In IELTS Academic Task 1, which usually involves describing a

graph, chart, table, or diagram, you can follow this general

structure:

1. Introduction: what the grapgh shows

o Paraphrase the information given in the prompt.

o Mention the main trends or features.

2. Overview: key features

o Provide a brief summary of the most significant trends

or patterns.
o Highlight key points without going into too much

detail.
3. Body Paragraphs:
o Divide the body into two or three paragraphs, focusing

on specific details.
o Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.

o Support your points with data or specific examples.

4. Conclusion:
o Summarize the main trends without introducing new

information.
o Restate the significance of the observed patterns.

Below I have listed useful language to help you

present data more accurately and flexibly to avoid
repeated words.
Under
o under

o below

o less than

o just under

o slightly under
 o nearly
o almost

o close to

o well under

o considerably less than

About
o about

o approximately

o around

Over
o over

o above

o more than

o just over

o slightly over

o marginally above

1. IELTS Line Graph Verbs &

Nouns
Below are lists of verbs and nouns that can be used
to describe a line graph in IELTS writing task 1.
Upward trend
o rise / a rise

o increase / an increase

o climb / a climb

o grow / a growth

o go up

Downward trend
o decrease / a decrease

o drop / a drop

o fall / a fall
 o decline / a decline
Other vocabulary
o fluctuate / a fluctuation

o dip / a dip

o remain steady

o remain stable

o remain unchanged

o level off

o peak at

o reach a peak of

3. Line Graph Adverbs &

Adjectives
Below are useful adverbs and adjectives to describe
change.
Adverbs: steadily, gradually, sharply, rapidly, steeply,
slightly, dramatically, significantly, considerably
Adjectives: steady, gradual, sharp, rapid, steep,
slight, dramatic, significant, considerable
Sentences:
1. The number of cases of influenza increased
steadily from 40 to 55 in the first three years.
2. There was a steady rise in the number of cases
of influenza to reach 55 in 1987 from 40 in the first
year.
4. Time Expressions
IELTS line graphs show change over a period of time.
Below are some expressions to help you describe
the passing of time without too much

Time phrases:
o over the next three days
o three days later
o in the following three days
o the next three days show
o over the period
o from...to... / between ... and...
o the last year
o the final year
o the first year
o at the beginning of the period
o at the end of the period