Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Proportion of the population aged 65 and over in three countries

The graph below shows the proportion of the population aged 65 and over between 1940 and 2040 in three different countries.

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

Proportion of Population aged 65 years and over (%)

USA
Sweden
Japan

View the data

	1940	1960	1980	1990	2000	2010	2020	2030	2040
USA	9	10	15	14	14	14	14	16	23
Sweden	7	9	14	13	15	18	20	18	25
Japan	5	3	3	3	4	5	7	10	27

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 percentage of the population aged 65 and over in the USA, Sweden, and Japan between 1940 and 2040. Overall, all three nations are projected to see a significant increase in their elderly populations by the end of the period, with Japan experiencing the most dramatic growth.

In 1940, the USA had the highest proportion of elderly citizens at 9%, followed by Sweden at 7% and Japan at 5%. Between 1940 and 1980, the figures for the USA and Sweden rose steadily, reaching 15% and 14% respectively. Conversely, Japan’s proportion declined to 3% by 1960 and remained stable until 1980.

From 1990 to 2030, the USA and Sweden maintained a relatively similar upward trajectory, with Sweden peaking at 20% in 2010 before a slight dip. However, Japan’s demographic profile changed drastically after 2030. While the USA and Sweden are expected to reach 23% and 25% respectively by 2040, Japan is projected to overtake both, climbing sharply to reach 27% of its population being aged 65 or over, marking a profound shift in its demographic structure.

179 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
surge: a sudden and powerful increase in a value
demographic: relating to the statistical data of a population
proportion: a part or share in relation to the whole
projected: estimated or predicted based on current trends
overtake: to catch up with and surpass in progress

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While the proportion of elderly citizens in the USA and Sweden shows a gradual upward trend throughout the period, Japan experiences a dramatic surge in its ageing population towards the end of the timeframe.

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.