IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph: Compare Trends Clearly

A strong IELTS line graph report helps the reader see the main changes and relationships. Start by checking what the axes measure, identify the largest patterns, then use selected figures to support your comparisons. You do not need a separate sentence for every point on every line.

Read the labels before describing the trend

Check the subject, unit, dates and legend. A line showing a percentage is different from one showing a number of people. Notice whether the figures describe past observations or future projections, because this affects both the tense and the certainty of your language.

Before writing, make a short note of the starting leader, ending leader, biggest change and any crossover. These are possible organising features, not a checklist that every graph must contain. If all lines move similarly, compare their scale and starting positions instead of inventing a dramatic contrast.

Practise with a small original dataset

Imagine a line graph showing the percentage of commuters cycling to work in three towns in 2010, 2015 and 2020. The figures below are invented for this exercise:

• Ashford: 10%, 15%, 25%.
• Brookfield: 30%, 25%, 20%.
• Creston: 5%, 10%, 15%.

Write one overview sentence before checking this possible answer:

Overall, cycling became more common in Ashford and Creston but declined in Brookfield, with Ashford replacing Brookfield as the town with the highest proportion by the end of the period.

The sentence identifies the contrasting directions and the change in ranking. It leaves the detailed numbers for the body. It also avoids claiming why cycling changed: the dataset provides no explanation about policies, weather or transport costs.

Group details around comparisons

One useful organisation is to compare Ashford with Brookfield first, because their positions reverse. A second paragraph can explain Creston's increase while showing that it remained the lowest. This gives each paragraph a purpose and avoids repeating three isolated mini-reports.

A detail sentence could read: “Ashford's share rose from 10% to 25%, whereas Brookfield's fell from 30% to 20%.” Creston can then be placed in context: “Although Creston's proportion tripled to 15%, it remained below the other two towns.” These are short demonstrations, not a complete Task 1 response.

Keep the arithmetic and vocabulary precise

A rise from 10% to 25% is an increase of 15 percentage points. It is not a 15% increase: relative to the starting figure, the increase is 150%. When that distinction distracts from your description, simply write “rose from 10% to 25%.”

Use “rose to” for the final value and “rose by” for the amount of change. Avoid “fluctuated” when the available points only move upward, and avoid “peaked” when the graph does not show a later fall. Precise common verbs are more useful than a long list of dramatic alternatives.

Finish with a focused check

Academic Task 1 requires at least 150 words, with about 20 minutes recommended. Check that the overview states the main features, each number has the correct unit and your comparisons match the visual. Read our Task 1 overview guide for more practice, then try describing a sequence in the process diagram article.

Official reference: IELTS Academic Writing format and requirements. The dataset and sample sentences above are original practice material.