IELTS Academic Task 1: How to Describe a Line Graph

Describe trends over time — the direction, the rate of change and any peaks or troughs.

Structure

1. Introduction — paraphrase what the visual shows.
2. Overview — the 2–3 biggest features or trends (essential for Band 7+).
3. Detail paragraph 1 — describe and compare the main data with figures.
4. Detail paragraph 2 — cover the rest.

Useful language

• rose steadily / climbed sharply
• fell gradually / plummeted
• peaked at … before declining
• remained stable / levelled off