Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

A line graph illustrating US waste recycling trends from 1960 to 2011

The graph below shows waste recycling rates in the U.S. from 1960 to 2011.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

National Recycling Rates, 1960 to 2011 (million tons and percentage)

Total Waste Recovery (million tons)
Percent Recycling

View the data

	1960	1965	1970	1975	1980	1985	1990	1995	2000	2005	2011
Total Waste Recovery (million tons)	5.6	6.5	8	9.3	14.5	16.7	33.2	55.8	69.5	79.8	86.9
Percent Recycling	6.4	6.2	6.6	7.3	9.6	10.1	16	25.7	28.5	31.4	34.7

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Band 8 sample answer

The line graph illustrates the changes in US waste recycling practices between 1960 and 2011, measuring both the total volume of waste recovered in million tons and the percentage of waste recycled.

Overall, both metrics followed a consistent upward trajectory over the 51-year period. While growth was relatively gradual during the first two decades, there was a marked acceleration in both the volume and the proportion of recycled waste from the mid-1980s onwards.

In 1960, only 5.6 million tons of waste were recovered, representing a recycling rate of 6.4%. These figures remained relatively stable for several years, with the recovery volume reaching 16.7 million tons and the rate hitting 10.1% by 1985. Following this, the data shows a sharp increase; by 1990, recovery had doubled to 33.2 million tons, with the rate climbing to 16.0%.

This rapid growth continued into the 21st century. By 2000, the total waste recovery reached 69.5 million tons, corresponding to a 28.5% recycling rate. By the end of the period in 2011, the US achieved a peak of 86.9 million tons of recovered waste, which accounted for 34.7% of the total waste generated.

188 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

How to write about line graphs

Overview first: the overall direction of each line and which was highest.
Group lines that move together instead of describing each one in turn.
Give the start and end figures plus the peak or low point, not every value.

upward trajectory: a path or line that is moving upwards
marked acceleration: a noticeable and significant increase in speed
relatively stable: showing little change over a period of time
corresponding to: having a direct relationship or connection with something
accounted for: constituted a particular amount or proportion of something
peak: the highest point or level reached by something

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Both the total tonnage of recovered waste and the overall recycling percentage experienced a consistent upward trend throughout the period, with particularly significant growth occurring after 1985.

How long should an IELTS Task 1 answer be?

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How do I describe line graphs?

Overview first: the overall direction of each line and which was highest. Group lines that move together instead of describing each one in turn. Give the start and end figures plus the peak or low point, not every value.