The line graph and pie charts illustrate the cost for watching movies in different
formats, as well as the percentage split between type.
The most notable trend with regard cost is that cinema tickets remained the most
expensive way to watcha movie from 2005 to 2011, rising to a peak of slightly over
£14 a ticket. Over the same period, DVD prices also increased by £2, from £6 to
£8. Downloaded movies were more expensive than DVDs in 2005; this changed in
2007 when they became the cheapest format, yet by 2011, the price had risen to £9.
In 2005, the majority of people opted to hire DVDs, with those going to the cinema
accounting for less than one third of the total, and movies from the internet representing
only 6%. By 2011, however, both going to the cinema and renting had fallen as
downloaded movies increased to just over one quarter of the market.
Overall, it is clear that although prices increased on average for all three forms, an
increasing percentage of people chose to download movies.
(179 words)
Estimated IELTS Band Score: 7.5 – 8.0
- Task Achievement: 7.5 – Covers key trends well but could include slightly more comparison.
- Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 – Well-organized with smooth transitions.
- Lexical Resource: 7.5 – Good variety, though some words could be more precise.
- Grammar: 7.5 – Mostly accurate, with minor refinements needed for fluency.
Band 8
The line graph and pie charts illustrate the cost of watching films in different formats and the changes in market share for these three types between 2005 and 2011.
Overall, cinema tickets remained the most expensive option, while DVDs and downloads fluctuated in price. Meanwhile, the popularity of DVD rentals declined as more people chose to watch films online.
Between 2005 and 2011, the price of cinema tickets increased significantly, reaching over £14 per ticket. DVD rentals also became more expensive, rising from £6 to £8. Although legal downloads were initially costlier than DVDs, their price dropped in 2007, making them the cheapest option at the time. However, by 2011, the price of downloads had risen to £9.
Regarding market share, DVD rentals dominated in 2005, accounting for 64% of the market, while cinema visits and downloads represented 30% and 6%, respectively. By 2011, rentals had dropped to 56%, whereas online movie downloads had gained popularity, increasing to over a quarter of the market.
In summary, despite rising prices across all formats, downloads became an increasingly popular choice.
Word Count: 163
Band 9
The line graph illustrates the cost of watching films in three formats from 2005 to 2011, while the pie charts depict the market share distribution of these formats in both years.
Overall, cinema tickets remained the most expensive option, while DVD rental prices rose steadily. Downloaded movies, initially more costly than DVDs, became the cheapest option in 2007 but later increased in price. Market share data indicate a decline in DVD rentals and cinema visits, with a significant rise in online streaming.
Between 2005 and 2011, cinema ticket prices increased substantially, peaking at just over £14 per ticket. DVD rental prices rose from £6 to £8, while the cost of downloading movies initially exceeded that of DVDs but dropped in 2007. However, by 2011, downloads had become more expensive than DVDs, costing £9.
In 2005, DVD rentals dominated the market, comprising 64% of total consumption, while cinema attendance accounted for 30% and legal downloads just 6%. By 2011, DVD rentals had fallen to 56%, while downloads more than quadrupled, capturing over 25% of the market.
In conclusion, despite rising costs across all formats, digital downloads gained significant popularity, overtaking a portion of the traditional rental market.
Word Count: 170
Comparison Table
| Feature | Band 7-8 Version | Band 9 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Uses clear and simple terms | Uses more precise academic language |
| Sentence Structure | Mostly clear and straightforward | More complex and varied sentence structures |
| Data Presentation | Covers key trends but with some generalizations | More precise and detailed use of data |
| Clarity & Cohesion | Smooth and logical flow | Slightly more refined and concise phrasing |
Examples from Essays
| Aspect | Band 7-8 Example | Band 9 Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Structure | “Meanwhile, the popularity of DVD rentals declined as more people chose to watch films online.” | “Market share data indicate a decline in DVD rentals and cinema visits, with a significant rise in online streaming.” |
| Data Presentation | “By 2011, rentals had dropped to 56%, whereas online movie downloads had gained popularity, increasing to over a quarter of the market.” | “By 2011, DVD rentals had fallen to 56%, while downloads more than quadrupled, capturing over 25% of the market.” |
| Clarity & Cohesion | “In summary, despite rising prices across all formats, downloads became an increasingly popular choice.” | “In conclusion, despite rising costs across all formats, digital downloads gained significant popularity, overtaking a portion of the traditional rental market.” |
Grammar Mistakes
- Original: “The most notable trend with regard cost is that cinema tickets remained the most expensive way to watch a movie from 2005 to 2011.”
Correction: “The most notable trend regarding cost is that cinema tickets remained the most expensive way to watch a movie from 2005 to 2011.” (Fixed incorrect phrase “with regard cost” → “regarding cost.”) - Original: “By 2011, both going to the cinema and renting had fallen as downloaded movies increased to just over one quarter of the market.”
Correction: “By 2011, both cinema attendance and DVD rentals had declined, while digital downloads rose to just over a quarter of the market.” (More precise wording.) - Original: “Overall, it is clear that although prices increased on average for all three forms, an increasing percentage of people choose to download movies.”
Correction: “Overall, it is clear that although prices increased across all three formats, a growing percentage of people opted for digital downloads.” (More natural phrasing.)
Vocabulary Repetition
| Repeated Word | Suggested Alternatives |
|---|---|
| “Increase” | Rise, Surge, Growth, Climb |
| “Expensive” | Costly, Pricey, High-priced |
| “Popular” | Preferred, Common, Widespread |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Exercises with Answers
Fill in the blanks using appropriate words:
- The line graph _______ (illustrates/shows) the cost of watching films in three formats from 2005 to 2011.
Answer: illustrates - The price of cinema tickets _______ (peaked/dropped) at just over £14 in 2011.
Answer: peaked - The market share for downloaded movies _______ (increased/decreased) from 6% to over 25% by 2011.
Answer: increased - Despite rising prices, online downloads _______ (became/remained) the fastest-growing segment.
Answer: became
