Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Projected population trends for India and China from 2000 to 2050

The graph below shows population figures for India and China since the year 2000 and predicted population growth up until 2050.

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

Population growth in India and China (billions)

India
China

View the data

	2000	2005	2010	2015	2020	2025	2030	2035	2040	2045	2050
India	1	1.1	1.18	1.26	1.33	1.4	1.45	1.49	1.53	1.56	1.59
China	1.26	1.31	1.35	1.39	1.42	1.44	1.45	1.44	1.43	1.41	1.39

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 historical and projected population figures for India and China between 2000 and 2050. Overall, it is clear that India is set to undergo a steady upward trend, whereas China’s population trajectory is expected to follow a bell-shaped curve.

In 2000, India had a population of 1.0 billion, significantly lower than China’s 1.26 billion. Over the following three decades, India’s population grew consistently, reaching 1.45 billion by 2030. During this same timeframe, China’s population also increased, albeit at a slower rate, rising from 1.26 billion to a peak of 1.45 billion in 2030, at which point the two nations’ population figures intersected.

From 2030 onwards, the trends diverge sharply. India’s population is forecast to continue rising, albeit at a slightly moderated pace, reaching 1.59 billion by 2050. Conversely, China is projected to experience a gradual decline after 2030, with its population falling to 1.39 billion by 2050. Consequently, by the end of the period, India is expected to have a substantially larger population than China, reversing the demographic situation observed at the start of the millennium.

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.

trajectory: The path or direction something follows over time
intersected: When two lines meet or cross each other
diverge: To move in different directions from a point
moderated: To become less intense or slower in speed
demographic: Relating to the structure of human population statistics
consequently: As a result of a particular preceding event

Write your own report and get a band

Take a timed Academic writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Practise IELTS Academic writing

On your phone? Get the BandLadder app.

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While India's population is projected to experience continuous growth throughout the period, China's population is expected to peak around 2030 before beginning a gradual decline.

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.