Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Three line graphs illustrating Australian trade with China Japan and the US

The graphs below show data on Australian trade with three other countries.

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

Australia's trade with China
01020304050200220052008
  • Export
  • Import
View the data
200220052008
Export424038
Import322044
Australia's trade with Japan
01020304050200220052008
  • Export
  • Import
View the data
200220052008
Export404250
Import353030
Australia's trade with the US
01020304050200220052008
  • Export
  • Import
View the data
200220052008
Export393943
Import222126

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 provided line graphs illustrate the trends in Australian exports and imports with China, Japan, and the United States between 2002 and 2008.

Overall, trade with the US remained relatively stable throughout the period, whereas trade with China and Japan experienced more pronounced fluctuations in export and import values.

Regarding Australia's trade with China, exports saw a slight decline from 42 to 38. Conversely, imports dropped sharply from 32 in 2002 to 20 in 2005, before surging to 44 by 2008. In contrast, trade with Japan showed a different pattern; exports rose steadily from 40 in 2002 to 50 in 2008, while imports decreased from 35 to 30, remaining flat between 2005 and 2008.

Finally, trade with the US was the most consistent. Exports hovered around 39 to 43, showing a modest increase by the end of the period. Imports also remained low and stable, starting at 22 in 2002, dipping slightly to 21 in 2005, and finishing at 26 in 2008. Overall, Australia maintained a higher export volume than import volume across all three countries by 2008, except for China, where imports surpassed exports.

185 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

How to write about line graphs

fluctuations
irregular rising and falling in number or amount
pronounced
very noticeable, obvious, or strongly marked
surging
increasing suddenly and powerfully
steadily
in a regular and even manner
hovered
remained at or near a particular level
surpassed
exceeded or became greater than something else

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Overall, while trade with the US remained relatively stable, trade with China and Japan showed more significant fluctuations, particularly regarding export and import values over the six-year 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.

More line graphs