IELTS Line graph is one of the most popular essay topics in academic writing task 1. In this, you are expected to explain the data in the form of line graphs.
This IELTS line graph guide will get you to learn the following aspects of academic writing task 1.
- What is a Line Graph?
- When is the Line Graph used?
- How to describe a Line graph in IELTS?
- Strategies to Score High in IELTS academic line graph
- Tips for Describing Line graph in IELTS Writing Task
- IELTS Academic Task Line graph Sample
What is a Line Graph?
A line graph also known as a line chart is a type of chart used to visualize the value of something over time.
When the Line Graph is used?
These are used to track the changes over short and longer time periods.
Moreover, the line graph is the best choice when the changes are smaller. Additionally, it can be used to compare the changes over the same time period for more than one group.
The IELTS line graph consists of horizontal (X-axis) and Vertical (Y-axis).
Usually, the x-axis shows the time period and the y-axis shows the measurements.
Of course, these can also be used to plot data that have peaks and troughs (ups and downs). To spell simply, they highlight trends.
Structure of the IELTS Academic Writing Line graph
Here is the real structure of the IELTS Academic Writing Line graph in order to crack the section.
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
Paragraph 2 (Overview)
- Sentence 1- Overview of the first main feature
- Sentence 2- Overview of the second main feature
- Sentence 3- Make general comparison, if appropriate
Paragraph 3 (Details of significant feature 1)
- Sentence 1- Supporting details
- Sentence 2- Supporting details
- Sentence 3- Supporting details/comparison details, if appropriate
Paragraph 4 (Details of significant feature 2)
- Sentence 1- Supporting details
- Sentence 2- Supporting details
- Sentence 3- Supporting details/Comparison details. Introduce the line graph: Define what the IELTS line graph illustrates.
How to describe a Line graph in IELTS?
As mentioned earlier, the IELTS Line graph is another type of chart type question in academic writing task 1.
In the line graph, you will find two types of graphs- one is the simple line graph and the other is complex. The simple graph question includes one line whereas the complex one includes two or more lines. Furthermore, these lines can be of various types and colours.
Read the Question Properly and Write Introduction
Never try to solve the IELTS academic writing task 1 line graph question without reading it properly. If you do so, the chances are more to miss out on something important. Once you read the question, have a look at the given line graph. Check the heading to get a better idea of the topic and what is about. You may even find out its x-axis label and y-axis label where you can find the units to include in the introduction.
Analyse Line Graph and Start Writing Body Paragraphs
Write one body paragraph in detail if you have got a simple line graph in the IELTS academic writing task 1. However, if the given question consists of two or more lines in the graph, prefer writing two body paragraphs so that you can mention enough details about them.
Begin the first body paragraph writing with individual lines. However don’t forget to mention the starting point of a line, the trends such as constantly increasing, gradually decreasing, stable, etc. and peak points.
Moreover, write the second body paragraph comparing the multiple lines together.
Compare and Contrast to Find Important Highlights
Here, you are expected to write about the highlights of the IELTS line graph, you should be able to make good line comparison. You may even like to notice the intersection points if any.
Besides, mention the peak points at the start and continue with the corresponding data mentioning the range (highest or lowest).
Of course, these highlights are nothing but the essential features that make your writing task very scoring.
Include Summary
A summary in the IELTS Line graph academic writing task 1 is an essential component in order to maintain a good score.
Hence, remember to include the summary with conclusive statements after the introduction or after your body paragraphs without fail.
Follow the above sequence to effectively describe the given IELTS line graph.
Strategies to Score High in IELTS academic line graph
Include the details of x-axis and y-axis along with categories.
- Put all the key points in one paragraph
- Mention all the main increases and decreases
- The right IELTS line graph vocabulary includes using:
- Different nouns and verbs
- Wide range of adverbs and adjectives
- Varying time phrases
- IELTS Vocabulary Wordlists
Here the vocabulary word lists include the following:
Upward trend:
- Increase/an increase
- Rise/ a rise
- Grow/ a growth
- Climb/ a climb
- Go /up
Downward trend
- Drop/ a drop
- Fall/ a fall
- Decrease/ a decrease
- Decline/ a decline
Other Vocabulary
- Dip / a dip
- Fluctuate /a fluctuation
- Remain stable
- Remain steady
- Level off
- Remain unchanged
- Peak at
- Reach a peak of
- Hit a low of
- Hit a high of
- Bottom out
- Plateau
- Include numbers or percentages supporting your sentences in the body paragraph, otherwise, you will result in a low score.
- Logically organize the body paragraphs of your report. Moreover, leave an empty line for easy understanding.
- Be selective in choosing the lines of the IELTS line graph. Hence, you are being marked based on your ability to select key features.
Follow these IELTS line graph vocabulary tips to attain a good score in this task 1.
Tips for Describing Line graph in IELTS Writing Task
Following some tips to describe the IELTS Line graph in academic writing task 1. Here are some proven tips:
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Find out your most common mistakes.
- Paraphrase the question.
- Use signposting language.
- Practice on IELTS answer sheets.
- Understand how to describe the change.
- Do not use the same words for numbers and percentages.
- Spend time to organize and plan your answer.
- Do not give your opinion.
- Practice writing overviews.
- Do not use notes, bullet points or abbreviations.
- Consider the tense which you are going to use.
- Do not write every number of processes you come across.
- Do not copy the words or information given in the diagram.
- Support your descriptions with accurate data.
- Use Formal language.
- Do not panic.
Let’s implement the IELTS Line chart describing strategies in the below sample and generate a report:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The line graph below shows the percentage of the population in rural and urban areas in a span of five years.
Urban Population Rural Population
The line graph illustrates the average population ratio in rural areas and urban areas annually over a 5-year period.
According to the graph, it is clear that the population in rural areas is dramatically declined, while the population in urban areas increased sharply in the span of five years. Also, both urban and rural population met at the same record in 2017 with 50%.
In 2015, the average population in rural areas was nearly 67%. Over the following five years, the population in rural areas is gradually dropped due to migration into urban areas and the annual percentage is 47% in 2019.
This may be due to better education and employment opportunities available in urban areas. In 2015, the urban population in urban areas is 33% rose to 53% in 2019. From the above graph, it is clear that the urban population rose gradually each year. Meanwhile, the population in an urban population jumps relatively.
FAQs about Line graph Graph in IELTS
The basic elements of the line graph in task 1 include an introduction, overview, body paragraphs and summary.
You have to write a minimum of 150 words. The optimal length is 160-180 words.
You will be provided with a paper and a pen or pencil to note the key features in the IELTS academic writing test.
No, you are not supposed to give any opinion on the line graph.
