Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Unemployment Rate Trends in the USA and Japan 2005 to 2011

The line graph below shows the unemployment rates for the USA and Japan between March 2005 and March 2011.

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

Unemployment Rates: USA and Japan, 2005 - 2011 (Percentage of Workforce)

USA
Japan

View the data

	Mar '05	Mar '06	Mar '07	Mar '08	Mar '09	Mar '10	Mar '11
USA	7	6	5.7	5.8	5.1	4.8	5
Japan	3	3.7	3.7	4.3	4.3	4.6	4.9

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 fluctuations in unemployment rates for the USA and Japan between March 2005 and March 2011. Overall, the USA began the period with a significantly higher unemployment rate than Japan, but this figure declined over the six years. Conversely, Japan’s unemployment rate followed an upward trajectory, leading to a narrowing of the gap between the two nations by the end of the period.

In March 2005, the USA recorded an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which was more than double that of Japan at 3.0%. Throughout the following years, the American rate experienced a gradual decline, reaching 5.7% by March 2007 and dropping further to 5.1% by March 2009. Despite a slight fluctuation, the rate remained relatively stable, ending at 5.0% in March 2011.

In contrast, Japan’s unemployment rate rose steadily from 3.0% in March 2005 to 3.7% by March 2006. This figure remained stable for a year before climbing to 4.3% in March 2008. Following a brief dip, the rate resumed its upward trend, reaching 4.6% in March 2010 and finishing at 4.9% in March 2011, nearly matching the American figure.

185 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
downward trend: a general movement towards a lower level
upward trajectory: a path or progression towards a higher level
narrowing of the gap: the difference between two values becoming smaller
conversely: introducing a statement that contrasts with the previous
stable: not likely to change or fluctuate significantly

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While the USA experienced a general downward trend in unemployment over the period, Japan saw a steady increase, with the two rates converging significantly by 2011.

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.