Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Trends in birth and death rates in a European country 1950-2050

The graph below shows the total number of births and deaths in a European country from 1950 to 2050.

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

Total number of births and deaths in a European country from 1950 to 2050 (number of people)

Birth Rate
Death Rate

View the data

	1950	1970	1990	2010	2030	2050
Birth Rate	750,000	1,000,000	600,000	700,000	700,000	700,000
Death Rate	700,000	725,000	700,000	700,000	680,000	800,000

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 total number of births and deaths in a European country over a century, spanning from 1950 to 2050.

Overall, the birth rate showed considerable fluctuation, peaking in 1970 before declining, whereas the death rate remained largely consistent, with a notable upward trend projected towards the end of the period.

In 1950, births stood at 750,000, slightly outnumbering the 700,000 deaths. By 1970, births surged to a peak of 1,000,000, while deaths rose marginally to 725,000. Following this, the birth rate dropped sharply to 600,000 in 1990, falling below the death rate, which had returned to 700,000. Between 1990 and 2030, both figures stabilised, with births remaining at 700,000 and deaths fluctuating slightly between 700,000 and 680,000.

Looking ahead to 2050, the birth rate is projected to remain constant at 700,000. Conversely, the death rate is forecast to rise significantly, reaching 800,000. This shift indicates that by 2050, the number of deaths will exceed the number of births, marking a reversal of the trend observed at the start of the period.

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.

fluctuation: a continuous change from one state to another
surged: increased suddenly and powerfully in a short time
stabilised: became unlikely to change or fluctuate significantly
projected: estimated or forecast based on current trends
outnumbering: being more numerous than the other group
reversal: a change to the opposite direction or position

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While birth rates experienced significant volatility throughout the period, death rates remained relatively stable until a projected rise in the final decades.

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.