IELTS Writing Task 1: Describing Trends Questions and Answers

Question 1

When describing a line graph that shows data from a finished period in the past (e.g., 1990-2010), which verb tense is most appropriate to use for describing the specific trends?

Accepted Answer

Past Simple

Answer

Present Simple

Answer

Future Perfect

Answer

Present Continuous

Question 2

A test-taker is describing a graph and writes: 'The number of sales went up. Then the number of sales went down. Then the number of sales went up again.' Which of the following revisions best improves this description for a high score in Lexical Resource?

Accepted Answer

There was a significant increase in the number of sales, followed by a dramatic drop and a subsequent recovery.

Answer

The quantity of sales increased, then the quantity of sales decreased, and then the quantity of sales increased.

Answer

Sales figures experienced a period of growth, followed by a decline, and then another rise.

Answer

The number of sales fluctuated, showing a rise, then a fall, and finally another increase.

Question 3

In the context of IELTS Writing Task 1, what is the primary purpose of an 'overview' paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To summarize the main trends, key features, or overall patterns without specific data.

Answer

To list as many specific data points as possible from the chart.

Answer

To give a personal opinion about why the trends occurred.

Answer

To describe every small fluctuation shown in the graph in detail.

Question 4

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a verb and an adverb to describe a slow, consistent increase?

Accepted Answer

Profits climbed steadily.

Answer

Profits rocketed dramatically.

Answer

Profits plunged slightly.

Answer

Profits remained stable.

Question 5

A graph shows the number of factory workers from 2000 to 2020. The number was 5,000 in 2000, fell to a low of 4,500 in 2010, and then rose to 6,000 by 2020. Which sentence best describes this trend?

Accepted Answer

After an initial dip, the number of factory workers saw a significant rise, finishing at a peak in 2020.

Answer

The number of factory workers increased consistently throughout the period.

Answer

The number of factory workers experienced a steady decline from 2000 to 2020.

Answer

The number of factory workers fluctuated wildly and ended lower than it started.

Question 6

Which of the following is considered a poor practice in Writing Task 1 and could lower your score?

Accepted Answer

Including your personal opinion to explain the reason for a trend.

Answer

Paraphrasing the question in the introduction.

Answer

Comparing and contrasting different categories shown in the graph.

Answer

Grouping data logically into paragraphs to describe key features.