The line graph compares figures for daily travel by workers in the UK using three
different forms of transport overaperiod of 60 years.
It is clear that the car is by far the most popular means of transport for UK
commuters throughout the period shown. Also, while the numbers of people who
use the car and train increase gradually, the number of bus users falls steadily.
In 1970, around 5 million UK commuters travelled by car on a daily basis, while
the bus and train were used by about 4 million and 2 million people respectively. In
the year 2000, the number of those driving to work rose to 7 million and the number
of commuting rail passengers reached 3 million. However, there was a small drop
of approximately 0.5 million in the number of bus users.
By 2030, the number of people who commute by car is expected to reach almost 9
million, and the number of train users is also predicted to rise, to nearly 5 million. By
contrast, buses are predicted to become a less popular choice, with only 3 million
daily users.
(188 words)
Band Score Analysis
Estimated IELTS Band Score: 7.5
- Task Achievement: 7.5 – Covers all key trends but could have more comparisons.
- Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 – Well-organized with smooth transitions.
- Lexical Resource: 7.5 – Uses a good range of vocabulary but has some repetition.
- Grammar: 7.5 – Generally accurate, with minor refinements needed for precision.
Band 7-8 :
The line graph illustrates the number of daily UK commuters traveling by car, bus, or train between 1970 and 2030.
It is evident that cars have consistently been the most popular means of transport for UK commuters. While the number of car and train users has steadily increased, bus usage has gradually declined.
In 1970, approximately 5 million people commuted by car daily, while around 4 million and 2 million used buses and trains, respectively. By 2000, the number of car commuters had risen to 7 million, and train users had increased to 3 million. Meanwhile, bus usage declined slightly by about 0.5 million.
By 2030, the number of car users is projected to reach almost 9 million, and train passengers are expected to rise to nearly 5 million. In contrast, bus usage is forecasted to continue declining, with only 3 million daily users.
Overall, the trend suggests a growing preference for cars and trains over buses for daily commuting.
Word Count: 168
Band 9 :
The line graph presents data on the number of daily commuters in the UK who travel by car, bus, or train between 1970 and 2030.
It is clear that cars have remained the dominant mode of transport for UK commuters throughout the period. While both car and train usage have shown a steady upward trajectory, bus travel has experienced a consistent decline.
In 1970, around 5 million people commuted by car daily, compared to 4 million bus users and 2 million train passengers. By 2000, the number of car commuters had surged to 7 million, while train users increased to 3 million. Conversely, bus usage experienced a slight decline of approximately 0.5 million over the same period.
Looking ahead to 2030, car usage is projected to approach 9 million daily commuters, while train travel is expected to reach nearly 5 million. In contrast, bus users are anticipated to decrease further, falling to just 3 million.
In summary, the data indicates a significant long-term shift towards car and train commuting at the expense of bus travel.
Word Count: 167
Comparison Table
| Feature | Band 7-8 Version | Band 9 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Uses common phrases (e.g., “bus usage declined slightly”) | More precise vocabulary (e.g., “bus travel has experienced a consistent decline”) |
| Sentence Structure | Mostly straightforward sentences | More complex and varied sentence structures |
| Data Presentation | Covers key trends clearly | Provides sharper analysis and better comparisons |
| Clarity & Cohesion | Well-structured and clear | More sophisticated phrasing and flow |
Examples from Essays
| Aspect | Band 7-8 Example | Band 9 Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Structure | “While the number of car and train users has steadily increased, bus usage has gradually declined.” | “While both car and train usage have shown a steady upward trajectory, bus travel has experienced a consistent decline.” |
| Data Presentation | “Bus usage declined slightly by about 0.5 million.” | “Conversely, bus usage experienced a slight decline of approximately 0.5 million over the same period.” |
| Clarity & Cohesion | “By 2030, the number of car users is projected to reach almost 9 million, and train passengers are expected to rise to nearly 5 million.” | “Looking ahead to 2030, car usage is projected to approach 9 million daily commuters, while train travel is expected to reach nearly 5 million.” |
Grammar Mistakes
- Original: “It is clear that the car is by far the most popular means of transport for UK commuters throughout the period shown.”
Correction: “It is clear that cars have remained the most popular means of transport for UK commuters throughout the period.” - Original: “In 1970, around 5 million UK commuters travelled by car on a daily basis.”
Correction: “In 1970, approximately 5 million UK commuters traveled by car daily.” - Original: “By contrast, buses are predicted to become a less popular choice, with only 3 million daily users.”
Correction: “In contrast, bus usage is forecasted to decline further, reaching just 3 million daily users.”
Vocabulary Repetition
| Repeated Word | Suggested Alternatives |
|---|---|
| “Increase” | Rise, Growth, Surge, Climb |
| “Decline” | Drop, Decrease, Reduction, Fall |
| “Users” | Commuters, Passengers, Travelers |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Exercises with Answers
Fill in the blanks using appropriate words:
- The graph illustrates the number of UK commuters traveling by _______ (bus/airplane) each day.
Answer: bus - By 2000, the number of car commuters had _______ (risen/fallen) to 7 million.
Answer: risen - Train users are expected to _______ (increase/decrease) to nearly 5 million by 2030.
Answer: increase - Bus travel has experienced a consistent _______ (rise/decline) over the period.
Answer: decline
