IELTS Writing Task 1: Line graph
Answer a line graph by identifying the overall trend(s) first in an overview, then support this with specific data in body paragraphs. Group lines that behave similarly, compare start and end points, note peaks, troughs and crossovers, and always use accurate trend vocabulary and figures from the graph itself.
Sample task
The line graph below shows the average monthly household spending on electricity, gas and water in a European country between 2000 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
The data
Average monthly household spending on electricity, gas and water in a European country, 2000 to 2020 (in euros)
| Year | Electricity (EUR) | Gas (EUR) | Water (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 35 | 40 | 20 |
| 2005 | 45 | 50 | 22 |
| 2010 | 60 | 55 | 25 |
| 2015 | 80 | 48 | 28 |
| 2020 | 95 | 42 | 32 |
How to structure a line graph answer
- 1Paraphrase the title: mention the three utilities, the country, the unit (euros) and the 20 year period covered.
- 2Write a 2 to 3 sentence overview stating the most important overall patterns, such as electricity rising continuously, gas falling after an early peak, and water increasing only slightly.
- 3Body paragraph 1: describe electricity and gas in detail with figures for 2000, 2010 and 2020, including the point where electricity overtakes gas.
- 4Body paragraph 2: describe water spending, noting its steady, modest rise and comparing its 2020 value with the other two utilities.
Band 9 sample answer
196 wordsThe line graph illustrates how much households in a European country spent each month on average on electricity, gas and water between 2000 and 2020, measured in euros.
Overall, spending on electricity rose consistently throughout the period and became the largest of the three expenses by 2020, whereas gas spending increased only until 2010 before declining. Water charges, by contrast, grew slowly and remained the lowest expense throughout.
In 2000, gas was the most expensive utility at 40 euros per month, slightly ahead of electricity at 35 euros. Both costs climbed over the following decade, with gas reaching 55 euros and electricity 60 euros in 2010, meaning electricity had already overtaken gas as the largest household expense. After 2010, the two costs diverged sharply: electricity continued to rise steeply, reaching 80 euros in 2015 and 95 euros in 2020, while gas fell back to 48 euros and then 42 euros over the same years.
Water spending followed a much steadier upward path, increasing gradually from 20 euros in 2000 to 32 euros in 2020. Although it never exceeded either of the other two utilities, the gap between water and gas narrowed considerably by the end of the period, with only 10 euros separating them in 2020, compared with 20 euros in 2000.
Why this scores Band 9
- Overview clearly identifies the three distinct trends without listing every figure
- All numbers in body paragraphs match the invented table exactly, including the crossover year
- Wide range of accurate trend and comparison language is used appropriately
- Answer is well organised into four paragraphs with logical grouping of the two rising versus one declining line
Useful language for a line graph
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| rose steadily/consistently | describing a line that increases over most or all of the period without major fluctuation |
| overtook / became the largest | describing the point where one line crosses above another |
| declined after peaking at | describing a line that rises to a high point and then falls |
| the gap between X and Y narrowed/widened | comparing the distance between two lines at different points in time |
| followed a much steadier/gentler path | contrasting a slowly changing line with a more volatile one |
| remained the lowest/highest throughout | summarising a line's overall ranking compared to the others across the period |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Describing every single year in the table one by one without grouping trends, resulting in a list rather than an analysis.
Correct: Group lines with similar behaviour together, such as electricity and gas rising together at first, and highlight only key years and turning points.
Incorrect: Writing 'gas increased' for the whole period when it actually rose then fell after 2010.
Correct: Split the description: 'gas rose from 40 to 55 euros by 2010, then fell to 42 euros by 2020' to reflect the full trend accurately.
Frequently asked questions
How many paragraphs should an IELTS line graph answer have?
Four is ideal: an introduction paraphrasing the prompt, an overview of the main trends, and two body paragraphs grouping and detailing the data with specific figures.
Do I need to mention every data point in the graph?
No, selecting and reporting key features such as the first, last, highest and lowest values, plus any crossovers, is sufficient; you do not need to state every single year shown.
What tense should I use for a line graph covering past years?
Use the past simple throughout, since the data covers a completed historical period, for example 'spending rose' or 'gas fell', unless the graph extends into future projections.
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