IELTS Writing Task 1: how to describe a line graph
Describe a line graph in four short paragraphs: a paraphrase of the question, an overview of the main trends, and two paragraphs of grouped details with numbers. The overview is the part most candidates miss, and it matters most for Task Achievement.
Four-paragraph structure
- Introduction: one sentence that rewrites the question in your own words.
- Overview: two sentences on the biggest trends, with no numbers. For example, which line rose most and which ended highest.
- Details 1: describe one group of lines, or the first half of the period, with key figures.
- Details 2: describe the rest, comparing as you go.
Language for change
| Change | Verb | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Up | rose, increased, climbed | a rise, an increase |
| Down | fell, decreased, dropped | a fall, a decrease |
| No change | remained stable, levelled off | a plateau |
| Top / bottom | peaked at, hit a low of | a peak, a low |
Add how much and how fast: "rose sharply", "a slight decrease", "fell steadily from 40% to 25%".
Good habits
- Compare, don't list: "Sales of tea were double those of coffee in 2020."
- Use the past tense for past years and a future form for projections.
- Don't give reasons or opinions: describe only what the graph shows.
- Stay near 170-190 words and about 20 minutes.