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Academic Task 1 — line graph: Line graph — University graduates. This page gives the exam question and a band 9 model answer, with tips on selecting and comparing the key data. Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
The line graph below shows the number of university graduates in three countries between 1990 and 2020.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
The line graph illustrates how the number of university graduates, in thousands, changed in three unnamed countries over a thirty-year period from 1990 to 2020.
Overall, graduate numbers rose steadily in all three countries, with Country A consistently producing the highest figures and Country B the lowest throughout. The gap between the three lines widened gradually over time.
In 1990, Country A had approximately 40,000 graduates, compared with about 30,000 in Country C and 25,000 in Country B. Over the following decade, all three countries experienced moderate growth, reaching roughly 55,000, 45,000 and 40,000 respectively by 2000.
The upward trend continued after 2000. By 2020, Country A reached nearly 95,000 graduates, while Country C stood at around 75,000 and Country B at about 60,000. None of the lines showed significant fluctuation; each followed a fairly linear increase, suggesting sustained expansion in higher education participation.
Line graphs: describe trends over time (increase, peak, plateau, decline). Do not describe every point — select start, end, and key periods. Use linking phrases: “Over the period…”, “By contrast…”, “Meanwhile…”.
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