You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The line graph below shows the annual number of international students studying at four high schools in a given country from 2010 to 2020. The pie chart provides a breakdown of the countries these international students came from in 2020.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
The line graph illustrates the number of international students at four high schools from 2010 to 2020, while the pie chart shows the percentage distribution of these students by continent in 2020.
Overall, international student numbers rose steadily across all high schools, with High School A seeing the most significant growth. Most international students in 2020 came from Asia, followed by Europe, with smaller contributions from North America, South America, and Africa.
In detail, High School A’s international student population increased sharply, starting at around 50 in 2010 and reaching just over 450 by 2020. High School B also saw growth, stabilising at approximately 240 students. High School C’s numbers peaked at around 145 before a slight decline, while High School D experienced gradual growth, ending at about 110 students.
According to the pie chart, 40% of international students in 2020 were from Asia, followed by 25% from Europe. North America accounted for 15%, while both South America and Africa contributed 10% each.
In summary, while the line graph highlights varied growth among universities, the pie chart underscores the dominance of Asian students in the international population.
Rationale for the Task 1 Response:
This response is crafted to meet IELTS Task 1 requirements by delivering a clear, concise, and objective description of two visual data sources—the line graph and pie chart. Only information from the charts is included.
Introduction and Overview: The response opens with a brief introduction that describes the purpose of both charts, immediately followed by an overview. This overview summarises the main trends observed in the data: a steady increase in international students across universities and the dominant representation of Asian students in 2020. Including an overview early on is a good technique for higher IELTS band scores as it sets the context for the analysis. Including it early also ensures that the examiner does not miss it.
Data Description: The body is split logically into two parts: one focuses on the trends in the line graph, while the other discusses the distribution in the pie chart. This separation helps maintain clarity. Specific details are provided, such as numerical values and growth patterns, which strengthen the accuracy and specificity required for IELTS.
Comparison and Synthesis: The response ends by synthesising insights from both charts, pointing out that while growth varied across universities, the student origins were dominated by Asia. This final sentence provides a comparative insight, showing a deeper level of analysis, which can contribute to a higher band score.
The entire response is kept between 150 and 200 words to stay within the IELTS guidelines, ensuring conciseness without omitting key information. The tone is formal and factual, matching the academic nature of Task 1 reports.
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