Graphs and Pictures

Vocabulary
Verbs
These verbs are alternatives to the basic rise and fall vocabulary. One benefit of
using them is that sometimes they help you avoid repeating too many numbers.
If you have a strong verb, you do not always have to give the exact figure.

Up verbs

Notes:

Soar and rocket are both very strong words that describe large rises.
Rocket is more sudden. You probably do not need to qualify these verbs with
adverbs.
Leap shows a large and sudden rise. Again, you probably do not need to
qualify it with an adverb.
Climb is a relatively neutral verb that can be used with the adverbs
below.

Down verbs

Notes:

Plummet is the strongest word here. It means to fall very quickly and a
long way.
Drop and drop are normally used for fairly small decreases
Slip back is used for falls that come after rises
Drop and Dip are also frequently used as nouns: eg a slight dip a
sudden drop

Adjectives and adverbs

This is a selection of some of the most common adjectives and adverbs used for trend
language. Please be careful. This is an area where it is possible to make low-level mistakes.
Make sure that you use adjectives with nouns and adverbs with verbs:

a significant rise correct (adjective/noun)

rose significantly correct (adverb/verb)
a significantly rise wrong wrong wrong
Please also note the spelling of the adverbs. There is a particular problem with the word
dramatically:

dramatically correct
dramaticly wrong
dramaticaly wrong

Adjectives of degree

notes

sudden and sharp can be used of relatively minor changes that

happen quickly
spectacular and dramatic are very strong words only to used to big,
big, big changes

Steady adjectives

Small adjectives

notes

marginal is a particularly useful word for describing very small changes

Other useful adjectives

These adjectives can be used to describes more general trends

notes

overall can be used to describe changes in trend over the whole period:
very useful in introductions and conclusions
upward and downward are adjectives: the adverbs are upwards and
downwards

Diagram: Model Answer

Below is an IELTS diagram model answer which is estimated at band score 9. It is
possible to have a diagram in your IELTS writing task 1 academic paper. A diagram is
also known as a process. This is from IELTS Cambridge Book 8, Test 3.
The diagram below shows the stages and equipment used in the cement-making
process, and how cement is used to produce concrete for building purposes.

Diagram Model Answer

The diagrams illustrate the way in which cement is made and how it is then used in the
process of making concrete. Overall, limestone and clay pass through four stages before
being bagged ready for use as cement which then accounts for 15% of the four materials
used to produce concrete. While the process of making cement uses a number of tools,
the production of concrete requires only a concrete mixer.
In the first stage of making cement, limestone and clay are crushed together to form a
powder. This powder is then combined in a mixer before passing into a rotating heater
which has constant heat applied at one end of the tube. The resulting mixture is ground
in order to produce cement. The final product is afterwards put into bags ready to be
used.
Regarding the second diagram, concrete consists of mainly gravel, which is small stones,
and this makes up 50% of the ingredients. The other materials used are sand (25%),
cement (15%) and water (10%). These are all poured into a concrete mixer which
continually rotates to combine the materials and ultimately produces concrete.

Table : Model Answer

February 18, 2015 by Liz 80 Comments

Below is an IELTS table model answer for writing task 1. The IELTS table below is taken
from IELTS Cambridge book 7. The sample answer is estimated at band score 9.
The table below gives information about consumer spending on different items in
five different countries in 2002.

Table Model Answer

The table illustrates the proportion of national expenditure in Ireland, Italy, Spain,
Sweden and Turkey on three categories of items in 2002.
Overall, all countries spent most on food, drinks and tobacco, which was almost three
times that of the other items. The lowest expenditure was on leisure and education in
the five countries. The expenditure of Turkey overall was higher than the other
countries.
In terms of food, drinks and tobacco, Turkey spent the most at 32.14%. The expenditure
of Ireland was also high (28.91%) compared to Sweden which spent the least (15.77%).
Spain and Italy spent 18.80% and 16.36% respectively.
Italy spent more than the other countries on clothing and footwear (9%) as opposed to
the lowest expenditure which could be seen in Sweden at 5.40%. The other three
countries spent on average around 6.5%.
The lowest expenditure was on leisure and education which accounted for under 5% in
all countries. Turkey spent most on these items at just 4.35% of their national
expenditure which is around double that of Spain which spent the least at just 1.98%.

