Line Graph Task 1 for IELTS Exam : Tips to Score Well

While appearing for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, students are asked to write on a line graph Task 1.  The Line Graph is a graphical representation of the change in the value of one or more variables. The axis of the graph is called X and Y and represents the values. The IELTS writing task 1 line graph exercise requires you to describe and summarize the line graph.

Sample: IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph

Source: https://www.english-exam.org/IELTS/academic_writing_samples_task_1/996/

The above graph shows the past, current, and expected growth in the population of India and China. The chart shows the population graph between the years 2000 and 2015 in China and India. In the year 2000, the population of China was around 1.2 billion people while the Indian population was at 1.0 billion. After a decade, in the year 2010, the population of India reached 1.2 billion while the Chinese population grew by 0.1 billion reaching 1.35 billion. The growth rate has continued over the next decade and in 2020, the Chinese population has grown to 1.42 billion while the population in India shows a steeper growth rate. In 2020, the Indian population grew to 1.34 billion.

In the year 2030, both countries will have an equal population of 1.45 billion people. After that, the Chinese population is expected to show a slow yet steady decline while the Indian population is likely to continue its growth. By 2050, India will have 1.6 billion people while China’s population level will decline to 1.4 billion. The graph shows a consistent yet aggressive expansion of the Indian population while the Chinese population will reach its peak in 2030 before dropping.

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Tips for line graph

Candidates should follow the tips mentioned below to score high in the writing task 1 line graph:

• Pay attention to the title of the graph and use it to give an overview
• Follow it up with the parameters as mentioned in the X and Y-axis
• Describe the line pattern using visual words such as steady increase, or sharp decline
• Limit your line graph description to what you can see in the graph, instead of using your logic to describe the events
• If multiple lines are there, create comparisons to show the relationship between the lines.

Following this example and the tips will make it easy for you to score well in this exercise. To prepare better, you can go through more examples to practice describing the various graphs accurately for better preparation, resulting in a high band score in your IELTS writing test.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph Questions: For Self Practice

The chart below gives some of the most reported issues among people living in UK cities in 2008 (%). Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Source:https://www.bestmytest.com/ielts/ielts-academic-writing/1

IELTS Line Graph Vocabulary

Candidates must use a diverse vocabulary to indicate upward and downward trends in order to earn a good band score.

IELTS line graph verbs and nouns

Upward trend: 

1. Rise/ a rise
2. Grow/ a growth
3. Go up
4. Increase/ an increase
5. Climb/ a climb

Downward trend:

1. Decrease/ a decrease
2. Fall/ a fall
3. Drop/ a drop
4. Decline/ a decline

Other vocabularies:

1. Plateau
2. Bottom out
3. Hit a low of
4. Hit a high of
5. Peak at
6. Reach a peak of
7. Level off
8. Remain stable
9. Remain unchanged
10. Remain steady
11. Dip/ a dip
12. Fluctuate/ a fluctuation

Line graph adverbs and adjectives

Adverbs: Considerably, significantly, steadily, gradually, rapidly, sharply, slightly, steeply, dramatically

Adjectives: Considerable, significant, steady, gradual, rapid, sharp, slight, steep, dramatic

Time expressions

IELTS line graphs indicate change over time. Below are a few expressions that will help candidates describe the passing time without too much repetition:

1. At the end of the period
2. At the beginning of the period
3. The final year
4. The first year
5. The last year
6. Over the period
7. The next three days show
8. In the following three days
9. Three days later
10. Over the next three days

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