 billion units in 2022, which represented a 9% decline from the previous year."
Restrictive Clauses (Essential Information)
Omit commas when the clause is necessary for understanding:
"The quarter which showed the most significant growth was Q3 2021."
Latest Data Examples with "Which"
To demonstrate current applications, here are real-world statistics presented with relative clauses:
Example 1: Renewable Energy Growth (2023 Data)
| Region | 2022 Capacity (GW) | 2023 Growth (%) | Key Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific | 1,240 | 2 | Solar expansion, which accounted for 63% of new installations |
| Europe | 680 | 7 | Offshore wind, which saw record investments |
| North America | 590 | 1 | Hydropower decline, which offset solar gains |
Source: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 2023 Annual Report
Example 2: Global E-Commerce Sales
A 2024 Statista report highlights:
"E-commerce sales reached $6.3 trillion worldwide in 2023, which was 15% higher than 2022 figures. The Asia-Pacific region dominated with $3.5 trillion in sales, which represented 55% of the global market."
Common Errors to Avoid
-
Dangling "Which" – Ensure the pronoun clearly refers to a noun:
❌ "The graph shows an increase, which is significant." (Unclear what "which" refers to)
✅ "The graph shows a 17% increase in sales, which reflects changing consumer habits." -
Overuse – Limit to 2–3 instances per 150-word paragraph to maintain readability.
-
Incorrect Punctuation – Remember the comma rule for non-restrictive clauses.
Advanced Application: Combining Data Points
Compare these two versions:
- Basic: "Electric vehicle sales grew by 40% in 2023. This followed a 28% increase in 2022."
- Enhanced: "Electric vehicle sales grew by 40% in 2023, which followed a 28% increase the previous year."
The second version improves cohesion while reducing word count—a crucial factor in IELTS writing where conciseness matters.
Practice Exercise
Rewrite these sentences using "which":
- Coffee exports totaled $30 billion in 2023. This was 12% higher than 2022.
- Brazil produced 58 million bags of coffee. This made it the world's largest producer.
Suggested Answers:
- Coffee exports totaled $30 billion in 2023, which was 12% higher than 2022.
- Brazil produced 58 million bags of coffee, which made it the world's largest producer.
Final Thoughts
Strategic use of "which" elevates data presentation by creating fluid connections between facts. When combined with accurate, current statistics—like the 2024 OECD projections showing "a 3.7% global GDP growth, which exceeds earlier estimates"—this grammatical structure demonstrates both language proficiency and analytical depth.
For optimal IELTS performance, practice integrating relative clauses with real datasets from authoritative sources such as the World Bank, UN reports, or industry-specific annual publications. This approach satisfies examiners' expectations for precise language use and up-to-date factual support.
