IELTS Graph Writing Task 1: Sample Questions and Answers

A. The conducting body of the IELTS exam has described a few points that must be taken care of while attempting the IELTS Writing task 1 questions. These are:

• Write all responses using complete, grammatically correct sentences.
• Do not submit answers in bullet point or note format.
• Place your final responses only in the designated answer section.
• Personal notes may be made separately but those will not be counted toward evaluation.
• Any rough work or annotations outside the answer section will not be reviewed.

A. Each certified IELTS examiner things of the following parameters when deciding how many marks to give to you based on your response in the IELTS Writing section:

1. Task response/achievement,
2. Coherence and Cohesion,
3. Lexical Resources, and
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

The given line graph represents the number of travellers who have visited the UK from overseas and also the number of UK residents who travelled abroad between the years 1979 to 1999. The bar graph illustrates the most popular countries to be visited by the residents of the UK in 1999. Overall, it can be observed that the highest amount of UK residents preferred to travel to France.  

In the year 1979, over 12 million UK residents travelled abroad which was closely followed by overseas residents with one-tenth of them travelling to the UK in 1979, 11 million. Between the years 1984 and 1989, there was a sharp rise in the number of UK residents who travelled abroad, 20 million, whereas only a minute rise was seen amongst the overseas travellers coming to the UK, 12 million. By the year 1999 the number of UK resident travellers crossed five-tenth, 52 million, on the other hand, the number of overseas residents who travelled to the UK in 1999 reached nearly three-tenth, 28 million.

The most popular country to be visited by the residents of the UK was undoubtedly France with over 11 million travellers visiting the nation. Coming to a close second was Spain with 9 million UK visitors. Surprisingly, the US and France had seen a much lower number of visitors as compared to the former mentioned countries, 4 million and 3 million, while Turkey was the least popular nation amongst the lot to be visited by UK residents with just 2 million visitors.

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 7 score, here is the expert’s comment.
The candidate has started with the appropriate paraphrasing in the first paragraph, with a partial overview.
The task requirement is covered, and the content has been divided into paragraphs appropriately, making it both a coherent and cohesive response, although there is a repetition of vocabulary in the second and third paragraphs(travellers, travelled, residents). The vocabulary resource is sufficient to allow understanding, but no skilful use of uncommon word choice, with repetition of some words. The candidate has a good grasp of grammar but has made some errors (have in the first paragraph, usage of with and which in body paragraphs).

The first line graph presents data on visits made by UK residents to other countries and includes information about overseas residents travelling to the UK between 1979 and 1999. The second bar chart illustrates the most popular destinations for UK residents in 1999. Overall, it is evident that the number of visits made by UK residents significantly outnumbered those made by foreigners coming to the UK. France emerged as the most favoured destination, with UK residents making the highest number of visits compared to other countries.

In 1979, there was a slight difference of nearly 2 million between the number of travels made by UK residents and overseas visitors, with approximately 12 million and 10 million, respectively. The number of visits made by UK residents showed a significant increase, surpassing 20 million between 1984 and 1989, while the number of overseas visitors grew gradually. By 1999, the number of outbound visits from the UK had surged to 52 million.

Examining the figures in the second bar chart, it is clear that there is a slight difference in the number of visits made to France and Spain by UK residents, approximately 12 million and 9 million, respectively. Although the number of visits to the USA, Greece, and Turkey remained below 5 million, the USA had the highest number of visits at nearly 3 million, while Turkey had the fewest.

This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 8.5 score, here is the expert’s comment.
The task is fully addressed, with accurate interpretation and summarisation of the information from the charts. A clear and concise overview is provided by addressing all the key details that are included and logically connected.  The response is also well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Linking words and phrases are used appropriately and effectively to ensure cohesion. Paragraphs are used effectively to separate different points and data interpretations. A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and effectively. Some less common lexical items are used appropriately, demonstrating good lexical resource. Word choice is precise and enhances the clarity and sophistication of the task. A variety of complex sentence structures are used correctly. Grammar and punctuation errors are minimal and do not impede communication. A good balance of simple and complex sentence forms demonstrates grammatical flexibility.

A: In the IELTS Writing Task 1, you may be asked to describe and analyse a line graph. This involves summarising the information, identifying main trends, and making comparisons where relevant.

A: Your response should have a clear structure: an introduction, an overview, and two or more body paragraphs. The introduction should state what the graph shows. The overview should highlight the key features. Dedicate separate body paragraphs to describe each group of lines or key trends in detail. The body paragraphs should provide the main features and comparisons.

A: The introduction should paraphrase the information given in the graph’s title. For example, "The line graph illustrates the number of visits made by UK residents to other countries and overseas residents travelling to the UK between 1979 and 1999."

A: The overview should summarise the main trends or significant changes without going into too much detail. For example, "Overall, visits abroad by UK residents increased significantly over the period, while the number of overseas residents visiting the UK grew gradually."

A: Include specific data points, compare different trends, and highlight any significant changes or patterns. For example, "In 1979, approximately 12 million UK residents travelled abroad, compared to 10 million overseas visitors to the UK. By 1999, outbound visits from the UK surged to 52 million."

A: Use comparative language to highlight differences and similarities. Phrases like "in contrast," "similarly," "while," and "compared to" can help. For example, "While the number of visits abroad by UK residents exceeded 20 million between 1984 and 1989, the number of overseas visitors grew more slowly."

A: Use a variety of vocabulary to describe increases, decreases, stability, and fluctuations.For example, "increase," "rise," "grow," "decline," "drop," "remain steady," "fluctuate," and "peak." Use a variety of verbs to describe changes (increased, decreased, fluctuated, remained stable), adjectives for trends (gradual, sharp, significant), and linking words to show comparisons and cause-effect relationships.

A: Identify and describe the trends for each line individually and then compare them. Make sure to highlight any interactions or significant differences.

A: Yes, including specific numbers from the graph can help to illustrate your points more clearly. Just ensure they are accurate and relevant to the trends you are describing.

A: Common mistakes include misinterpreting the data, not providing an overview, failing to make comparisons, and using inappropriate vocabulary. Practice describing different line graphs to improve your skills.

A: You'll typically get 20 minutes to analyse the graph and write your response. Aim for around 150-190 words.