Overview
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are given a line graph that shows how something changes over time (e.g., sales figures, population growth, temperature changes).
The graph usually includes one or more lines representing trends, such as changes in population, prices, sales, or other data points.
Your job is to summarize the main trends, compare data, and report significant details using data from the image — without giving personal opinions or reasons.
A visual sample question —
Sample QuestionYour response should:
- Be at least 150 words.
- Include an introduction (by paraphrasing the question),
- An overview (a summary of the main trends),
- And body paragraphs (with specific details and data).
✅Key characteristics :
- You are given a line graph that shows changes over a period of time.
- Your task is to describe and summarise the key trends, comparisons, and data shown in the graph.
- The graph usually covers a specific time period, such as months, years, or decades.
- You must write at least 150 words, using formal academic language in about 20 minutes.
- Your report should have three main parts:
- An introduction (paraphrasing the question)
- An overview (a summary of the main trends)
- Body paragraphs (detailed comparisons and data)
- You should not give personal opinions, only describe what the graph shows.
- Main trends (e.g., increase, decrease, stability) must be clearly identified and explained.
- Accurate use of data (numbers and time references) is important to support your description.
- Paraphrasing the question in the introduction is a key writing skill for this task.
- You are marked on four criteria:
- Task Achievement – How well you describe the key features.
- Coherence and Cohesion – How logically your ideas are organised.
- Lexical Resource – Your range and accuracy of vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Your grammar variety and correctness.
⭐️ Important Tips :
- Always analyse the graph carefully before you start writing.
- Always write an overview after the introduction— it’s crucial.
- Compare and summarize — don’t just list numbers.
- Focus on major trends, not small details.
- Stay formal — avoid casual phrases (“a lot of,” “huge”).
- Identify the highest, lowest, fastest rises or drops.
- Plan your paragraphs for better coherence.
- Practice time management — try to finish in 20 minutes.
- Group similar trends together for better organization.
- Use a range of vocabulary to describe movement (e.g., soared, plummeted, fluctuated).
- Refer to specific data when explaining details.
- Use comparatives (e.g., higher, more significant) where needed.
- Use linking words for clarity and flow.
- Never give personal opinions (“I think,” “In my opinion” – strictly not allowed).
Ready to test your IELTS Writing skills?
👉 Try a free IELTS Writing Task 1 mock test and see how well you can describe graphs like in the real exam!