Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Passenger numbers at a London Underground station throughout the day

The graph shows Underground Station Passenger Numbers in London.

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

London Underground station passengers (Number of people)

View the data

	6:00	7:00	8:00	9:00	10:00	11:00	12:00	13:00	14:00	15:00	16:00	17:00	18:00	19:00	20:00	21:00	22:00
Passengers	100	200	400	300	180	210	280	290	300	220	90	200	380	290	120	170	130

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 number of passengers using a London Underground station over the course of a single day, from 6:00 to 22:00. Overall, the data reveals that passenger numbers are highly variable, with two notable peaks occurring in the morning and evening, contrasted by significant troughs during the mid-afternoon and late evening.

At 6:00, the station recorded 100 passengers. This figure rose steadily to reach a morning peak of 400 at 8:00. Following this, numbers declined to 300 by 9:00 and dropped further to a low of 180 at 10:00. Between 11:00 and 14:00, there was a period of relative stability, with passenger numbers climbing gradually from 210 to 300. However, this was followed by a sharp decline to 220 at 15:00 and a dramatic drop to the daily minimum of 90 passengers at 16:00.

Subsequently, the station experienced a rapid recovery, with numbers doubling to 200 by 17:00 and surging to an evening peak of 380 at 18:00. After this second high point, passenger numbers fell consistently, reaching 290 at 19:00 and 120 at 20:00. A minor fluctuation occurred at 21:00 with 170 passengers, before finally settling at 130 by 22:00.

194 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
troughs: the lowest points in a series of values
surging: a sudden and powerful upward movement or increase
steadily: in a regular and even manner without interruption
declined: to become smaller, fewer, or less in value
consistently: acting or done in the same way over time

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The graph illustrates significant fluctuations in passenger traffic, with two distinct peak periods occurring during the morning and evening rush hours.

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.