Below is one of the most common IELTS Task 1 question types: a single line chart.
Try answering it yourself before reading our model essay and the accompanying explanation which shows why this is a high-scoring model essay…
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Line Chart
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The line graph shows the population growth by continent from 1950 to the present with a projection until 2100.
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 global population growth from 1950 to the present, with projections extending to 2100.
Overall, the global population has increased significantly. While Asia has consistently had the largest population, its growth is expected to peak mid-century and then decline slightly. In contrast, Africa shows a steep and continuous rise throughout the entire period.
Asia’s population began at around 1.4 billion in 1950, and is projected to peak at just over 4.3 billion by 2050, before starting to decline. Africa, starting at a much lower base of 200 million in 1950, has shown a consistent upward trajectory, surpassing 0.5 billion by 2020. It is expected to continue rising sharply, reaching nearly 1.5 billion by 2100.
By contrast, Europe’s population has remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 600 million in 1950 to around 750 million today, with little change expected through 2100. North and South America exhibit modest growth, with both regions starting from around 200 million in 1950 and roughly doubling by 2100. Oceania’s population is measured in the low millions and is expected to rise only slightly.
Breakdown of Key Features Contributing to a High-Scoring Essay
Introduction: The essay starts with a clear and concise introduction that paraphrases the question. It mentions the subject of the graph (global population growth) and the timeframe (from 1950 to the present, with projections to 2100).
This demonstrates the ability to restate the question in the writer’s own words, an important skill in IELTS Writing.
Overview: The overview paragraph effectively summarises the main trends without going into too much detail. It highlights the significant overall growth in global population and contrasts the trends in Asia and Africa. This overview provides a “big picture” view of the data, which is crucial for a high score, as it shows the examiner that the writer can identify and report the most important trends.
Detailed Paragraph 1: The first detailed paragraph focuses on Asia and Africa, the two continents with the most notable population trends. The writer provides specific data points (e.g., Asia starting at 1.4 billion, Africa at 200 million) and mentions future projections (Asia peaking at 4.3 billion, Africa reaching 1.5 billion). These details not only show a clear understanding of the data but also provide evidence to support the trends mentioned in the overview.
Detailed Paragraph 2: The second detailed paragraph shifts focus to Europe, North and South America, and Oceania. It provides specific numbers for these regions, highlighting their relatively stable or modest growth compared to Asia and Africa. This paragraph demonstrates the writer’s ability to organise information logically and make relevant comparisons across different regions.
Use of Data: The essay includes precise data points throughout, which is essential for a high score. The use of specific numbers allows the reader to roughly recreate the graph from the description, fulfilling one of the key requirements for IELTS Writing Task 1.
Cohesion and Coherence: The essay is well-organised, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the data. Transitional phrases such as “In contrast” and “By contrast” help to guide the reader through the comparisons being made. This clear structure and logical flow make the essay easy to follow, which is important for coherence and cohesion.
Vocabulary and Grammar: The essay demonstrates a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, including the use of passive voice (“is projected to peak”) and complex sentences (“while Asia has consistently had the largest population, its growth is expected to peak mid-century and then decline slightly”). The variety in sentence structure and the accurate use of language contribute to a higher score in these areas.
This essay is likely to score well in IELTS Writing Task 1 because it effectively paraphrases the question, provides a clear overview, and presents detailed comparisons with specific data. The essay is well-organised, easy to follow, and demonstrates a strong command of language, all of which are essential for achieving a high band score.
How to Continue Your IELTS Study
If you would like to get some IELTS practice, answer the same question and purchase one of our Writing Correction Packages
to get feedback.
If you would like to watch a video about how to write IELTS General Task 1 letters, visit this page.