In this lesson, you will learn how to describe a line graph in IELTS Writing Task 1. We'll work through a real example step by step, so you know exactly what to do in the exam.
📋 What You'll Learn:
- How to read and analyse a line graph
- The 4-paragraph structure for your answer
- Key vocabulary for describing trends
- A complete model answer
Your Task: Look at This Graph
Imagine you see this question in your IELTS exam:
The graph below shows the number of university students enrolled in Business Studies in three Australian states from 1990 to 2005.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Here is the graph:
Number of University Enrolments in Business Studies
📊 Data Table:
| State | 1990 | 1995 | 2000 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 5,500 | 5,200 | 6,800 | 10,200 |
| New South Wales | 5,300 | 4,800 | 5,600 | 8,500 |
| Queensland | 2,800 | 3,500 | 6,200 | 7,500 |
Step 1: Analyse the Graph (1-2 minutes)
Before you write anything, spend 1-2 minutes looking at the graph. Ask yourself:
- 📈 What is the overall trend? → All three states increased overall
- 📊 Which line is highest/lowest? → Victoria ends highest; Queensland starts lowest
- 🔄 Are there any changes in direction? → Victoria and NSW dip slightly before rising
- ⚡ What's the most dramatic change? → Queensland nearly triples; Victoria surges after 2000
Step 2: Know the Structure (4 Paragraphs)
Every Task 1 answer follows the same structure:
1️⃣ Introduction (1-2 sentences)
Paraphrase the question. Say what the graph shows in your own words.
2️⃣ Overview (2-3 sentences) ⭐ MOST IMPORTANT
Summarise the main trends. No numbers here—just the big picture.
3️⃣ Body Paragraph 1 (3-4 sentences)
Describe the first group/trend with specific numbers.
4️⃣ Body Paragraph 2 (3-4 sentences)
Describe the second group/trend with specific numbers.
Step 3: Learn the Key Vocabulary
You need specific words to describe what the lines do:
📈 Going UP
Verbs: increased, rose, grew, climbed, went up, surged
Nouns: an increase, a rise, growth, an upward trend
📉 Going DOWN
Verbs: decreased, fell, dropped, declined, went down
Nouns: a decrease, a fall, a drop, a decline
➡️ Staying the SAME
Verbs: remained stable, stayed constant, levelled off, held steady
How BIG or FAST was the change?
| Size of Change | Adverbs (with verbs) | Adjectives (with nouns) |
|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Large/Fast | dramatically, sharply, significantly, rapidly | dramatic, sharp, significant, rapid |
| 🟡 Medium | considerably, substantially, moderately | considerable, substantial, moderate |
| 🟢 Small/Slow | slightly, gradually, steadily | slight, gradual, steady |
Using verbs: Enrolments rose dramatically from 2,800 to 7,500.
Using nouns: There was a dramatic rise in enrolments.
Step 4: Write Your Answer
Now let's write each paragraph. Watch how we build the complete answer:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paraphrase the question—say the same thing in different words:
Question: "The graph shows the number of university students enrolled in Business Studies..."
Your introduction: "The line graph illustrates the number of students enrolled in Business Studies courses at universities in three Australian states—Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland—over a 15-year period from 1990 to 2005."
Paragraph 2: Overview ⭐
This is the most important paragraph! Describe the main trends without specific numbers:
"Overall, all three states experienced an increase in university enrolments by the end of the period, with Victoria showing the most dramatic growth. Notably, Queensland, which started with the lowest figures, saw the most consistent upward trend throughout the period."
Paragraph 3: Body 1
Describe Victoria and NSW (they have similar patterns):
"In 1990, Victoria and New South Wales had similar enrolment figures, at approximately 5,500 and 5,300 respectively. However, both states experienced a slight decline over the following five years, with numbers falling to around 5,200 and 4,800. After 2000, Victoria saw a remarkable surge, with enrolments climbing steeply to reach just over 10,000 by 2005. New South Wales followed a similar pattern but with more moderate growth, finishing the period at approximately 8,500."
Paragraph 4: Body 2
Describe Queensland (different pattern—use "In contrast"):
"In contrast, Queensland began the period with considerably fewer enrolments, at just 2,800. Unlike the other states, Queensland showed consistent growth from the very beginning, rising steadily to 3,500 in 1995 and then more sharply to 6,200 in 2000. By 2005, the state had reached 7,500 enrolments, representing the largest proportional increase of the three states, having nearly tripled its initial figure."
Step 5: See the Complete Answer
✍️ Complete Model Answer
The line graph illustrates the number of students enrolled in Business Studies courses at universities in three Australian states—Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland—over a 15-year period from 1990 to 2005.
Overall, all three states experienced an increase in university enrolments by the end of the period, with Victoria showing the most dramatic growth. Notably, Queensland, which started with the lowest figures, saw the most consistent upward trend throughout the period.
In 1990, Victoria and New South Wales had similar enrolment figures, at approximately 5,500 and 5,300 respectively. However, both states experienced a slight decline over the following five years, with numbers falling to around 5,200 and 4,800. After 2000, Victoria saw a remarkable surge, with enrolments climbing steeply to reach just over 10,000 by 2005. New South Wales followed a similar pattern but with more moderate growth, finishing the period at approximately 8,500.
In contrast, Queensland began the period with considerably fewer enrolments, at just 2,800. Unlike the other states, Queensland showed consistent growth from the very beginning, rising steadily to 3,500 in 1995 and then more sharply to 6,200 in 2000. By 2005, the state had reached 7,500 enrolments, representing the largest proportional increase of the three states, having nearly tripled its initial figure.
Word count: 178 words (aim for 150-180)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ DON'T give your opinion
Never write "I think" or explain WHY trends happened.
❌ DON'T forget the overview
This is the most important paragraph. Without it, you can't score above Band 5.
❌ DON'T describe every single number
Focus on the main trends and significant data points.
❌ DON'T write a conclusion
The overview IS your summary. Don't write "In conclusion..."
Final Checklist ✅
Before you finish, check:
- ☐ Did you paraphrase the question (not copy it)?
- ☐ Did you write an overview with main trends?
- ☐ Did you use specific numbers and dates?
- ☐ Did you make comparisons between the lines?
- ☐ Did you use varied vocabulary (not just "increased")?
- ☐ Is it 150-180 words?
- ☐ Did you avoid giving opinions?