Map: Model Answer

Below is an IELTS map model answer which is estimated at band score 9. This is a
comparison of three maps in different time periods for the academic writing task 1.

Map Comparison
The maps illustrate how Meadowside village and Fonton, which is a neighbouring town, have
developed over three different time periods (1962, 1985 and the present).
Overall, Meadowside village increased in size and has become Meadowside Suburb as it merged
together with Fonton. Furthermore, there have been significant changes in infrastructure,
housing and facilities over the period given.
In 1962, both Meadowside and Fonton were completely separate with no roads or rail connecting
them. While Fonton had a railway line running through it to the north, Meadowside, located to
the west of Fonton, only had a small road from the west.

By 1985, there was a considerable growth in the size of Meadowside village and Fonton. The
small road in Meadowside village had been converted into a main road and was also extended to
the east to connect with Fonton. Meadowside, moreover, had also developed a housing estate in
the west, a leisure complex and a supermarket in the south.
Currently, both Meadowside, which is now a suburb, and Fonton are joined. The railway line,
which runs through Fonton, has been extended to the west where a train station has been built.
To the north of the station, a hotel has been constructed and opposite the station, to the south,
there is now a business park.

Line Graph
This model line graph for IELTS writing task 1 is estimated at band score 9. Use this
sample writing as a template for structure, key features and language for any IELTS line
graph. There are also some tips given below to guide you and help you understand how
to describe this type of graph.

The graph below shows the consumption of 3 spreads from 1981 to 2007.

Sample Answer
The line graph illustrates the amount of three kinds of spreads (margarine, low fat and reduced
spreads and butter) which were consumed over 26 years from 1981 to 2007. Units are measured
in grams.
Overall, the consumption of margarine and butter decreased over period given while for low fat
and reduced spreads, it rose. At the start of the period, butter was the most popular spread,
which was replaced by margarine from 1991 to 2001, and following that low fat and reduced
spreads became the most widely used spread in the final years.
With regards to the amount of butter used, it began at around 140 grams and then peaked at 160
grams in 1986 before falling dramatically to about 50 grams in the last year. Likewise,
approximately 90 grams of margarine was eaten in the first year after which the figure fluctuated
slightly and dropped to a low of 40 grams in 2007.
On the other hand, the consumption of low fats and reduced spreads only started in 1996 at
about 10 grams. This figure, which reached a high of just over 80 grams 5 years later, fell slightly
in the final years to approximately 70 grams in 2007.

Tips for Line Graphs

1.

Paraphrase the line graph information for your overview

2.

Put main trends and highlights in an overall statement

3.

Write one or two sentences about each line

4.

Make sure each sentence in the body paragraphs have numbers and dates t
support them

Bar Chart
Below is a model answer for an IELTS bar chart in writing task 1 of the academic paper.
This model answer comes from the video tutorial below:
Free Video Tutorial: How to Describe an IELTS bar chart

Bar Chart Sample Answer

The chart illustrates the amount of money spent on five consumer goods (cars, computers, books,
perfume and cameras) in France and the UK in 2010. Units are measured in pounds sterling.
Overall, the UK spent more money on consumer goods than France in the period given. Both the
British and the French spent most of their money on cars whereas the least amount of money was
spent on perfume in the UK compared to cameras in France. Furthermore, the most significant
difference in expenditure between the two countries was on cameras.

In terms of cars, people in the UK spent about 450,000 on this as opposed to the French who
spent 400,000. Similarly, the British spent more money on books than the French (around
400,000 and 300,000 respectively). In the UK, expenditure on cameras (just over 350,000)
was over double that of France, which was only 150,000.
On the other hand, the amount spent on the remaining goods was higher in France. Above
350,000 was spent by the French on computers which was slightly more than the British who
spent 300,000. Neither of the countries spent much on perfume which accounted for 200,000
of expenditure in France but under 150,000 in the UK.

