Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Population size, birth rate, and death rate in England and Wales

The line graph below shows the population size, birth rate, and death rate of England and Wales from 1700 to 2000.

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

Population size, birth rate, and death rate of England and Wales (1700-2000) (millions / per 1000 people)

Population size
Birth Rate
Death rate

View the data

	1700	1750	1800	1850	1900	1950	2000
Population size	2.5	10	10	22	35	42	50
Birth Rate	30	40	40	33	32	24	33
Death rate	27	37	37	27	27	20	20

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 changes in the population size, birth rate, and death rate in England and Wales between 1700 and 2000. Overall, the population grew steadily from 2.5 million to 50 million, while birth and death rates showed a long-term decline followed by a recent divergence.

In 1700, the population stood at 2.5 million, with birth and death rates at 30 and 27 per 1000 people respectively. By 1750, the population reached 10 million, remaining stable until 1800. During this period, both birth and death rates peaked at 40 and 37 respectively. From 1800 to 1900, the population rose sharply to 35 million. Concurrently, the birth rate fell to 32, while the death rate dropped to 27.

Between 1900 and 1950, the population continued to climb, reaching 42 million. During these five decades, the birth rate decreased to 24, and the death rate fell to 20. Finally, by 2000, the population reached 50 million. Interestingly, the birth rate rebounded to 33, whereas the death rate remained stable at 20, marking the widest gap between the two rates since the 18th century.

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.

fluctuated: changed frequently and irregularly in value or amount
upward trend: a general direction in which something is developing
concurrently: happening or existing at the same time
rebounded: rose again after having fallen to a lower level
sharply: in a sudden and very noticeable way
divergence: the process of becoming different or moving apart

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While the population size of England and Wales experienced a consistent upward trend throughout the period, both birth and death rates fluctuated significantly, generally trending downwards until the mid-20th century.

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.