The graph below shows the number of enquiries received by the Tourist Information Office in one city over a six-month period in 2011.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 1 question on IELTSX. The graph below shows the number of enquiries received by the Tourist Information Office in one city over a six-month period in 2011.

Number Enquiries Received Tourist Information Office Six Month Period 2011 - 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 Number Enquiries Received Tourist Information Office Six Month Period 2011
Chart supplied with the IELTS Writing Task 1 question: Number Enquiries Received Tourist Information Office Six Month Period 2011

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 ยท 274 words.

The line graph illustrates the number of enquiries handled by a Tourist Information Office in a specific city over a six-month period from January to June 2011. Overall, it is evident that while the popularity of in-person visits and telephone calls increased significantly, the use of letters and emails experienced a steady decline. By the end of the period, visiting the office in person emerged as the most common method for seeking information.

Regarding in-person enquiries, this category saw the most substantial growth over the six months. Starting at the lowest point of approximately 400 in January, the figures rose consistently throughout the period. There was a notable acceleration after March, where the number of visitors surpassed both other methods, ultimately peaking at 1,900 by June. This represents nearly a five-fold increase from the start of the year.

Similarly, telephone enquiries followed an upward trend, though with more fluctuation than in-person visits. In January, the office received 900 calls, making it the most popular method initially. After a slight dip in February, the volume climbed to 1,000 in March and remained stable through April. A final surge in the last two months saw telephone enquiries reach 1,600 by the end of June.

In contrast, the number of enquiries made via letter or email showed a consistent downward trajectory. Beginning at roughly 750 in January, the figures fluctuated slightly before beginning a sharp descent after March. By May, the number of written enquiries had dropped to its lowest point of just under 400, where it remained stagnant through June. Consequently, this became the least preferred method of communication by the end of the half-year period.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional response that demonstrates Band 9 characteristics across all criteria. It features a clear, high-level overview, precise data selection, and sophisticated linguistic control.

Task Achievement - 9

- Fully satisfies all requirements of the task by identifying all key trends and significant data points. - Provides a clear and comprehensive overview that highlights the primary shift in communication methods. - Data is accurately reported and effectively compared (e.g., noting where in-person visits surpassed other methods).

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Paragraphing is expertly managed with a logical introduction, overview, and data-specific body paragraphs. - Cohesion is seamless, using transition markers like 'Similarly', 'In contrast', and 'Consequently' without drawing undue attention. - Information is sequenced logically, moving from an overview to specific detailed trends.

Lexical Resource - 9

- Demonstrates a sophisticated range of vocabulary including 'notable acceleration', 'five-fold increase', 'upward trend', and 'sharp descent'. - Collocations are natural and precise (e.g., 'remained stagnant', 'emerged as the most common method'). - Spelling and word formation are perfect.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and precision. - Sentences are entirely error-free with sophisticated use of subordination and complex phrasing. - Punctuation is used accurately throughout to support clarity and flow.

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