Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Number of participants for five social activities in Melbourne 2000 to 2020

The graph below gives information on the number of participants for different activities at one social center in Melbourne, Australia for the period 2000 to 2020.

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

Number of participants, by activity 2000–2020 (Number of participants)

Film club
Martial arts
Amateur dramatics
Table tennis
Musical performances

View the data

	2000	2005	2010	2015	2020
Film club	64	62	60	64	66
Martial arts	36	32	38	34	36
Amateur dramatics	26	28	20	14	6
Table tennis	16	20	20	36	54
Musical performances	0	0	12	16	18

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 participation levels in five distinct activities at a Melbourne social centre between 2000 and 2020. Overall, the film club consistently attracted the highest number of participants, while table tennis and musical performances showed upward trends, contrasting with the downward trajectory of amateur dramatics.

In 2000, the film club started with 64 participants, and despite minor fluctuations, it remained the most popular activity, ending the period at 66. Conversely, amateur dramatics began with 26 participants, peaked at 28 in 2005, and then experienced a continuous decline to just 6 by 2020. Martial arts participation remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 32 and 38 throughout the two decades.

Table tennis saw a dramatic surge, particularly after 2010. Starting at 16 participants in 2000, it rose to 20 by 2010 before climbing sharply to 54 by 2020. Musical performances were not recorded until 2010, when they began with 12 participants. This figure grew steadily to reach 18 by the end of the period. In summary, the centre saw a shift in popularity towards table tennis and musical performances, while traditional activities like amateur dramatics lost their appeal.

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.

fluctuations: irregular rising and falling in number or amount
trajectory: the path or direction followed by a trend
surge: a sudden and powerful upward movement or increase
contrasting: showing a difference when compared with another thing
steady: regular, even, and continuous in development or growth
consistently: in every case or on every occasion

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While the film club remained the most popular activity throughout the period, table tennis experienced the most significant growth, whereas amateur dramatics saw a steady decline.

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.