IELTS Writing Line Graph Task 1: How to Answer
Line graphs or Line charts are periodical graphs. Which means they show values of two constants over a period of time. These graphs usually indicate the pattern of growth of the given subjects.
Line graphs can be increasing, decreasing or stable. As a part of your task, you must analyse the given line chart and deduce your observations, highlights and comparisons. This task mainly focuses on comprehending how well you can analyse and process information.
You have 20 minutes to solve these questions, and you must do it in a minimum of 150 words.
Here are some strategies to answer Line graph task 1 essays.
Analyse the Line Graph
Examine the task at hand. Take a few seconds to thoroughly go through and prepare for what is asked in the question. A question may look like this:
Pay attention to what is being asked of you. For instance, in this question, you are asked to summarise the information, highlight the main features, and make comparisons. It’s good to sketch out a structure before you start writing mentally.
Here’s how you can analyse the Line graph:
- Read and understand the labels on both sides of the axis. Understand the context. What does the graph represent?
- Look for any trends or patterns. Is the graph declining? Is it flat? Is it inclining? These observations are important as these elements will be your main features.
- Also, pay attention to sudden peaks, valleys (drops), or fluctuations. This will also be your main feature.
- You must look for the lows and highs in the trend, as these are good data points.
- When you analyse the trends, especially if you’re drawing comparisons, you must consider how they affect each other and if they are in a relationship. For example, does line A also drop when line B drops? Or is it vice versa?
Structuring Your Summary
Writing a summary for a line chart is very similar to that of a table, bar, and pie chart. Follow the same rule: Write an introduction, write the highlights, and conclude your essay.
- Introduction: Begin by rephrasing the question and providing context for the line graph. Mention the titles, the data source (if provided), and the time frame covered by the graph.
- Overview: Briefly highlight the main trends or patterns visible in the line graph. Identify any significant peaks, valleys, or fluctuations in the data. Keep this section concise and avoid unnecessary elaboration.
- Detailed Analysis: Break down the data presented in the line graph by examining each trend or pattern in detail. Describe the direction and magnitude of each trend over time. Use specific data points or values from the graph to support your analysis. Compare and contrast the trends between different variables or categories if applicable.
- Conclusion: Summarise the main features, patterns, or trends observed in the line graph. Reflect on the significance of these findings and consider their implications. Review the summary for accuracy, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
IELTS Writing Line Graph Task 1: Sample Answer
Practice makes perfect, they say. And we agree entirely. Use these samples to hone your writing task 1 skills! Let’s begin.
Sample Essay:
The graph illustrates the percentage of recycled plastics, aluminium cans, glass containers, paper and cardboard from 1982 to 2010. It shows the highest and lowest dips of all the four categories.
According to the graph, In 1982,65% of paper and cardboard was recycled, which increased in 1994 to 80% and later declined to 70%. In 1982,50% of glass containers were recycled, which fell to 40% in 1990; however, the glass containers recycling was inclined to 60% by 2010.
Plastic recycling was introduced in 1990 at only 2%, and the graph shows that the growth was prolonged, from 2% to 9% over time. Aluminium cans were first recycled in 1986 at about only 5% but grew to 45% in 2010.
Overall, paper and cardboard saw the highest leap among all the other recycling materials. But this category saw a decline in 1990, and an upward trend was evident in the graph.
