Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Proportion of the population aged 65 and over in three countries: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 line graph question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about line graphs.
  • 179 words
  • Line graphs
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes
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The question

The graph below shows the proportion of the population aged 65 and over between 1940 and 2040 in three different countries.

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

Proportion of Population aged 65 years and over (%)
01020304050194019601980199020002010202020302040
  • USA
  • Sweden
  • Japan
View the data
194019601980199020002010202020302040
USA91015141414141623
Sweden7914131518201825
Japan53334571027

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.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8179 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The line graph illustrates the percentage of the population aged 65 and over in the USA, Sweden, and Japan between 1940 and 2040. Overall, all three nations are projected to see a significant increase in their elderly populations by the end of the period, with Japan experiencing the most dramatic growth.

In 1940, the USA had the highest proportion of elderly citizens at 9%, followed by Sweden at 7% and Japan at 5%. Between 1940 and 1980, the figures for the USA and Sweden rose steadily, reaching 15% and 14% respectively. Conversely, Japan’s proportion declined to 3% by 1960 and remained stable until 1980.

From 1990 to 2030, the USA and Sweden maintained a relatively similar upward trajectory, with Sweden peaking at 20% in 2010 before a slight dip. However, Japan’s demographic profile changed drastically after 2030. While the USA and Sweden are expected to reach 23% and 25% respectively by 2040, Japan is projected to overtake both, climbing sharply to reach 27% of its population being aged 65 or over, marking a profound shift in its demographic structure.

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Line graphs

How to write about line graphs: tips and vocabulary

  • →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.

  • trajectory

    the path or direction something follows over time

  • surge

    a sudden and powerful increase in a value

  • demographic

    relating to the statistical data of a population

  • proportion

    a part or share in relation to the whole

  • projected

    estimated or predicted based on current trends

  • overtake

    to catch up with and surpass in progress

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While the proportion of elderly citizens in the USA and Sweden shows a gradual upward trend throughout the period, Japan experiences a dramatic surge in its ageing population towards the end of the timeframe.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

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 is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

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.

Keep practising

More line graphs

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