Academic Writing Task 1 · mixed chart

Trends in UK graduate numbers and employment sectors from 1992 to 2002

The graph and chart below give information about the number of new graduates and their employment in the UK from 1992 to 2002.

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

The number of new graduates in the UK (number of graduates)

View the data

	1992	1997	2002
Graduates	165,000	195,000	180,000

Employment status in the UK (%)

1992
1997
2002

View the data

	Professional	Managerial & Administrative	Clerical & Secretarial	Sales	Other
1992	59	20	9	0	8
1997	49	19	19	5	9
2002	42	18.5	19.5	11	9

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 new graduates in the UK between 1992 and 2002, while the bar chart details the distribution of these graduates across five employment sectors.

Overall, the number of graduates peaked in 1997 before declining by 2002. Simultaneously, the professional sector experienced a consistent downward trend, whereas roles in clerical, secretarial, and sales areas saw notable growth.

In 1992, there were 165,000 new graduates, a figure that rose to 195,000 by 1997, before falling to 180,000 in 2002. Regarding employment, the professional sector was the most popular choice, accounting for 59% of graduates in 1992. However, this proportion dropped steadily to 49% in 1997 and further to 42% by 2002.

Conversely, the clerical and secretarial sector grew from 9% in 1992 to 19.5% in 2002. Similarly, the sales sector, which had no recorded graduate employment in 1992, rose to 5% in 1997 and reached 11% by 2002. Managerial and administrative roles remained relatively stable, hovering around 18.5% to 20% throughout the period, while the 'other' category saw a marginal increase from 8% to 9%.

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

How to write about mixed charts

Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals.
Give each visual its own detail paragraph.
Point out where one chart explains the other.

fluctuated: changed frequently in size or level over time
downward trend: a general movement towards a lower level
notable growth: a significant or important increase in size
proportion: a part or share of a whole amount
hovering: staying at or near a particular level
marginal: small or minor in amount or effect

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While the number of new graduates fluctuated over the decade, the professional sector remained the primary employer despite a significant decline in its share of the workforce.

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 mixed charts?

Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals. Give each visual its own detail paragraph. Point out where one chart explains the other.