Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Percentage of female members of parliament in five European countries 2000-2012

The chart below shows the percentage of female members of parliament in 5 European countries from 2000 to 2012.

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

The percentage of female members of parliament in European countries (2000-2012) (%)
010203040502000200420082012
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • France
  • UK
  • Belgium
View the data
2000200420082012
Germany33343537
Italy27313339
France25272932
UK392023
Belgium17232423

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 women serving in parliament across five European nations—Germany, Italy, France, the UK, and Belgium—between 2000 and 2012. Overall, there was a consistent increase in female representation in all countries, with Italy showing the most dramatic rise, eventually overtaking Germany by the end of the period.

In 2000, Germany led with 33% female representation, followed by Italy at 27%, France at 25%, and Belgium at 17%. The UK started with the lowest figure at just 3%. By 2012, Germany’s figure had risen steadily to 37%. Meanwhile, Italy experienced a substantial increase, climbing from 27% to 39%, making it the country with the highest percentage of female members by the end of the timeframe.

France and the UK also saw notable growth. France’s proportion rose gradually from 25% to 32%. The UK experienced the most rapid relative growth, jumping from 3% in 2000 to 23% in 2012. Belgium’s trend was more erratic; it rose from 17% to 24% by 2008, before dipping slightly to 23% in 2012, ultimately finishing at the same level as the UK.

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

How to write about line graphs

proportion
a part or share in relation to whole
upward trend
a general direction in which something is developing
dramatic rise
a sudden and very significant increase in value
steadily
in a regular and even manner without interruption
erratic
not even or regular in pattern or movement
overtaking
catching up with and passing while in motion

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, all five countries saw an upward trend in the proportion of female parliamentarians, with Italy experiencing the most significant growth while Germany maintained the highest figures for most of the period.

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.

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