Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Total and selected export values for a country from 2000 to 2005: 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.
  • 184 words
  • Line graphs
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The graph below shows the total value of exports and the value of fuel, food, and manufactured goods exported by one country from 2000 to 2005.

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

Value of fuel exports (million dollars)
0100,000200,000300,000400,000500,000200020012002200320042005
View the data
200020012002200320042005
Total300,000270,000250,000350,000385,000425,000
Value of selected exports (million dollars)
010,00020,00030,00040,00050,000200020012002200320042005
  • Fuel
  • Food
  • Manufactured goods
View the data
200020012002200320042005
Fuel45,00039,00029,00025,00021,00020,000
Food4,0003,0004,0004,5004,0004,000
Manufactured goods17,00024,00025,00019,50022,00023,000

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 8184 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The line graphs illustrate the total export value and the specific values for fuel, food, and manufactured goods in a single country between 2000 and 2005. Overall, the total export value followed a downward trend until 2002 before rising sharply to reach a peak of 425,000 million dollars by 2005. In contrast, the selected export categories showed varied performance, with fuel exports declining steadily throughout the period.

In 2000, the total export value stood at 300,000 million dollars, dipping to a low of 250,000 million dollars in 2002. Subsequently, it climbed consistently, reaching 350,000 million dollars in 2003 and finishing at 425,000 million dollars in 2005.

Regarding selected exports, fuel began as the highest category at 45,000 million dollars in 2000 but plummeted to 20,000 million dollars by 2005. Conversely, manufactured goods rose from 17,000 million dollars to 25,000 million dollars in 2002, before fluctuating and ending at 23,000 million dollars. Food exports remained the lowest throughout the period, starting at 4,000 million dollars, dipping slightly in 2001, and remaining relatively stable around 4,000 to 4,500 million dollars for the remainder of the timeframe.

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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.
  • plummeted

    to fall or drop straight down at speed

  • fluctuating

    rising and falling irregularly in number or amount

  • steadily

    in a regular and even manner without interruption

  • dipping

    a slight or temporary decrease in a value

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses a previous one

  • subsequently

    happening or coming after something else in time

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While the total value of exports experienced a significant overall increase despite an initial decline, the value of selected exports showed mixed trends, with fuel exports falling sharply and manufactured goods fluctuating.

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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