Pie Chart Model

How to compare two pie charts in IELTS writing task 1. This sample answer illustrates
the method of organising the report as well as useful language and sentence structures
to get a band score 9.
The pie charts below show the comparison of different kinds of energy production of
France in two years.

Pie Chart Sample Answer

The two pie charts illustrate five types of energy production in France in 1995 and 2005.
Overall, in both years, the most significant sources of energy were gas and coal, which together
accounted for over half the production of energy, while nuclear and other kinds of energy sources
generated the least amount of energy in France. In all types of energy production there was only
minimal change over the 10 year period.

Energy produced by coal comprised of 29.80% in the first year and this showed only a very slight
increase of about a mere 1 % to 30.9% in 2005. Likewise, in 1995, gas generated 29.63% which
rose marginally to 30.1% 10 years later.
With regards to the remaining methods of producing energy, there was an approximate 5%
growth in production from both nuclear power and other sources to 10.10% and 9.10%
respectively. Petrol, on the other hand, was the only source of energy which decreased in
production from 29.27% in 1995 to around a fifth (19.55%) in 2005.

Pie Chart Tips

Always highlight the largest and smallest proportions

If there are two pie charts in different time periods, then you must highlight the key
changes / trends

Use pie chart language accounts for / comprises of / represents

Line Graph and Bar Chart Model

An IELTS line graph and bar chart model answer with examiner comments. Describing
two charts together for IELTS writing task 1 academic paper is easy when you know
how.

IELTS Line Graph & Bar Chart

The line graph shows visits to and from the UK from 1979 to 1999. The bar chart
shows the most popular countries visited by UK residents in 1999.

Line Graph & Bar Chart Model Answer

The line graph illustrates the number of UK residents going abroad from the UK and
overseas residents visiting the UK between 1979 and 1999, while the bar chart gives
information about how many UK residents travelled to five of the most popular
countries in 1999. Units are measured in millions of people.
Overall, there was an increase in the number of visits to and from the UK and there
were more visits abroad by UK residents than visits to the UK by overseas residents
over the period given. Furthermore, the most popular country to visit by UK residents
was France in 1999.
The number of UK residents visiting overseas began at just under 15 million in 1979
and rose significantly to reach over 50 million in 1999. Around 10 million overseas

residents visited the UK in the first year before climbing steadily to just under 30 million
by the final year.
In 1999, France was visited by over 10 million UK residents, followed by Spain at
approximately 9 million. The USA and Greece had about 4 million and 3 million visitors
respectively. The least popular country visited was Turkey which had only about 2
million UK residents going there.

Future Prediction Model Answer

This is a model answer for an IELTS writing task 1 table of future predictions as well as
past information. This type of writing task 1 requires you to use both past tense and
future forms in order to present the information accurately. Download the free pdf copy
of the table and answer: IELTS Table Future Prediction Model Answer

Model Answer with Future Predictions

The table gives information about the proportion of the population who are 65 years old
and over in 3 countries (Canada, Germany and the UK) in 1988, 2000 and an estimated
percentage in 2030.
Overall, the population of elderly people is predicted to rise in all three countries from
1988 to 2030. The highest percentage of older people was in Germany, which will
continue to remain the highest in 2030, while the lowest proportion can be seen in the
UK over the period given.
Between 1988 and 2000, the aging population of Canada and Germany went up by
around 5% to 20.67% and 25.32% respectively. The UK, on the other hand, showed
relatively little change in the proportion of its population aged 65 plus and remained at
just under 15% in both years.
By 2030, it is expected that the population of people aged 65 and above will increase by
approximately 5.5% in all three countries. The percentage is forecast to reach 30.42% in
Germany, 26.35% in Canada and 20.35% in the UK.

