Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

The percentage of UK adolescents following a vegetarian diet over time

The graph shows the percentage of UK adolescents following a vegetarian diet.

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

UK adolescents following a vegetable diet (%)

View the data

	1960	1970	1980	1990	1993	1997	1998	1999	2000	2010	2012	2020
Percentage	0	7.5	15.5	7	8	4	5.5	5	5	9	11	11

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 UK adolescents who followed a vegetarian diet over a sixty-year period from 1960 to 2020. Overall, the trend is marked by an initial sharp increase, followed by a period of decline and instability, before a final gradual recovery towards the end of the period.

In 1960, the proportion of adolescents following a vegetarian diet stood at 0%. This figure rose steadily over the next two decades, reaching a peak of 15.5% in 1980. Following this high point, the trend reversed significantly, with the percentage dropping to 7% by 1990. There was a brief, minor recovery to 8% in 1993, before the figure fell to a low of 4% in 1997.

From 1997 onwards, the data shows a period of minor fluctuations, with the percentage reaching 5.5% in 1998 before dipping back to 5% in 1999 and 2000. Subsequently, the trend entered a more consistent upward trajectory. By 2010, the figure had climbed to 9%, eventually reaching 11% by 2012, a level that remained relatively stable through to 2020.

175 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.

fluctuating: changing frequently in an irregular or uncertain way
proportion: a part or share of a total amount
trajectory: the path followed by a trend over time
steadily: in a regular and even manner without interruption
subsequently: at a later time or after something else
stable: not likely to change or fail suddenly

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The graph illustrates a fluctuating trend in the proportion of UK adolescents following a vegetarian diet between 1960 and 2020, characterised by a significant peak in 1980 followed by a period of volatility and a subsequent recovery.

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.