Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Percentage of Australian exports to four countries between 1990 and 2012

The line graph shows the percentages of Australian exports in four countries. The graph below shows the percentage of Australian exports to 4 countries from 1990 to 2012.

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

Percentage of Australian exports to four countries (1990-2012) (%)

Japan
US
China
India

View the data

	1990	1995	2000	2005	2010	2012
Japan	27	20	19	19	18	18
US	12	9	12	8	6	7
China	2	3	5	13	27	30
India	1	1	2	6	8	6

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 proportion of Australian exports destined for Japan, the US, China, and India between 1990 and 2012. Overall, it is clear that China’s share of exports grew substantially, whereas Japan’s share followed a downward trend. The US and India remained relatively minor destinations throughout the period.

In 1990, Japan was the leading destination, accounting for 27% of Australian exports. However, this figure gradually declined to 18% by 2012. Conversely, China’s share started at a mere 2% in 1990 and remained low until 2000. From 2000 onwards, there was a sharp upward trajectory, with China’s share rising to 13% in 2005 and reaching 30% by 2012, making it the most significant trading partner among the four.

Regarding the US and India, both countries saw fluctuating export shares. The US began at 12% in 1990, dipped to 9% in 1995, peaked again at 12% in 2000, and ultimately fell to 7% by 2012. India’s share remained below 2% until 2000, after which it climbed to a peak of 8% in 2010 before declining slightly to 6% in 2012.

180 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 whole amount
downward trend: a general movement or development in a lower direction
upward trajectory: a path or development that is moving higher
fluctuating: rising and falling irregularly in number or amount
substantial: of considerable importance, size, or worth
destined for: intended to go to a particular place

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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 experienced a dramatic surge, eventually becoming the primary destination for Australian goods.

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.