About this IELTS Writing Template
Memorising complete essays is a poor strategy for the IELTS exam. Instead, learning the underlying framework of a high-scoring response allows you to adapt to any prompt. This Line/Bar Chart (Trend) template for Academic Task 1 demonstrates exactly how to structure your ideas, connect your paragraphs logically, and deploy appropriate vocabulary to achieve a Band 7.0–7.5. Use the paragraph-by-paragraph plan below as a skeleton for your next practice draft.
Paragraph-by-Paragraph Plan
Detailed sentence formulas
Introduction
The line graph illustrates the fluctuations in the population of China and India over a 50-year period, starting from 2000.
Overview
Overall, while India's population experienced a significant upward trend, China's population saw a peak followed by a gradual decline. Additionally, India is projected to surpass China in population by 2030.
Body Paragraph 1
Looking at India's population, it began at 1,050 million in 2000 and rose steadily to 1,230 million by 2010. This upward trajectory continued, reaching 1,500 million in 2030, and is expected to climb further to 1,650 million by 2050.
Body Paragraph 2
In contrast, China's population started higher at 1,260 million in 2000 and increased to 1,410 million by 2020. However, after reaching a peak of 1,450 million in 2030, it is projected to decline to 1,400 million by 2050.
Conclusion
In summary, while both countries are experiencing population growth, India's growth is more sustained and is expected to surpass China's population by 2030.
Full Sample Response
Written by an expert IELTS examiner
The line graph illustrates the fluctuations in museum attendance for two distinct institutions in London over a five-year period, starting from 2010.
Overall, while the History Museum experienced a significant upward trend in visitors, the Art Museum saw a gradual decline. By the end of the period, the History Museum had overtaken the Art Museum to become the most popular.
Looking at the History Museum, the figures began at 20,000 visitors and rose steadily for three years. In 2013, attendee numbers surged to hit a high of 50,000 in the final year, 2015.
In contrast, the Art Museum started much higher at 40,000 visitors. However, it witnessed a steady downward trend over the next five years. Following a brief period of stability between 2010 and 2012, numbers plummeted, eventually falling to its lowest point of just 15,000 in the final year.
Examiner Commentary
Why this response scores highly
The sample essay effectively achieves its target band by demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements. In terms of Task Response, the essay provides a comprehensive overview of the main trends and comparisons between the two museums, fulfilling the task requirements by summarizing the key features without unnecessary detail.
Regarding Coherence and Cohesion, the essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing that logically separates the discussion of each museum. The use of linking words such as 'while', 'in contrast', and 'however' enhances the flow of information and aids in comparing the trends effectively.
In terms of Lexical Resource, the essay employs a range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'rose steadily', 'surged', and 'plummeted'. This variety demonstrates a strong command of language. Finally, the Grammatical Range and Accuracy are evident through the use of complex sentence structures and accurate verb forms, contributing to the overall clarity and precision of the essay.
Related Templates
Line/Bar Chart (Trend)
Focuses on clearly stating the basic direction of the lines (up, down, same) using beginner vocabulary and a simple paragraph structure.
Line/Bar Chart (Trend)
Mastery of nuanced data description utilizing advanced syntactic variety, precise noun phrases, and seamless comparative analysis.
Pie Chart / Table (Static)
A basic structure for comparing static percentage or numerical data at a single point in time.