PTE

The graph shows population trends in Europe and Asia as a percentage of

world population between 1750 and 2000 (overview). Asia had a much bigger
percentage of the world population during this period than Europe (point I). Asia's
proportion dropped from 65 to 55 percent between 1750 and 1950 but reached 60
percent in 2000 (point 2). Europe's population was stable from 1750 to 1850 at just over
20 percent of world population (point 3). Then it rose slightly in 1900 before falling by
more than half to just over ten percent in 2000.

The charts show why males and females stopped going to school
(overview). In both cases the main reason was that they had completed their studies
(paint I). This applied to 65 percent of females and 60 percent of males (point la). The
second reason was that they had got a job. but 25 percent of males had work compared
with 12 percent of females (point 2). Almost the same percentage of females also left
school for personal or family reasons. while only four percent of males did (point 3). A
very small percentage of students left due to illness - three percent of males and five
percent of females (point 4), and a slightly bigger percentage left for other. non-specified
reasons (point 5).

The chart shows the future trends in the percentage of American citizens over
65 years old (overview). In 20I0 about 13 percent of US citizens were over 65 (point 1).
This figure is predicted to rise steadily so that by 2035,it will be 20 percent (point 2).
Between 20 I 0 and 2030, the rise will be quite steady, whereas between 2030 and 2035,
the rise is less significant (point 3) suggesting that the increase in the ageing
population may peak shortly after 2035 (point 4). However, the rise will have serious
implications in areas such as the provision of government services (implication).

The graph shows revenue growth in millions of dollars for two companies
between 2006 and 2024 (overview). The revenue of Company X is forecast to rise steadily
from $300 m to $1,800 m in 2024 (point 1). Company Y's revenue started at zero in 2006
and is likely to increase slowly to about $400 m in 2019 (point 2). After that,however,
predictions are that the company's growth will surge between 2019 and 2024 to just
overtake Company X at $1,900 m (point 3).

The graph shows reading achievement over three years for two groups of students:
successful and struggling readers, measured in words per minute (overview). Successful
readers make faster over all progress than struggling readers (point 1: overall trend).
Over three years. they go quite steadily from 20 words per minute to 120 words per
minute (point 1 support). Struggling readers make smaller gains and seem to regress a
little in the fall (point 2), perhaps because they don't read much during the summer
break (point 2: possible reason) . Overall, they go from about eight words per minute to
about 50 in the same period of time (paint 2b: support)

The diagram shows a Shadouf which is a method of collecting water

(overview). It consists of a raised walkway, that is attached to a post by a pivot, to form a
lever (object description port I). On the end of the lever is a rope and a bucket (object
description part 2). The operator climbs up to the walkway and uses his weight to
balance the lever (process description port I). He moves forward so that the lever falls
and the bucket tips into the water and then he moves backward again so that his weight
raises the lever and the bucket of water rises for collection (process description port 2).

The plan shows the layout of a student apartment (overview). There is one
large living area with a table and chairs and an armchair (point I) with a small kitchen
and small bathroom to one side (POint 2). There is a separate bedroom with a bed and
wardrobe and two windows (point 3). The study area is on the right of the entrance and
is part of the living area. It has a desk near the window and would probably also have
bookshelves (POint 4). The apartment seems quite convenient for a student living on
their own (drawing 0 corn:/usion).

The graph shows the rainfall and temperature over the period of a year in the Great
lakes area of the USA (overnew). We can see that the two seem to broadly correspond.
in that the rainfall gets heavier as the temperature increases (point I). Both the
temperature and the rainfall are at their height in July - the rainfall is heaviest at over 90
mm and the temperature at about eighteen degrees (point 2). Both decrease towards the
end of the year. although rainfall rises slightly in December and January (point 3). The
temperature drops below zero around October and the rainfall is at its lowest in

October

and

November

with

under

20

mm

(point

4).

