Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Average monthly temperatures in Paris, Dubai, and Sydney throughout the year

The line graph below shows the average monthly temperatures in three major cities.

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

Average monthly temperatures in three major cities (Celsius)
01020304050JanMarMayJulSepNov
  • Paris
  • Dubai
  • Sydney
View the data
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Paris56911151620201612.575
Dubai192023263133353633.5292521.5
Sydney2423.522191614131416172023

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 temperatures in Paris, Dubai, and Sydney over the course of a year. Overall, it is clear that Dubai remains the hottest city throughout the period, whereas Paris and Sydney exhibit opposing temperature trends, reflecting their respective positions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Dubai starts the year at 19°C and experiences a steady climb, peaking at 36°C in August before declining to 21.5°C by December. In contrast, Paris follows a typical Northern Hemisphere pattern, beginning at a cool 5°C in January. Temperatures in Paris rise gradually to reach a plateau of 20°C in July and August, before falling back to 5°C by the end of the year.

Sydney, located in the Southern Hemisphere, displays a mirror image of the Parisian trend. It begins the year at a warm 24°C in January, which is its peak. Temperatures then decline steadily to a low of 13°C in July, which corresponds to the winter season. Following this, the city experiences a gradual warming trend, rising back to 23°C by December. Notably, the temperature profiles of Paris and Sydney intersect twice, once in March and again in September.

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

How to write about line graphs

inverse
having a position or order that is reversed
plateau
a state of little or no change
mirror image
something that is exactly like another thing reversed
intersect
to divide something by passing across it
steady
regular, even, and continuous in development
respective
relating to each of several people or things

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Dubai consistently experiences the highest temperatures throughout the year, while Paris and Sydney show inverse seasonal patterns due to their locations in different hemispheres.

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.

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