Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Trends in birth and death rates in a European country 1950-2050: 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.
  • 175 words
  • Line graphs
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes
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The question

The graph below shows the total number of births and deaths in a European country from 1950 to 2050.

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

Total number of births and deaths in a European country from 1950 to 2050 (number of people)
0200,000400,000600,000800,0001,000,000195019701990201020302050
  • Birth Rate
  • Death Rate
View the data
195019701990201020302050
Birth Rate750,0001,000,000600,000700,000700,000700,000
Death Rate700,000725,000700,000700,000680,000800,000

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 8175 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The line graph illustrates the total number of births and deaths in a European country over a century, spanning from 1950 to 2050.

Overall, the birth rate showed considerable fluctuation, peaking in 1970 before declining, whereas the death rate remained largely consistent, with a notable upward trend projected towards the end of the period.

In 1950, births stood at 750,000, slightly outnumbering the 700,000 deaths. By 1970, births surged to a peak of 1,000,000, while deaths rose marginally to 725,000. Following this, the birth rate dropped sharply to 600,000 in 1990, falling below the death rate, which had returned to 700,000. Between 1990 and 2030, both figures stabilised, with births remaining at 700,000 and deaths fluctuating slightly between 700,000 and 680,000.

Looking ahead to 2050, the birth rate is projected to remain constant at 700,000. Conversely, the death rate is forecast to rise significantly, reaching 800,000. This shift indicates that by 2050, the number of deaths will exceed the number of births, marking a reversal of the trend observed at the start of the period.

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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.

  • fluctuation

    a continuous change from one state to another

  • surged

    increased suddenly and powerfully in a short time

  • stabilised

    became unlikely to change or fluctuate significantly

  • projected

    estimated or forecast based on current trends

  • outnumbering

    being more numerous than the other group

  • reversal

    a change to the opposite direction or position

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While birth rates experienced significant volatility throughout the period, death rates remained relatively stable until a projected rise in the final decades.

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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