The chart below shows library borrowing in UK public libraries during a 10-year period from 1995 to 2005.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 1 question on IELTSX. The chart below shows library borrowing in UK public libraries during a 10-year period from 1995 to 2005.

Library borrowing in UK public libraries 1995 to 2005 - 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.

IELTS Writing Task 1 chart for Library borrowing in UK public libraries 1995 to 2005
Chart supplied with the IELTS Writing Task 1 question: Library borrowing in UK public libraries 1995 to 2005

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 8 ยท 151 words.

The line graph compares the percentage of books borrowed from public libraries in the UK across five categories between 1995 and 2005.

Overall, borrowing for most categories saw a downward trend over the decade, with the notable exception of transport-related books, which experienced a steady increase.

In 1995, food-related books were the most popular, accounting for roughly 33% of all borrowings. However, this figure plunged significantly to just 14% by 2005. A similar, though less dramatic, decline was seen in leisure books, which started at 20% and gradually dwindled to approximately 12% over the same period.

Both clothing and energy books began at lower percentages 10% and 5% respectively and followed a consistent downward trajectory, ending the period at 5% and 2%. Conversely, transport books followed a unique upward trend; starting at under 10% in 1995, borrowing climbed steadily to finish as the second most popular category at 15% in 2005.

Examiner feedback

This is an excellent response that clearly identifies the main trends and supports them with accurate data. The writing is fluent, using sophisticated vocabulary and a high degree of grammatical control.

Task Achievement - 8

- The response covers all requirements of the task, providing a clear overview and highlighting key features and trends. - Key features are skillfully selected: the sharp decline in 'Food' and the unique rise in 'Transport' are well-illustrated. - Data is accurately reported, though some minor extensions on the specific 'mid-period' points could have moved this to a 9.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Information and ideas are logically sequenced with a clear progression from the introduction to the overview and then the detailed data paragraphs. - Cohesive devices like 'However', 'A similar, though less dramatic, decline', and 'Conversely' are used effectively to link ideas. - Paragraphing is used appropriately to group data categories with similar trends together.

Lexical Resource - 8

- A wide range of vocabulary is used fluently to convey precise meanings (e.g., 'plunged significantly', 'gradually dwindled', 'consistent downward trajectory'). - Lexical items are used appropriately for an academic task, showing skill in describing trends and percentages. - Spelling and word formation are accurate with no noticeable errors.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control. - The majority of sentences are error-free, utilizing complex structures such as participial phrases ('starting at under 10%...') and subordinate clauses. - Punctuation is accurate throughout, including the correct use of semicolons and commas.

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