Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Wheat export trends for Australia, Canada, and the European Community 1985-1990

The graph below shows the differences in wheat exports over three different areas.

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

Wheat Exports 1985-1990 (millions of tonnes)

Australia
Canada
European Community

View the data

	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990
Australia	15	16	14	12	11	11
Canada	19	17	21	25	14	19
European Community	17	14	15	15	19	21

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 wheat exports from Australia, Canada, and the European Community between 1985 and 1990, measured in millions of tonnes.

Overall, Canada’s exports were the most volatile, peaking mid-period before a sharp decline. Conversely, Australia’s exports followed a downward trajectory, while the European Community demonstrated a consistent recovery after 1986, eventually becoming the leading exporter by 1990.

In 1985, Canada led with 19 million tonnes, followed by the European Community at 17 million and Australia at 15 million. Australia’s exports peaked slightly at 16 million in 1986 before declining steadily to reach a plateau of 11 million tonnes in 1989 and 1990. Meanwhile, Canada’s exports fluctuated, dropping to 17 million in 1986 but climbing to a high of 25 million in 1988. This was followed by a dramatic slump to 14 million in 1989, before recovering to 19 million in 1990.

The European Community’s exports initially fell to 14 million in 1986. However, they remained stable at 15 million for two years before rising consistently to 19 million in 1989 and finishing the period at 21 million tonnes, surpassing both other regions.

187 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
trajectory: the path followed by a trend over time
plateau: a state of little or no change
slump: a sudden severe or prolonged fall in value
surpassing: being greater in amount than something else
volatile: liable to change rapidly and unpredictably

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While Canada experienced significant volatility in its wheat exports, Australia saw a steady decline, whereas the European Community showed a general upward trend over the period.

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.