Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Line graph showing the percentage of Australian exports to four countries

The line graph shows the percentages of Australian exports in four countries.

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

Percentages of Australian exports to four countries (%)

Japan
US
China
India

View the data

	1990	1995	2000	2005	2010	2012
Japan	26	20	18	18	16	16
US	11	8	11	8	5	6
China	3	3.5	5	10.5	25	28
India	3	3	3	5	7	5

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 changing proportions of Australian exports to Japan, the US, China, and India between 1990 and 2012. Overall, it is clear that Japan remained a major trading partner despite a downward trend, whereas China saw a remarkable increase in its share, overtaking all other countries by the end of the period.

In 1990, Japan was the primary destination for Australian exports, accounting for 26% of the total. Although this figure fluctuated, it followed a general downward trajectory, ending at 16% in 2012. Conversely, exports to China started at a mere 3% in 1990. This proportion remained relatively stable until 2000, after which it climbed sharply, reaching 25% by 2010 and peaking at 28% in 2012.

Regarding the US and India, both countries received smaller shares of Australian exports. The US began at 11% in 1990, experienced volatility, and finished at 6% in 2012. India’s share remained consistently low, starting at 3% in 1990 and peaking at 7% in 2010 before declining to 5% by the end of the period. In summary, the data highlights a significant shift in Australia's export focus from traditional partners like Japan and the US toward China.

195 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.

proportion: a part or share of a total amount
downward trajectory: a path or trend that is moving downwards
fluctuated: rose and fell irregularly in number or amount
surged: increased suddenly and powerfully in a short time
overtaking: catching up with and passing another in progress
volatile: liable to change rapidly and unpredictably for worse

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While Japan's share of Australian exports declined significantly over the period, China's share experienced a dramatic surge, eventually becoming the dominant destination by 2012.

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.