IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graphs: Sample Questions and Expert Answers

Have you ever noticed that line graphs are frequently used in IELTS Writing Task 1? I’ve taken the initiative to create this resource to help you excel in your IELTS academic writing task 1. Drawing from my own experience as an IELTS examinee, I can empathize with the difficulties you might encounter during test preparation. In this blog, our goal is to address these challenges, and all you need to do is read or use my practice test answers, which I’ve specifically crafted to enhance your exam readiness. You’ll be amazed by the transformative results!

Line Graph #1

Sample Answer for Line Graph #1:

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The provided graph illustrates the evolution of birth and death rates in New Zealand from 1901 to 2101.

Overall, the birth rate exhibits a marked volatility with a pronounced surge in the mid-20th century before a decline, whereas the death rate remains fairly consistent with a moderate increase towards the end of the period.

Initially, in 1901, the birth rate stood at approximately 30 births per thousand individuals, which sharply increased to reach its zenith at about 70 births per thousand in the 1960s. Subsequently, this figure dwindled, ending up slightly above the starting point by 2101. The death rate, on the other hand, commenced at around 10 deaths per thousand and remained relatively stable until the 2040s, from which point it gradually ascended, albeit never exceeding 20 deaths per thousand throughout the 200 years.

The disparity between birth and death rates was most pronounced during the 1960s, indicating a significant population growth during that era. As the graph progresses, particularly after the 2040s, this gap diminishes as the death rate increases and the birth rate decreases, suggesting a move towards a more balanced growth rate by 2101.

In conclusion, the birth rate in New Zealand underwent a significant rise and fall over the 200-year span, returning to rates similar to those at the outset, while the death rate showed a slow but steady increase, with both rates appearing to converge as the period ends.

The graph presents the trends in birth and death rates per thousand people in New Zealand across a two-century timespan from 1901 to 2101.

Overall, the birth rate underwent a significant fluctuation, characterized by a dramatic rise until the mid-20th century followed by a gradual decline, while the death rate increased slightly but steadily over the same period.

At the start of the 20th century, the birth rate was roughly 30 births per thousand people. This rate surged, reaching its peak at about 70 births per thousand in the 1960s. After this point, a downward trend is observed, with the birth rate falling to slightly above its initial value by the end of the forecasted period in 2101. The death rate began at about 10 deaths per thousand people and remained relatively unchanged until the mid-21st century. From the 2040s onwards, a gentle rise in the death rate is apparent, reaching just under 20 deaths per thousand by 2101.

The most significant gap between the birth and death rates occurs around the 1960s, after which the gap narrows considerably, indicating a decrease in population growth rates. By the end of the period, the birth and death rates are converging, indicating a potential stabilization of the population growth rate.

In sum, New Zealand’s demographic trends are characterized by a high birth rate in the mid-20th century with a return to lower levels by 2101, and a slightly increasing death rate, suggesting an eventual balance between births and deaths by the end of the century.

Line Graph #2

Sample Answer for Line Graph #2:

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The graph depicts the relative changes in the prices of fresh fruits and vegetables, sugars and sweets, carbonated drinks, compared to the overall consumer price index (CPI) in the United States from 1978 to 2009.

Overall, the price of fresh fruits and vegetables has increased at a rate substantially higher than that of the CPI, sugars and sweets, and carbonated drinks.

Initially, in 1978, all items were indexed at a baseline of 100. Over the 31 years, fresh fruits and vegetables experienced a sharp increase in price, reaching an index value close to 350 by 2009. This trend indicates a price increase of approximately 250% over the base value. In comparison, the CPI—which reflects the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services—doubled to an index value of around 200.

Sugars and sweets showed a more moderate price increase, with an upward trajectory slightly steeper than the CPI, finishing at an index value just above 200. Carbonated drinks followed a similar trend to sugars and sweets, but with a slightly higher final index value of just over 210, indicating a slight divergence from the CPI in the latter part of the timeframe.

The data suggest a significant divergence in the cost of living and food prices, particularly the stark rise in prices for fresh produce compared to other food items and general goods and services. This could have implications on consumer purchasing power and nutrition, as the higher rate of increase in the price of fresh fruits and vegetables might affect their affordability relative to other less healthy options.

The graph shows how the prices of fresh fruits and vegetables, sugars and sweets, and carbonated drinks have changed in comparison to the overall cost of living, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), between 1978 and 2009.

Overall, prices for all categories have gone up over these 31 years, with fresh fruits and vegetables seeing the biggest jump.

Starting at the same point in 1978, with an index of 100, the price of fresh fruits and vegetables has climbed steadily, reaching nearly 350 by 2009. This is a much steeper increase than that of the CPI, which also rose but more gently, doubling to about 200. Sugars and sweets, as well as carbonated drinks, had a similar pattern to the CPI but ended up slightly higher, at just over 200 and 210 respectively.

