The line graph compares the percentage of people in three countries who used the
Internet between 1999 and 2009.
It is clear that the proportion of the population who used the Internet increased in
each country over the period shown. Overall, a much larger percentage of
Canadians and Americans had access to the Internet in comparison with Mexicans,
and Canada experienced the fastest growth in Internet usage.
In 1999, the proportion of people using the Internet in the USA was about 20%. The
figures for Canada and Mexico were lower, at about 10% and 5% respectively. In
2005, Internet usage in both the USA and Canada rose to around 70% of the
population, while the figure for Mexico reached just over 25%.
By 2009, the percentage of Internet users was highest in Canada. Almost 100% of
Canadians used the Internet, compared to about 80% of Americans and only 40% of
Mexicans.
(151 Words)
Band Score Analysis
Estimated Band Score: 6.5 – 7.0
- Task Achievement: 7.0 – Covers key trends well but could include more comparisons.
- Coherence & Cohesion: 6.5 – Some sentences could connect more smoothly.
- Lexical Resource: 6.5 – Uses a range of vocabulary, but some repetition is present.
- Grammar & Accuracy: 6.5 – A few minor grammar mistakes and awkward phrasing.
Band 7-8
The line graph presents the proportion of people using the Internet in three countries—USA, Canada, and Mexico—between 1999 and 2009.
Overall, Internet usage increased in all three nations, with Canada experiencing the most rapid growth. By the end of the period, Canada had the highest percentage of users, while Mexico had the lowest.
In 1999, around 20% of Americans had Internet access, compared to roughly 10% in Canada and just 5% in Mexico. Over the next six years, Internet adoption rose significantly in Canada and the USA, reaching approximately 70% by 2005. Meanwhile, Mexico lagged behind, with just over 25% of its population online.
By 2009, Internet penetration was highest in Canada, with almost 100% of its population using the Internet. In contrast, usage in the USA reached around 80%, while Mexico had only about 40%.
Band 9
The line graph illustrates the percentage of the population using the Internet in three countries—Canada, the USA, and Mexico—between 1999 and 2009.
Overall, Internet usage grew in all three nations, with Canada exhibiting the fastest growth and ultimately surpassing the USA. Meanwhile, Mexico consistently had the lowest proportion of users.
In 1999, only 5% of Mexicans had access to the Internet, compared to approximately 10% in Canada and 20% in the USA. Over the following years, Internet adoption rose sharply, particularly in Canada, where usage surged past 70% by 2005, equaling the USA. Mexico also experienced growth but at a slower pace, reaching just over 25%.
By 2009, Canada led with nearly universal Internet access (close to 100%). In contrast, the USA had around 80% of its population online, while Mexico remained significantly lower at only 40%.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Band 7-8 Essay | Band 9 Essay |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Uses common words like “increase” and “rise” | More advanced terms such as “penetration,” “adoption,” and “surged” |
| Sentence Structure | Mostly simple and compound sentences | Uses a mix of complex structures for variety |
| Data Presentation | Covers key numbers but lacks deeper analysis | Highlights key trends and makes clearer comparisons |
| Clarity & Cohesion | Well-organized but could flow more smoothly | Strong use of linking phrases for better readability |
Examples from Essays
| Band 7-8 Version | Band 9 Version |
|---|---|
| “Internet usage increased in all three nations.” | “Internet adoption grew in all three nations, with Canada exhibiting the fastest growth.” |
| “By 2009, the percentage of Internet users was highest in Canada.” | “By 2009, Canada led with nearly universal Internet access.” |
| “Over the next six years, Internet adoption rose significantly in Canada and the USA.” | “Over the following years, Internet adoption surged, particularly in Canada.” |
Grammar Mistakes & Corrections
| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “The figures for Canada and Mexico was lower.” | “The figures for Canada and Mexico were lower.” | Subject-verb agreement error |
| “By 2009, the percentage of Internet users was highest in Canada.” | “By 2009, Canada had the highest percentage of Internet users.” | More natural phrasing |
| “Overall, a much larger percentage of Canadians and Americans had access to the Internet in comparison with Mexicans.” | “Overall, a much larger percentage of Canadians and Americans had Internet access compared to Mexicans.” | Improves readability |
Vocabulary Repetition & Suggestions
| Repeated Word | Alternative Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Increase | Rise, growth, surge, expand, climb |
| Percentage | Proportion, figure, share, rate |
| Users | People, individuals, population |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Exercise
Fill in the blanks using the words below:
(approximately, consistently, significantly, penetration, exceeded, surged, by, compared to, remained, over the period)
- The line graph illustrates the growth of Internet ______ in three countries between 1999 and 2009.
- Overall, Internet usage increased ______ all three nations, with Canada leading the growth.
- In 1999, the USA had ______ 20% of its population online, while only 10% of Canadians and 5% of Mexicans used the Internet.
- The percentage of Internet users in Canada ______ that of the USA by 2009.
- Mexico ______ had the lowest proportion of Internet users throughout the period.
- Internet adoption ______ in Canada after 2001, reaching nearly 100% by 2009.
- The USA maintained steady growth, reaching about 80% ______ the end of the period.
- Mexico had the slowest growth, with only 40% of its population using the Internet ______ 2009.
Answers
- penetration
- over the period
- approximately
- exceeded
- consistently
- surged
- by
- compared to
