IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Describe a Line Graph
Master IELTS Writing Task 1 line graphs. Step-by-step guide, key vocabulary for trends, and a band 7–9 model answer.
Overview
Line graphs show change over time and are ideal for demonstrating trend vocabulary in IELTS Writing Task 1. The key skills are identifying the main trend for each line, noting significant peaks, troughs, and fluctuations, writing a clear overview, and making meaningful comparisons between lines where multiple are present.
Sample Question
The line graph below shows the number of international students enrolled in universities in three countries (Australia, Canada, and Germany) from 2000 to 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. [Data: All three countries grew over the period. Australia grew most steeply from 150k to 480k. Canada grew from 120k to 320k. Germany grew steadily from 90k to 250k. Brief dip in all three around 2009.]
Band 7–9 Sample Answer
Band 8 LevelThe line graph illustrates trends in international student enrolment at universities in Australia, Canada, and Germany between 2000 and 2020. Overall, all three countries recorded consistent growth across the period, with Australia attracting the highest number of international students throughout and achieving the most dramatic increase. In 2000, Australia led with approximately 150,000 international enrolments, followed by Canada at 120,000 and Germany at 90,000. All three nations expanded steadily over the next decade, though a brief but visible dip occurred in each country around 2009 — most likely reflecting the impact of the global financial crisis on international mobility. Recovery was swift. Australia's figures grew particularly steeply from 2012 onwards, reaching approximately 480,000 by 2020 — more than tripling its starting figure. Canada's growth was more moderate, rising to around 320,000, while Germany, though the slowest growing, still recorded a near-threefold increase to reach 250,000 enrolments. In conclusion, while all three destinations became significantly more popular with international students over the two decades, Australia's dominance strengthened considerably, suggesting it increasingly outcompeted Canada and Germany as a study destination. (Word count: 185)
Expert Tips for This Topic
For line graphs, use trend language: "rose steadily", "fluctuated", "peaked at", "declined sharply", "levelled off".
Note any anomalies or turning points explicitly — examiners reward you for identifying these.
The overview should mention the general trend across all lines, not just one.
Specific years and figures must be accurate — never invent data or be vague when numbers are given.
Avoid beginning every sentence with "It" — vary your sentence structure.
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