IELTS Task 1 Line Charts

What is IELTS?

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a popular English test for students who don't speak English as their first language. It's essential if you plan to study, work, or move to an English-speaking country. The test assesses you on 4 main language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

What is the IELTS Writing Task?

The IELTS Writing Task is split into two parts: Task 1 and Task 2 to evaluate your writing skills and how well you can articulate your thoughts and ideas in written English.

• In IELTS Writing Task 1, you will be required to describe a line chart, graph, or table
• In IELTS Writing Task 2, you will need to write an essay on a given topic

Comparing Writing Tasks 1 and 2

Understanding the IELTS Writing Task 1

In Task 1, you will be required to describe visual information like line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, or diagrams. Your task is to look at the data and spot the key trends and patterns. You’ll then need to write a brief essay without any personal bias. 

The objective of Writing Task 1 is to test how well you can interpret and present information. The task requires a minimum of 150 words and should be completed in about 20 minutes.

The writing topics often revolve around popular fields, suitable for those entering university or about real-life situations and everyday life. 

This might involve:

• Identifying the main trends or patterns in the data.
• Comparing different data points.
• Highlighting any significant increases, decreases, or fluctuations.
• Summarizing the overall message of the graph.

The key skills needed for this are observation, analytical and writing skills.

Also read: IELTS Pie Chart Task 1

Sample 1

The line chart below shows the number of international students enrolled in three different universities in Australia between 2010 and 2020.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample answer 1

The line chart shows the number of international students enrolled in three universities in Australia from 2010 to 2020. All three universities saw an increase in students over this period, but University C had the most students.

In 2010, University C had the highest number of students – 15,000 – enrolled with them. University A and University B, in comparison, had lower figures, with 10,000 and 5000 students, respectively. Over the years, the number of students at University C kept increasing, reaching 33,000 by 2020. Therefore, it stayed at the top.

Similarly, University A followed an upward trend, growing from 10,000 students in 2010 to 22,000 in 2020. The increase was gradual and consistent over the years.

On the other hand, University B, which had the least number of students at the beginning, also showed significant growth. Starting with 5000 students in 2010, the enrollment tripled to 18,000 by 2020. However, it remained the least popular among the three universities.

In conclusion, all three universities witnessed a steady rise in international student numbers with University C having the most students throughout the decade. However, University B had the fastest growth.

Sample 2

The line graph below shows the average monthly temperatures in three different cities (New York, London, and Sydney) over the course of a year.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample answer 2

The line graph shows the average monthly temperatures in New York, London, and Sydney over a year. New York and London are warmest in the middle of the year, while Sydney is warmest at the beginning and end of the year.

In New York, temperatures start at around 0°C in January and rise to a peak of 30°C in July. However, it then drops to 3°C by December. Similarly, in London, temperatures begin at 5°C in January and increase to 23°C in July, before gradually falling to 6°C by December.

Sydney is warmest in January at 25°C, drops to 12°C in July, and rises again to 24°C in December. This is because Sydney is in the Southern Hemisphere, where seasons are opposite to those in New York and London.

In summary, New York and London have their warmest months in the middle of the year, while Sydney's warmest months are at the start and end of the year.

Sample 3

The line graph below shows the percentage of people using three different modes of transportation (car, bus, and train) in a European city from 1990 to 2020.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample answer 3

The line graph shows the percentage of people using cars, buses, and trains in a European city from 1990 to 2020.

In 1990, 45% of people used buses, making them the most popular. Cars were used by 35%, and trains by 20%. Over time, more people started using cars, reaching 55% in 2020, making cars the most popular by the end.

Bus usage dropped from 45% in 1990 to 25% in 2020. Train usage grew from 20% in 1990 to 40% in 2020, eventually surpassing buses.

In summary, cars became more popular over the years, bus usage declined, and train usage steadily increased.

Also read: IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

Key points to remember

• Ensure the accuracy of data in your description. Double-check the figures and make sure your description matches the visual information.
• Present information clearly and logically to avoid any confusion.
• Keep your description concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or repetitive information.
• Maintain a logical flow throughout your response. 
• Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your writing easy to follow. Use linking words and phrases like "firstly", "in addition", "however", and "therefore" to connect your ideas. This makes your writing easier to follow and understand.
• Be mindful of your grammar to ensure your sentences are clear and correct.
• Practice and get used to various visuals including graphs, charts, and tables. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with different types of visual information. 
• Use comparative phrases to show differences and similarities between data points in your description. Use phrases alike "in comparison", "similarly", "however", and "on the other hand" to highlight these comparisons in your description.
• Time management is crucial in the IELTS Writing Task. Make sure you allocate enough time to plan, write, and review your response. Practice IELTS Writing Task 1 (line graph) responses within the 20-minute time limit to ensure you can complete the task efficiently.

Step-by-step guide on how to write an effective description

• Before you start writing, take a few minutes to carefully examine the chart. Make sure you understand what the visual information is showing.
• Spend a few minutes planning your response. Draft a rough structure of your response and outline the main points you want to include to ensure you cover all points.
• Use simple and easy-to-understand language. Avoid using complex vocabulary or sentence structures that might confuse the reader.
• Use comparative phrases to highlight differences and similarities between data points.
• Avoid adding personal opinions or interpretations. Focus on presenting the data that is in the chart, accurately and clearly.
• After writing, take a few minutes to review your work. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors and make sure your description matches the visual information.

Also read: IELTS General Writing Task 1

FAQs

How do I write answers for a line graph task in the IELTS Writing test?

Here’s what to keep in mind while writing answers for IELTS line graph Task 1 questions:

• Observe the graph and notice the main trends and changes. 
• Write in simple language to describe these trends and compare the data clearly.

What is the structure for writing about a line graph in IELTS Task 1?

The structure for describing a line graph in the IELTS Task 1 answer is: 

• Introduction
• An overview of the main trends
• The description
• Conclusion

How do I start describing a line graph?

Start describing a line graph for the IELTS Writing Task by rephrasing the graph's title and describing what it shows. Mention the time period and any units of measurement.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when describing a line graph?

Some common mistakes to avoid while describing a line graph are:

• Don’t copy the task description word to word
• Avoid including irrelevant details
• Do not add your personal opinion

How should I conclude my line graph description?

To conclude your line graph description, summarise the main points and trends you have discussed. Do not introduce any new information.

What are some useful vocabulary words for describing a line graph?

Words like "increase", "decrease", "fluctuate", "peak", "dip", "steadily", "sharply", "gradually", and "reach a plateau" are useful.

What are the scoring criteria for the line graph descriptions in IELTS Task 1?

The scoring criteria depend upon:

• How well you address the task
• How well your ideas flow and connect
• The range and accuracy of your vocabulary
• The variety and correctness of your grammar