The bar graph compares energy consumption in North and South America in 2007
(overview) and shows that in both regions, oil was the main source of energy at 45
percent of the total for South America and 41 percent for North America (POint I). Both
areas used a lot of natural gas. nearly a quarter of their total consumption (POint 2). Of
the other sources of energy. the main differences were that South America used a lot
more hydroelectric energy than North America. 28 percent compared to five percent
(point 3). but in North America 20 percent of its energy came from coal compared to
only five percent in South America (POint 4). Neither region depended much on nuclear
energy. Less than ten percent (point 5).

This is a language college timetable for a week, and it shows a balance of classes and
social activities (overview). After a tour of the college and a welcome morning tea on
Day I, there are English language classes on Days I to 4, and the classes are from 9- 12,
except on Monday, when they have a lesson after lunch (point I). In the afternoons
usually they have social activities on site or visits to a local attraction or a Junior School
classroom (point 2). On Day 5, there are activities for the whole day. Some things they
might do include tennis. films, games and surfing lessons (point 3). At the weekend. the
students spend time with their homestay families (point 4. 5).

The graph shows how the proportions of overseas-born people in Australia have
changed from 2000 to 20 I 0 (overview). The largest proportion of immigrants is from
the UK at between five and six percent followed by New Zealand with between two and
three percent (point I). but UK numbers have decreased whereas New Zealand numbers
have increased (point 2). The proportions of people born in China and India have both
noticeably increased over the period to almost two percent (point 3). There has been little
change in the proportions of people born in Vietnam, the Philippines, South Africa,
MalaySia and Germany. which all Stayed around or below one percent (point 4).

This is a diagram of the life cycle of a Painted Lady Butterfly as it transforms from an
egg to an adult butterfly (overview). It starts off as an egg, the same size as a pin head
(point I). After that it turns into larva and becomes a black to purple caterpillar with
yellow-green stripes (point 2). This caterpillar eats and grows until it enters the pupa or
chrysalis stage. At this point it is reddish brown in colour (point 3). In the last stage of
the process it emerges from the chrysalis as an adult butterfly, which lays an egg,
beginning the cycle again (POint 4).

The chart shows the population by age group for Australia (overview). The highest
number of people are in the age groups 0- 19, 20- 39 and 40- 59 (point I) with slightly
more males than females for each group (point 2). The two older age groups 60- 79 and
80 plus are much smaller than the former three age groups (point 3). But the number of
women in these age groups is higher than the number of men (point 4).

The diagram shows the process of recycling cans (overview). First of all empty
cans are put in a recycling bin (stage I). A lorry then picks up the cans and takes them
for recycling (stage 2). Next. the cans are broken down into small pieces (stage 3). Then,
they are heated (stage 4) and made into new cans (s!age 5). Finally, they are taken to the
supermarket where the whole process starts again (stage 6).

The bar chart shows the comparison of energy consumption by fuel type in the USA and
China in 20 10 (overview). With regard to the USA the majority of energy consumed
came from three sources: oil, natural gas and coal (point /) and less than 15 percent was
from nuclear, hydro and non-hydro renewable energy (POint 2). In the case of China the
situation was different in that 70 percent of its energy came from only one source, coal
(POint 3). Oil was China's second main source of energy at about 35 percent, followed
by hydro, then gas (point 4). Very little nuclear power was consumed and like the USA,
China used very little non-hydro renewable energy (point 5),

The diagram shows the features that whales and fish have in common and the features
where they are different (overview). Both of them live in water and can swim (point /).
However, whales and fish are quite different in some things. Unlike fish, whales give
birth to live young, they have horizontal tail fins and they are able to breathe air (POint
2). Fish don't do any of these things, Instead of giving birth to live young they lay eggs,
their tail fins are vertical. and they get oxygen from water not air (point 3).

The diagram shows how solar panels work to make electricity in the home from the
light of the sun (overview). First of all sunlight is caught by the solar panels which are
situated on the roof of the house (point I), When the sun shines, the solar panels create
electricity as direct current which travels to the inverter which is inside the house,
where the direct current is changed to alternating current (point 2). The electricity then
travels to the fuse box (point 3). From the fuse box the electricity can power appliances
in the home such as TVs and lights (point 4).