This means that while everything has gotten more expensive, fresh fruits and vegetables have become much pricier compared to sugary foods and drinks. By the end of the period, fresh produce was over three times as expensive as it was in 1978, while the cost of living in general and the prices for sugars and sweets, and carbonated drinks have only doubled. This significant increase in the cost of fresh produce might influence people to buy less healthy foods, which haven’t increased in price as much.

Line Graph #3

Sample Answer for Line Graph #3:

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The graph illustrates the historical and projected consumption of different fuel types in the United States from 1980 to 2030, according to the Annual Energy Outlook 2008.

Overall, petroleum and oil have been the predominant energy sources throughout the period, with a steady increase in consumption projected to continue. Natural gas also shows a consistent upward trend. In contrast, coal usage, after increasing until around 2000, is expected to plateau. Nuclear energy, while less significant in volume, displays a gradual increase, and renewable energies, such as solar and wind, though starting from a minimal base, are anticipated to grow substantially. Hydropower remains relatively flat and low in comparison to other sources.

From 1980 to approximately 2000, petroleum and oil saw a sharp rise from just under 35 quadrillion units to over 40 quadrillion units. The projection suggests a continuation of this trend, reaching close to 50 quadrillion units by 2030. Natural gas started at about 15 quadrillion units, rising steadily to over 20 quadrillion units, with an expected increase to around 25 quadrillion units by 2030.

Coal’s consumption initially rose similarly to natural gas but is projected to have a negligible increase post-2000, stabilizing at just over 20 quadrillion units. Nuclear energy has shown slow growth from 1980 and is projected to climb modestly to just under 10 quadrillion units. Solar and wind energy, almost non-existent in 1980, show a steep increase in the projection, indicating a shift towards renewable energy consumption. Hydropower consumption has been the most stable, remaining around 3 quadrillion units throughout the period.

The graph illustrates the historical and projected consumption of different fuel types in the United States from 1980 to 2030, according to the Annual Energy Outlook 2008.

Overall, petroleum and oil have been the predominant energy sources throughout the period, with a steady increase in consumption projected to continue. Natural gas also shows a consistent upward trend. In contrast, coal usage, after increasing until around 2000, is expected to plateau. Nuclear energy, while less significant in volume, displays a gradual increase, and renewable energies, such as solar and wind, though starting from a minimal base, are anticipated to grow substantially. Hydropower remains relatively flat and low in comparison to other sources.

From 1980 to approximately 2000, petroleum and oil saw a sharp rise from just under 35 quadrillion units to over 40 quadrillion units. The projection suggests a continuation of this trend, reaching close to 50 quadrillion units by 2030. Natural gas started at about 15 quadrillion units, rising steadily to over 20 quadrillion units, with an expected increase to around 25 quadrillion units by 2030.

Coal’s consumption initially rose similarly to natural gas but is projected to have a negligible increase post-2000, stabilizing at just over 20 quadrillion units. Nuclear energy has shown slow growth from 1980 and is projected to climb modestly to just under 10 quadrillion units. Solar and wind energy, almost non-existent in 1980, show a steep increase in the projection, indicating a shift towards renewable energy consumption. Hydropower consumption has been the most stable, remaining around 3 quadrillion units throughout the period.

The graph indicates a long-term trend of increasing energy consumption in the U.S., with a notable shift towards more diverse and renewable energy sources, especially in the case of solar and wind power. Despite this shift, traditional fossil fuels are expected to remain a significant part of the energy mix by 2030.

The graph provides a comprehensive view of energy consumption in the United States from 1980 to the projected figures for 2030, based on the Annual Energy Outlook 2008.

Overall, the data reveals several key trends in U.S. energy consumption. Petroleum and oil have consistently been the dominant energy sources throughout the period, with consumption steadily increasing. Natural gas also shows a continuous upward trajectory. In contrast, coal consumption, after a period of growth until the early 2000s, appears to stabilize. Nuclear energy has witnessed gradual growth, while renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, are expected to experience significant expansion. Hydropower consumption remains relatively steady but at a lower level compared to other sources.

Beginning in 1980, petroleum and oil consumption stood at just under 35 quadrillion units and is projected to rise significantly, nearing 50 quadrillion units by 2030. Natural gas started at approximately 15 quadrillion units, with a continuous increase expected to reach around 25 quadrillion units by 2030. Coal consumption, after reaching over 20 quadrillion units in the early 2000s, is expected to remain relatively stable. Nuclear energy has shown slow growth, with a projection to approach 10 quadrillion units. Solar and wind energy, although initially minimal, are anticipated to grow substantially. Hydropower maintains a stable consumption of around 3 quadrillion units.

In summary, the graph indicates a long-term trend of increasing energy consumption in the U.S., with a notable shift towards more diverse and renewable energy sources, especially in the case of solar and wind power. Despite this shift, traditional fossil fuels, notably petroleum and natural gas, are expected to remain a significant part of the energy mix by 2030.

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