Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Price trends for four types of bread in a European country: 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.
  • 181 words
  • Line graphs
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The chart below shows the price in Euros of 800 grams of four types of bread in one European country from 2001 to 2006.

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

Price of 800g of four types of bread (2001-2005) (Euros)
00.40.81.21.6220012002200320042005
  • Wholegrain
  • Brown
  • White
  • Rye
View the data
20012002200320042005
Wholegrain0.81.810.70.8
Brown0.61.51.61.41.6
White0.611.11.21.3
Rye0.60.50.60.60.7

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 8181 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The line graph illustrates the price fluctuations for 800 grams of four bread varieties—wholegrain, brown, white, and rye—in a European country between 2001 and 2005.

Overall, wholegrain bread exhibited the most dramatic price shifts, peaking early before declining. Conversely, white and brown bread prices showed a more consistent upward trajectory, while rye remained the most affordable option throughout the period.

In 2001, all four bread types were priced between 0.6 and 0.8 Euros. By 2002, wholegrain bread surged to a high of 1.8 Euros, whereas rye dipped slightly to 0.5 Euros. Following this peak, wholegrain prices dropped sharply to 1.0 Euro in 2003 and reached a low of 0.7 Euros in 2004, before recovering to 0.8 Euros in 2005.

Brown bread also saw a significant rise to 1.5 Euros in 2002 and fluctuated between 1.4 and 1.6 Euros for the remainder of the period. White bread experienced a steady climb from 0.6 Euros in 2001 to 1.3 Euros by 2005. Meanwhile, rye bread remained relatively stable, ending the period at 0.7 Euros, which was the lowest price among the four types.

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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

  • trajectory

    the path followed by a development or trend

  • surged

    increased suddenly and powerfully in a short time

  • dramatic

    sudden, striking, or impressive in terms of change

  • stable

    not likely to change or fail; relatively constant

  • affordable

    reasonably priced and inexpensive for the consumer

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While the price of wholegrain bread experienced significant volatility, the costs of brown and white bread generally trended upwards over the period.

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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