The pie chart shows the distribution of internet users around the world
(overview). The highest number can be found in Asia where 38.7 percent of the world's
internet users are located (point I). Both Europe and North America have high numbers
of internet users at 26.4 and 18 percent respectively (point 2). but in several areas the
numbers of internet users are below 10 percent of the population, namely Latin America
at 9.6 percent, Africa at 3.4 percent and the Middle East at 25 percent (point 3), The
lowest number of users is in Oceania and Australia with only 15 percent (point 4).

The map shows the continent of Antarctica (overview). It is roughly circular in shape
with a diameter of approximately four thousand kilometres or two and a half thousand
miles (point I). Three different oceans touch its shores - the Atlantic ,the Indian and the
PacifiC (point 2). The South Pole is more or less in the centre of Antarctica although the
magnetiC South Pole is several thousand kilometres away from that (point 3). There is a
station there called the McMurdo Station and this is on the shores of the Ross Sea, near
one of the twO marked ice shelves, the Ross Ice Shelf (point 4).

The graph shows the monthly temperatures in the southwest part of Tasmania and gives
the average maximum and minimum daily temperatures for each month as well as
showing what the recorded highest and lowest temperatures have been (overview). June
and July are the coldest months and January and February the hottest (Point I).
Temperatures in February can rise to as high as thirty degrees Celsius whereas those of
July can fall to lower than minus ten (POint 2). But overall, on average the temperatures
are between two and 12 degrees Celsius in summer and minus five to two degrees in
winter. so usually it is a cold area (POint 3).

The diagram shows the lifecycle of a plant. Specifically a sunflower (overview). It shows
someone digging the soil in order to sow the seed (stage I). Then it shows how the roots
grow under the ground and the stem begins to poke out of the earth (stage 2). Helped
by rain and sunshine the stem grows taller and taller (stage 3). Eventually leaves sprout
and then. when the plant is tall and strong enough, a flower comes out (stoge 4). In the
centre of the sunflower there are lots of small seeds and these then provide the potential
for new plants (stage 5). And so the cycle begins again (stage 6).

The table shows last year's export sales from Japan of motorcycles in terms of the region
which imported the bikes (overview). North America was the largest customer and both
it and Europe each accounted for slightly over one-third of sales {point I). Asia. South
America and Oceania were a long way behind. Each taking approximately eight percent
of the exported bikes (point2). Africa. Central America, and the Middle East took fewest
bikes at under five percent of sales (point 3). The table also shows that sales to North,
South and Central America all increased while all other regions have declined,
especially Europe (point 4). But overall there was a 2.3 percent increase in exports of
motorcycles from Japan last year (point 5).

The pie chart shows the employment situation of PhySiCS graduates one year after they
graduate from university (overview). Many graduates continue to study,with the largest
single group. 35 percent. in full-time education. and 15 percent combine part-time study
with work (point I). 30 percent of graduates are in full-time paid work and five percent
are in part-time work, with another five percent doing unpaid work (point 2). The
percentage of unemployed graduates was quite low at seven percent but another three
percent said they were not available for work (point 3). So overall 90 percent of physics
graduates were either working or still studying or both (point 4).

The bar chart shows how three different economic sectors contributed to the UK
economy over the course of the twentieth century (overview). In 1900 agriculture was the
largest sector contributing almost half. With manufacturing just behind at about 45
percent but the business and financial sector was far behind, contributing less than five
percent (point I). Agriculture continued to grow, reaching a peak of around 53 percent in
1950, but in the second half of the century, its importance fell very rapidly contributing
only about two percent by the year 2000 (point 2). Manufacturing also declined but at a
more regular pace (point 3). Business and finance, on the other hand, grew rapidly and
steadily to the point where it was responsible for over one-third of the economy by 2000
(point 4).