Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Telephone call volumes in Denmark by category from 1995 to 2004

The chart below shows the total volume of telephone calls (in million minutes) in Denmark, divided into three categories, from 1995- 2004.

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

Total volume of telephone calls in Denmark (1995-2004) (million minutes)

National landline
International landline
Mobile

View the data

	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
National landline	12	13	14	15	15.5	16	16	15	12	9
International landline	6	6.2	6.4	6.6	6.8	7	7.2	7.4	7.6	7.8
Mobile	1	1.5	2	2.5	3	3.5	5.5	7.5	9	12

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 changes in the volume of telephone calls in Denmark across three categories—national landline, international landline, and mobile—between 1995 and 2004, measured in million minutes.

Overall, it is clear that mobile phone usage grew substantially over the decade, eventually overtaking national landline calls. Conversely, national landline traffic peaked before declining sharply, while international landline calls showed a slow but steady increase.

In 1995, national landline calls were the most popular, starting at 12 million minutes and climbing steadily to a peak of 16 million minutes in 2000 and 2001. However, this figure dropped significantly thereafter, falling to 9 million minutes by 2004. In contrast, mobile phone usage began at a low of 1 million minutes in 1995. It grew gradually until 2000, followed by a steeper acceleration, ultimately reaching 12 million minutes by 2004, surpassing national landlines.

International landline calls remained the least used category throughout the period. Starting at 6 million minutes in 1995, this category experienced a consistent, modest growth of approximately 0.2 million minutes annually, finishing the period at 7.8 million minutes in 2004.

181 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.

Substantially: by a large or significant amount
Conversely: introducing a statement that contrasts with the previous
Accelerated: increased in speed or rate of growth
Surpassing: becoming greater than or exceeding something else
Modest: relatively moderate or limited in size
Fluctuation: an irregular rising and falling in number

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While national landline calls experienced a significant decline after 2001, mobile phone usage saw a dramatic and consistent upward trend throughout the period.

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.