The graph shows the number of weekly hours spent studying in the library, with a
tutor or lecturer or using the internet during a 2 year course.
The most striking trend is that there is a dramatic increase in the use of the internet
throughout the period, especially between the first and second semesters of each
year, with hours increasing from about 3 at the beginning of the course to over 10 by
the end.
Hours spent in a classroom or lecture situation was initially the highest at
approximately 7 hours a week, increasing to 8 hours in the second semester of the
first year. However, the figure fell during the second year to finish at only 5 hours a
week.
Time in the library was the most fluctuating, initially falling from 4 hours down to
about 3 hours, then rapidly increasingly to 8 hours before once again declining to end
at about 6 hours.
Overall, use of the internet increased while time in class and lectures declined and
time in the library varied.
(174 words)
Estimated IELTS Band Score: 7.5 – 8.0
- Task Achievement: 7.5 – Covers all key trends but could provide more specific comparisons.
- Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 – Logically structured with smooth progression.
- Lexical Resource: 7.5 – A good variety of vocabulary, but minor refinements needed.
- Grammar: 7.5 – Mostly accurate with some minor areas for improvement.
Band 8
The graph presents data on the number of hours spent per week using different study methods—library use, lectures and classes, and internet use—over a two-year course.
A key trend observed is the sharp increase in the use of the internet, particularly between the first and second semesters of each year, rising from around 3 hours at the start to over 10 hours by the end of the course.
Lecture and class hours were the highest at the beginning, starting at about 7 hours per week, peaking at 8 hours in the second semester of Year 1, but then decreasing steadily to 5 hours by the final semester.
Library usage was the most fluctuating, initially decreasing from 4 hours to approximately 3, before rising sharply to 8 hours in the first semester of Year 2. However, by the final semester, library use dropped again to about 6 hours.
Overall, internet use grew consistently, while lecture and class hours declined, and library usage showed variation throughout the period.
Word Count: 165
Band 9
The line graph illustrates the weekly study hours spent on three different methods—attending lectures and classes, using the internet, and studying in the library—over a two-year academic course.
Overall, internet usage increased significantly, while time spent in lectures and classes declined. Meanwhile, library study exhibited fluctuations throughout the period.
At the start of the course, students spent approximately 3 hours per week using the internet. This figure rose steadily over time, particularly between the first and second semesters of each year, reaching over 10 hours per week by the end of the course.
Conversely, time allocated to lectures and classes initially stood at 7 hours per week, rising to a peak of 8 hours by the second semester of Year 1 before experiencing a gradual decline to 5 hours in the final semester.
Library usage displayed the most variation. It fell from 4 to 3 hours in the first semester, surged to 8 hours in the first semester of Year 2, and then declined again to 6 hours by the end of the course.
In summary, internet use showed a consistent upward trend, while lecture attendance declined, and library study time fluctuated.
Word Count: 168
Comparison Table
| Feature | Band 7-8 Version | Band 9 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Clear and simple terms | More precise and academic vocabulary |
| Sentence Structure | Mostly straightforward | More complex and varied structures |
| Data Presentation | Covers key trends well | More precise use of figures and trends |
| Clarity & Cohesion | Smooth and logical flow | More refined and concise phrasing |
Examples from Essays
| Aspect | Band 7-8 Example | Band 9 Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Structure | “A key trend observed is the sharp increase in the use of the internet, particularly between the first and second semesters of each year, rising from around 3 hours at the start to over 10 hours by the end of the course.” | “Overall, internet usage increased significantly, while time spent in lectures and classes declined. Meanwhile, library study exhibited fluctuations throughout the period.” |
| Data Presentation | “Library usage was the most fluctuating, initially decreasing from 4 hours to approximately 3, before rising sharply to 8 hours in the first semester of Year 2.” | “Library usage displayed the most variation. It fell from 4 to 3 hours in the first semester, surged to 8 hours in the first semester of Year 2, and then declined again to 6 hours by the end of the course.” |
| Clarity & Cohesion | “Overall, internet use grew consistently, while lecture and class hours declined, and library usage showed variation throughout the period.” | “In summary, internet use showed a consistent upward trend, while lecture attendance declined, and library study time fluctuated.” |
Grammar Mistakes
- Original: “The most striking trend is that there is a dramatic increase in the use of the internet throughout the period, especially between the first and second semesters of each year, with hours increasing from about 3 at the beginning of the course to over 10 by the end.”
Correction: “The most notable trend is the significant increase in internet use over the period, particularly between the first and second semesters of each year, with hours rising from approximately 3 at the start to over 10 by the end.” (Improved vocabulary and clarity.) - Original: “Hours spent in a classroom or lecture situation was initially the highest at approximately 7 hours a week, increasing to 8 hours in the second semester of the first year.”
Correction: “Time spent in lectures and classes was initially the highest, at approximately 7 hours per week, rising to 8 hours in the second semester of the first year.” (Improved conciseness and corrected singular/plural agreement.) - Original: “However, the figure fell during the second year to finish at only 5 hours a week.”
Correction: “However, this figure declined throughout the second year, ending at just 5 hours per week.” (More natural phrasing.)
Vocabulary Repetition
| Repeated Word | Suggested Alternatives |
|---|---|
| “Increase” | Rise, Surge, Growth, Climb |
| “Decline” | Drop, Decrease, Reduction, Fall |
| “Hours” | Time, Duration, Study Period |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Exercises with Answers
Fill in the blanks using appropriate words:
- The line graph _______ (illustrates/shows) the number of hours spent using different study methods over a two-year period.
Answer: illustrates - Internet use _______ (increased/decreased) significantly over time, reaching over 10 hours per week by the end.
Answer: increased - Time spent in lectures and classes _______ (peaked/fell) at 8 hours in the second semester of Year 1 before steadily declining.
Answer: peaked - Library study time _______ (fluctuated/stabilized) throughout the period, initially decreasing before rising and falling again.
Answer: fluctuated
