Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Gross Domestic Product of four countries between 2010 and 2015

The line graph below compares the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in four countries in billions of US dollar.

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

Gross Domestic Product, billions of U.S. dollars (billions of U.S. dollars)
0100200300400500201020112012201320142015
  • Bangladesh
  • Pakistan
  • Nepal
  • Malaysia
View the data
201020112012201320142015
Bangladesh115130135150175195
Pakistan180215225230245270
Nepal152020202025
Malaysia255300315325340300

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 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Malaysia measured in billions of US dollars from 2010 to 2015.

Overall, all four nations experienced a general upward trend in GDP over the period, with Malaysia consistently recording the highest figures despite a decline in the final year, while Nepal remained significantly lower than the others.

Malaysia started the period at 255 billion dollars, rising steadily to a peak of 340 billion in 2014 before falling to 300 billion in 2015. Pakistan also showed consistent growth, beginning at 180 billion and climbing to 270 billion by the end of the period. Both countries maintained a substantial lead over the other two nations throughout the six years.

Bangladesh showed a more gradual but steady increase, starting at 115 billion and reaching 195 billion by 2015. In contrast, Nepal’s GDP remained relatively stagnant, starting at 15 billion in 2010 and experiencing only marginal growth to reach 25 billion by 2015. While the three larger economies saw significant fluctuations and growth, Nepal’s economic output remained consistently low, representing a fraction of the GDP recorded by the other three countries.

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

How to write about line graphs

upward trend
a general movement or development in a higher direction
consistently
in every case or on every occasion without change
stagnant
showing no activity or growth over a period
marginal
relating to or situated at the edge or limit
fluctuations
irregular rising and falling in number or amount
substantial
of considerable importance, size, or worth

Write your own report and get a band

Take a timed Academic writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Practise IELTS Academic writing

On your phone? Get the BandLadder app.

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, all four nations experienced a general upward trend in GDP over the period, with Malaysia consistently recording the highest figures despite a decline in the final year, while Nepal remained significantly lower than the others.

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.

More line graphs