The graph shows the number of people taking parts in 4 kinds of sports in a particular region between 1985 and 2005

Four Sports Participants Region 1985-2005 Line Graph - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 9 · 163 words.

The line graph [details the changes in participation levels] across four sports in a specific region from 1985 to 2005. [Overall], the period was characterized by a [reversal of fortunes] for rugby and tennis, with the former declining sharply and the latter ascending to become the most popular activity. Basketball and badminton, by comparison, ended the period [at or near their starting points].

In 1985, rugby was the [clear leader] with approximately 240 participants. However, it underwent a [dramatic and sustained collapse], falling below tennis in 1990 and eventually [bottoming out] at 50 participants by 2005. Conversely, tennis started at 150 and [exhibited a steady climb], peaking at [just shy of 250] in the final year.

[As for the remaining sports], basketball showed [remarkable stability], hovering around the 80-participant mark for the entire twenty-year duration. Badminton [displayed more volatility]; it began at 50, [doubled to 100] by 1995, but subsequently [relinquished these gains] to return to its initial level of 50 by 2005.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional Band 9.0 response. It demonstrates a sophisticated command of English with precise vocabulary, varied grammatical structures, and a very clear logical progression that makes the data easy to visualize.

Task Achievement - 9

- All requirements of the task are fully satisfied with a clear, sophisticated overview identifying main trends. - Key features (the rise of tennis vs the fall of rugby) are skillfully highlighted and supported with accurate data points. - Data is categorized logically, contrasting the more volatile sports with the stable one.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Paragraphing is managed skillfully with a logical flow from a high-level overview to specific data details. - Cohesive devices like 'by comparison', 'conversely', and 'as for the remaining sports' are used naturally and very rarely attract attention. - The progression of ideas is effortless to follow, with clear referencing throughout.

Lexical Resource - 9

- Lexical choices are precise and sophisticated, including 'reversal of fortunes', 'relinquished these gains', and 'bottoming out'. - Uncommon and idiomatic items are used naturally and accurately within the context of data description. - Spelling and word formation are perfect.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control (e.g., 'the former declining sharply', 'hovering around'). - Punctuation is used appropriately throughout to enhance clarity. - The response is virtually error-free, demonstrating sophisticated grammatical control.

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