Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Trends in Global Food and Oil Prices from 2000 to 2011

The graph below shows changes in global food and oil prices between 2000 and 2011.

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

World Food and Oil Prices 2000 to 2011 (Food price index (points) and Average oil price (per barrel))

Food Price Index
Average Oil Price

View the data

	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Food Price Index	88	92	90	95	105	115	120	125	180	150	170	235
Average Oil Price	92	95	85	95	105	115	140	135	130	45	80	105

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 fluctuations in global food and oil prices between 2000 and 2011. Overall, both indices showed a strong positive correlation of 93.6%, with both commodities experiencing substantial growth over the period, punctuated by a dramatic surge and subsequent collapse around 2008.

At the start of the period in 2000, food prices stood at 88 points, while oil was priced at approximately $92 per barrel. Both metrics remained relatively stable until 2004, after which they began a steady climb. By 2007, the food price index had reached 125 points, while oil prices had risen to $135. The most volatile period occurred in 2008, when food prices peaked at 180 points and oil prices hit a high of $130.

Following this peak, both commodities saw a sharp decline in 2009, with food prices dropping to 150 points and oil plummeting to $45. However, both indices recovered thereafter. By 2011, the food price index surged to a period high of 235 points, while oil prices climbed back to $105 per barrel. The data highlights a clear, long-term upward trajectory for both global commodities despite the significant volatility observed during the 2008-2009 period.

193 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.

fluctuations: irregular rising and falling in number or amount
correlation: a mutual relationship or connection between two things
punctuated: occurred at intervals throughout a continuing period
trajectory: the path followed by a development over time
plummeting: falling or dropping straight down at high speed
volatility: liability to change rapidly and unpredictably for worse

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Both food and oil prices experienced a significant upward trend over the eleven-year period, characterised by a sharp, synchronized peak in 2008 followed by a dramatic decline.

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.