Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Average monthly expenditure on children's sports in the UK 2008-2014: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 line graph question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about line graphs.
  • 175 words
  • Line graphs
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The graphs below show the average monthly expenditure on children's sports and participation in different sports in the UK from 2008 to 2014.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Average monthly expenditure on children's sports in the UK (million Pounds)
010203040502008201020122014
View the data
2008201020122014
Spending20232732

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8175 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The line graph illustrates the average monthly expenditure on children's sports in the United Kingdom between 2008 and 2014. Overall, it is clear that spending on children's sports experienced a steady and continuous increase throughout the period, with the total amount rising by more than 50% by the end of the timeframe.

In 2008, the average monthly expenditure stood at 20 million pounds. Over the following two years, this figure saw a moderate rise, reaching 23 million pounds by 2010. This represents a growth of 3 million pounds in the first two-year interval.

From 2010 onwards, the upward trend became more pronounced. By 2012, spending had climbed to 27 million pounds, indicating a faster rate of increase compared to the previous period. This growth trajectory continued until 2014, when the expenditure reached its peak of 32 million pounds. In summary, the total monthly investment in children's sports rose from 20 million pounds to 32 million pounds over the six-year duration, reflecting a significant and sustained increase in financial commitment towards these activities across the UK.

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Line graphs

How to write about line graphs: tips and vocabulary

  • →Overview first: the overall direction of each line and which was highest.
  • →Group lines that move together instead of describing each one in turn.
  • →Give the start and end figures plus the peak or low point, not every value.
  • upward trend

    a general direction in which something is developing

  • accelerating

    increasing in speed or rate of change

  • moderate rise

    a small or average increase in value

  • pronounced

    very noticeable, obvious, or strongly marked

  • growth trajectory

    the path or pattern of development over time

  • sustained

    continuing for an extended period without interruption

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The graph illustrates a consistent upward trend in the average monthly spending on children's sports in the UK over the six-year period, with the rate of growth accelerating after 2010.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

How do I describe line graphs?+

Overview first: the overall direction of each line and which was highest. Group lines that move together instead of describing each one in turn. Give the start and end figures plus the peak or low point, not every value.

Keep practising

More line graphs

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