Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Passenger numbers at a London Underground station throughout the day: 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.
  • 194 words
  • Line graphs
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The graph shows Underground Station Passenger Numbers in London.

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

London Underground station passengers (Number of people)
01002003004005006:008:0010:0012:0014:0016:0018:0020:0022:00
View the data
6:007:008:009:0010:0011:0012:0013:0014:0015:0016:0017:0018:0019:0020:0021:0022:00
Passengers10020040030018021028029030022090200380290120170130

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 8194 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The line graph illustrates the number of passengers using a London Underground station over the course of a single day, from 6:00 to 22:00. Overall, the data reveals that passenger numbers are highly variable, with two notable peaks occurring in the morning and evening, contrasted by significant troughs during the mid-afternoon and late evening.

At 6:00, the station recorded 100 passengers. This figure rose steadily to reach a morning peak of 400 at 8:00. Following this, numbers declined to 300 by 9:00 and dropped further to a low of 180 at 10:00. Between 11:00 and 14:00, there was a period of relative stability, with passenger numbers climbing gradually from 210 to 300. However, this was followed by a sharp decline to 220 at 15:00 and a dramatic drop to the daily minimum of 90 passengers at 16:00.

Subsequently, the station experienced a rapid recovery, with numbers doubling to 200 by 17:00 and surging to an evening peak of 380 at 18:00. After this second high point, passenger numbers fell consistently, reaching 290 at 19:00 and 120 at 20:00. A minor fluctuation occurred at 21:00 with 170 passengers, before finally settling at 130 by 22:00.

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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.
  • fluctuations

    irregular rising and falling in number or amount

  • troughs

    the lowest points in a series of values

  • surging

    a sudden and powerful upward movement or increase

  • steadily

    in a regular and even manner without interruption

  • declined

    to become smaller, fewer, or less in value

  • consistently

    acting or done in the same way over time

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The graph illustrates significant fluctuations in passenger traffic, with two distinct peak periods occurring during the morning and evening rush hours.

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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