A typical American and a Japanese office

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Diagram

 

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Question

The graph below shows a typical American and a Japanese office. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Common Questions for the Office Layout Comparison

1. Graph Type: Diagram

2. Title: Comparison of Typical American and Japanese Office Layouts

3. What are the units of measurement?: Not applicable

4. Who: American and Japanese offices

5. When: Not specified

6. Where: Typical offices in the USA and Japan

7. Topic: Layout features and organizational structure of American and Japanese offices

Comparison Showing and Trends Any change over time (such as an increase or a decrease) is a trend.

Comparison 1 : Office Structure

  • Details:

1. Managerial Layout: Both offices include one department manager and two section managers.

2. American Office: Features separate cabins for managers and cubicles for junior employees.

3. Japanese Office: Utilizes a large open hall for all employees seated around tables.

Comparison 2 : Facilities and Environment

  • Details 

1. Meeting Spaces: The American office includes two conference rooms, a storage room, and a separate area for printers and copiers.

2. Lighting: Windows in the American office are located on both the east and west walls; Japanese office windows are positioned on the north side.

3. Supervision Structure: In the Japanese office, section managers supervise employees directly seated around them, while in the American office, managers have separate spaces.

Sample Answer

The diagrams compare the layout of a typical American office with that of a Japanese office, highlighting both similarities and differences in their design and organizational structures.

Both office layouts accommodate one department manager, two section managers, and several junior employees. However, the American office features separate cabins for the department and section managers, along with individual cubicles for junior employees. In contrast, the Japanese office operates from a large open hall where employees are seated around tables, with section managers overseeing them directly.

Another notable distinction is the facilities available in each office. The American office includes two conference rooms, a storage area, and a dedicated room for printers and copiers. In comparison, the Japanese office lacks these additional facilities, focusing instead on a more communal working environment. Regarding natural light, the American office benefits from windows on both the east and west walls, while the Japanese office has its windows positioned on the north wall.

Overall, the layout differences reflect contrasting work cultures, with the American office emphasizing individual space and the Japanese office promoting collaboration and teamwork.

Top 28  Vocabulary

Vocabulary (type) Meaning Synonyms Examples
Layout (noun) The arrangement or design of something Design, configuration “The office layout was designed for efficiency.”
Supervise (verb) To oversee or manage the work of others Manage, oversee “Section managers supervise their teams.”
Facility (noun) A place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose Amenity, service “The office includes several facilities.”
Communal (adj) Shared by all members of a community Shared, collective “The Japanese office promotes a communal atmosphere.”
Distinction (noun) A difference or contrast between similar things Difference, contrast “There is a clear distinction between the two layouts.”

Compare (verb)

To examine the similarities and differences between things

Contrast, evaluate

“The diagrams compare the layouts of two office designs.”

Organizational (adj)

Related to the structure or arrangement of something

Structural, managerial

“The organizational structure differs in both offices.”

Cubicle (noun)

A small, enclosed workspace within a larger office

Booth, workspace

“Junior employees work in individual cubicles in the American office.”

Oversee (verb)

To watch over or supervise

Monitor, supervise

“Section managers oversee the employees in the Japanese office.”

Collaborative (adj)

Involving teamwork or joint effort

Cooperative, joint

“The Japanese office promotes a collaborative work environment.”

Hall (noun)

A large open space within a building

Room, corridor

“The Japanese office operates from a large open hall.”

Contrast (verb)

To show the differences between two or more things

Differentiate, distinguish

“The passage contrasts the work cultures of the two offices.”

Junior (adj)

Relating to lower rank or position

Subordinate, lower-level

“Junior employees are provided cubicles in the American office.”

Dedicated (adj)

Reserved or set aside for a specific purpose

Exclusive, specialized

“There is a dedicated room for printers in the American office.”

Seating (noun)

The arrangement of seats in a space

Placement, arrangement

“The seating in the Japanese office encourages teamwork.”

Amenity (noun)

A useful feature or facility of a building

Facility, convenience

“The American office includes amenities like conference rooms and storage areas.”

Efficiency (noun)

The ability to achieve a goal with minimal waste

Productivity, effectiveness

“The layout of the American office prioritizes efficiency.”

Overhead (adj)

Situated above or in the higher area

Above, top

“The open hall design lacks overhead partitions.”

Reflect (verb)

To show, express, or represent something

Represent, indicate

“The layouts reflect cultural differences in work practices.”

Natural (adj)

Existing in or derived from nature

Organic, unprocessed

“Natural light is an important feature in both offices.”

Emphasize (verb)

To give special importance to something

Highlight, stress

“The American office emphasizes individual workspaces.”

Arrangement (noun)

The organization or layout of elements in a space

Order, placement

“The arrangement of the Japanese office is communal and open.”

Promote (verb)

To encourage or support an idea or activity

Advocate, encourage

“The Japanese office promotes teamwork and collaboration.”

Adapt (verb)

To change or adjust to fit a new situation

Modify, adjust

“The design adapts to the specific cultural work habits.”

Structure (noun)

The arrangement of and relations between parts of something

Framework, composition

“The structure of the Japanese office reflects its work culture.”

Partition (noun)

A division or separation within a space

Divider, screen

“Partitions are used in the American office to create individual workspaces.”

Adjacent (adj)

Next to or adjoining something

Neighboring, beside

“The storage area is adjacent to the conference rooms.”

Commercial (adj)

Related to business activities

Business-oriented, trade

“The office layouts reflect commercial needs and cultural preferences.”
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