Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

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

The line chart below gives information about the percentage of female members of parliament in 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) (%)

Germany
Italy
France
UK
Belgium

View the data

	2000	2004	2008	2012
Germany	33.5	34.5	35	36.5
Italy	26.5	31	33	39
France	25	36.5	29	31.5
UK	3.5	9	20	28
Belgium	17	28	29	28

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 chart illustrates the percentage of female members of parliament in Germany, Italy, France, the UK, and Belgium between 2000 and 2012. Overall, it is evident that the representation of women in parliament increased across all five nations throughout the twelve-year period. While Germany maintained a relatively stable upward trend, other countries experienced more volatile fluctuations or significant growth.

Germany began the period with the highest proportion at 33.5% and saw a steady rise to 36.5% by 2012. Italy also showed consistent growth, starting at 26.5% and overtaking Germany by the end of the period to reach a peak of 39%. Conversely, France experienced a sharp rise to 36.5% in 2004, which was the highest single figure recorded, before declining to 31.5% in 2012.

Belgium saw a rapid increase from 17% in 2000 to 28% in 2004, after which the figure plateaued and remained near 28-29% for the remainder of the period. The UK started with the lowest representation at only 3.5%. However, it demonstrated the most significant growth, rising consistently to reach 28% by 2012, effectively catching up with Belgium.

182 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 in relation to whole
fluctuations: irregular rising and falling in number or amount
plateaued: reached a state of little or no change
upward trend: a general direction of increasing over time
overtaking: catching up with and passing another in progress
dramatic: sudden, striking, or impressive in terms of change

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, all five countries saw an increase in the proportion of female parliamentarians over the period, with Italy finishing as the highest and the UK experiencing the most dramatic growth.

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.