IELTS Writing Task 1 — Describing a Line Graph
Master the language for describing trends in line graphs — the most common Task 1 chart type.
📖 Lesson
IELTS Writing Task 1 — Line Graphs
Writing Task 1 asks you to describe visual information in at least 150 words in 20 minutes. The most common chart type is the line graph, which shows change over time.
The 3-Paragraph Structure
1. Introduction — paraphrase the title (never copy it word for word)
2. Overview — describe the most important trends (no specific data here)
3. Details — give specific figures to support your overview
Step 1: Write the Introduction
Paraphrase the title by changing key words to synonyms.
| Original | Paraphrase |
|---|---|
| "shows" | illustrates / presents / compares |
| "the number of" | the figure for / the quantity of |
| "between 2000 and 2020" | over a 20-year period / from 2000 to 2020 |
Step 2: Write the Overview
Start with "Overall…" and describe the biggest trends without quoting numbers.
"Overall, the number of internet users rose significantly over the period, while television viewership showed a steady decline."
Step 3: Describe Trends — Key Language
Rising trends:
- rose / increased / climbed / grew / went up
- steadily / sharply / dramatically / gradually / slightly
Falling trends:
- fell / decreased / dropped / declined / went down
Flat / stable:
- remained stable / levelled off / plateaued / stayed constant
Peaks and troughs:
- reached a peak of / hit a high of
- fell to a low of / bottomed out at
Comparing Two Lines
"While X rose steadily, Y experienced a sharp decline."
"In contrast to X, Y remained relatively stable."
"Both X and Y followed a similar upward trend until 2010, after which they diverged."
Practice Sentence
Look at this data point: Internet users: 200 million in 2000 → 800 million in 2010
Write: "The number of internet users quadrupled from 200 million in 2000 to 800 million by 2010, representing a dramatic rise over the decade."
- Always write an overview paragraph — it is the single most important part of Task 1.
- Never give your own opinion in Task 1 — only describe what you see.
- Select the most significant data to discuss — you cannot mention everything.
- Use a range of trend vocabulary (rose sharply, levelled off, peaked at).
- Paraphrase the title — never copy it directly.
- 150 words minimum — aim for 170-185.
- Always include specific figures from the chart.