Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Average monthly expenditure on children's sports in the UK 2008-2014

The graphs below show the average monthly expenditure on children's sports and participation in different sports in the UK from 2008 to 2014.

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

Average monthly expenditure on children's sports in the UK (million Pounds)

View the data

	2008	2010	2012	2014
Spending	20	23	27	32

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 average monthly expenditure on children's sports in the United Kingdom between 2008 and 2014. Overall, it is clear that spending on children's sports experienced a steady and continuous increase throughout the period, with the total amount rising by more than 50% by the end of the timeframe.

In 2008, the average monthly expenditure stood at 20 million pounds. Over the following two years, this figure saw a moderate rise, reaching 23 million pounds by 2010. This represents a growth of 3 million pounds in the first two-year interval.

From 2010 onwards, the upward trend became more pronounced. By 2012, spending had climbed to 27 million pounds, indicating a faster rate of increase compared to the previous period. This growth trajectory continued until 2014, when the expenditure reached its peak of 32 million pounds. In summary, the total monthly investment in children's sports rose from 20 million pounds to 32 million pounds over the six-year duration, reflecting a significant and sustained increase in financial commitment towards these activities across the UK.

175 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 trend: a general direction in which something is developing
accelerating: increasing in speed or rate of change
moderate rise: a small or average increase in value
pronounced: very noticeable, obvious, or strongly marked
growth trajectory: the path or pattern of development over time
sustained: continuing for an extended period without interruption

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The graph illustrates a consistent upward trend in the average monthly spending on children's sports in the UK over the six-year period, with the rate of growth accelerating after 2010.

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.