IELTS Task 1 Line Graph
Line graphs are the most common Task 1 type. The secret is not to describe every line in detail from left to right — it is to group information by the most significant trends and comparisons.
Structure: 4 paragraphs
Introduction (paraphrase the task), Overview (the 2–3 most significant features), Body 1 (detail about one group of lines or the first period), Body 2 (detail about the rest, including comparisons).
Writing the overview
Look for: the overall trend (up? down? fluctuating?), the highest and lowest lines at the start and end, and any striking crossing points or peaks. Put these together in one or two sentences.
Trend vocabulary
Upward: rose, increased, grew, climbed, soared, peaked at. Downward: fell, decreased, declined, dropped, plunged, bottomed out at. Flat: remained stable, levelled off, stayed constant. Fluctuation: fluctuated, varied, went up and down.
Comparison, not description
Band 7 reports compare data points (X was significantly higher than Y) rather than just describing each line separately. Look for moments where lines cross, converge, or diverge.
Frequently asked
How many words should I write?
160–190 words is ideal. Over 200 and you risk running out of time and including unnecessary detail.
Should I include every number?
No — select the most important ones: highest, lowest, start, end, key turning points. Including every data point is a band 5 move.
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