Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Projected government spending on education, medical care, and pensions 2001-2051

The graph shows the spending on education, medical care, and pension in a particular country from 2001 to 2051.

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

Spending on education, medical care, and pension (2001-2051) (%)

Education
Medical Care
Pension

View the data

	2001	2011	2021	2031	2041	2051
Education	15	14.5	14	13.8	13.8	13.8
Medical Care	11	11	12	9.5	7	4
Pension	6	6	6	10	14	18

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 projected government expenditure on education, medical care, and pensions in a specific country over a 50-year period from 2001 to 2051.

Overall, education spending remains the most consistent throughout the period, whereas pension costs are forecast to experience a dramatic upward trend. Conversely, medical care spending is expected to peak in 2021 before declining sharply.

In 2001, education accounted for 15% of spending, which gradually decreased to 14% by 2021 and is projected to plateau at 13.8% from 2031 onwards. In contrast, pension spending remained static at 6% between 2001 and 2021. However, this figure is predicted to climb steadily, reaching 10% in 2031 and culminating at 18% by 2051, making it the largest expenditure category.

Medical care spending began at 11% in 2001 and saw a slight increase to 12% by 2021. Following this peak, the trend reverses significantly; the allocation is expected to drop to 9.5% in 2031, 7% in 2041, and finally reach a low of 4% by 2051. By the end of the period, the gap between pension and medical care spending will be substantial.

184 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.

plateau: to reach a state of little or no change
culminating: reaching a climax or the highest point of development
conversely: introducing a statement that reverses a previous one
expenditure: the total amount of money spent by a government
static: lacking in movement, action, or change over time
dramatic: sudden, striking, and impressive in terms of change

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While spending on education is projected to remain relatively stable, the expenditure on pensions is expected to rise significantly, contrasting with a sharp decline in medical care funding.

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.