Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Wheat export trends for Australia, Canada, and the European Community 1985-1990: 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.
  • 187 words
  • Line graphs
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The graph below shows the differences in wheat exports over three different areas.

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

Wheat Exports 1985-1990 (millions of tonnes)
0510152025198519861987198819891990
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • European Community
View the data
198519861987198819891990
Australia151614121111
Canada191721251419
European Community171415151921

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 8187 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The line graph illustrates the fluctuations in wheat exports from Australia, Canada, and the European Community between 1985 and 1990, measured in millions of tonnes.

Overall, Canada’s exports were the most volatile, peaking mid-period before a sharp decline. Conversely, Australia’s exports followed a downward trajectory, while the European Community demonstrated a consistent recovery after 1986, eventually becoming the leading exporter by 1990.

In 1985, Canada led with 19 million tonnes, followed by the European Community at 17 million and Australia at 15 million. Australia’s exports peaked slightly at 16 million in 1986 before declining steadily to reach a plateau of 11 million tonnes in 1989 and 1990. Meanwhile, Canada’s exports fluctuated, dropping to 17 million in 1986 but climbing to a high of 25 million in 1988. This was followed by a dramatic slump to 14 million in 1989, before recovering to 19 million in 1990.

The European Community’s exports initially fell to 14 million in 1986. However, they remained stable at 15 million for two years before rising consistently to 19 million in 1989 and finishing the period at 21 million tonnes, surpassing both other regions.

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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 trend over time

  • plateau

    a state of little or no change

  • slump

    a sudden severe or prolonged fall in value

  • surpassing

    being greater in amount than something else

  • volatile

    liable to change rapidly and unpredictably

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While Canada experienced significant volatility in its wheat exports, Australia saw a steady decline, whereas the European Community showed a general upward trend 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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