Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Trends in Sydney train passenger numbers and punctuality from 1995 to 2004

The first graph gives the number of passengers travelling by train in Sydney. The second graph provides information on the percentage of trains running on time.

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

Number of train passengers, 1995-2004 (millions)

View the data

	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Passengers	250	259	261	265	266	280	300	280	279	279

Percentage of trains running on time, 1995-2004 (%)

View the data

	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Percentage	92	89	86	92	93	85	90	93	91	72

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 charts illustrate the number of passengers using trains in Sydney and the corresponding punctuality of these services between 1995 and 2004.

Overall, passenger numbers followed an upward trend for most of the period, peaking in 2001, whereas the percentage of on-time trains remained volatile, ultimately dropping to a low point in 2004.

In 1995, there were 250 million train passengers. This figure rose steadily to 266 million by 1999, followed by a more pronounced increase to 300 million in 2001. Subsequently, passenger numbers fell to 280 million in 2002 and remained relatively stable at approximately 279 million through 2004.

Regarding punctuality, 92% of trains were on time in 1995. This percentage fluctuated over the following years, dipping to 86% in 1997 before recovering to 93% in 1999. After another decline to 85% in 2000, performance improved again to 93% in 2002. However, the final two years saw a marked deterioration in service reliability, with the percentage of trains running on time falling to 91% in 2003 and plummeting to 72% in 2004, representing the lowest level of punctuality recorded during the entire ten-year period.

186 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.

upward trend: a general movement or direction towards higher values
fluctuated: changed frequently and uncertainly between different levels
peaking: reaching the highest point or value in time
plummeting: falling or dropping sharply and suddenly in value
deterioration: the process of becoming progressively worse in quality
corresponding: related to or connected with the other item

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While the number of train passengers generally increased over the decade, the percentage of trains running on time experienced significant fluctuations, ending with a sharp decline in the final year.

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.