The line graph illustrates the number of visitors in millions from the UK who went
abroad and those that came to the UK between 1979 and 1999, while the bar chart
shows which countries were the most popular for UK residents to visit in 1999.
Overall, it can be seen that visits to and from the UK increased, and that France was
the most popular country to go to.
To begin, the number of visits abroad by UK residents was higher than for those that
came to the UK, and this remained so throughout the period. The figures started at a
similar amount, around 10 million, but visits abroad increased significantly to over
50 million, whereas the number of overseas residents rose steadily to reach just under
30 million.
By far the most popular countries to visit in 1999 were France at approximately 11
million visitors, followed by Spain at 9 million. The USA, Greece, and Turkey were
far less popular at around 4, 3 and 2 million visitors respectively.
Estimated IELTS Band Score: 7.5
- Task Achievement: 7.5 – The main trends are well described, but some data comparisons could be stronger.
- Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 – Well-organized with logical progression and linking phrases.
- Lexical Resource: 7.5 – Good range of vocabulary but some repetition.
- Grammar: 7.5 – Mostly accurate, with minor refinements needed for better precision.
Band 8 :
The line graph illustrates the number of visits to and from the UK in millions between 1979 and 1999, while the bar chart presents the most popular destinations for UK residents in 1999.
Overall, the number of visits abroad by UK residents was consistently higher than visits to the UK by overseas residents, with both figures rising significantly over time. France was the most popular destination for UK travelers in 1999.
In 1979, the number of UK residents traveling abroad and overseas visitors coming to the UK started at similar levels, around 10 million. However, outbound travel increased dramatically, surpassing 50 million by 1999, while inbound tourism rose steadily to just under 30 million.
Regarding the most visited destinations by UK travelers in 1999, France led with approximately 11 million visitors, followed by Spain at 9 million. The USA, Greece, and Turkey attracted far fewer travelers, at around 4 million, 3 million, and 2 million, respectively.
Word Count: 163
Band 9 :
The line graph depicts the number of visits to and from the UK between 1979 and 1999, while the bar chart highlights the most popular destinations among UK residents in 1999.
Overall, the number of UK residents traveling abroad consistently exceeded the number of overseas visitors coming to the UK, with both figures rising substantially over the period. France was the most visited country by UK residents in 1999.
In 1979, around 10 million people traveled abroad from the UK, and a similar number of overseas residents visited the UK. Over the following two decades, outbound travel surged more than fivefold, reaching over 50 million in 1999. Inbound travel also experienced growth, albeit at a slower pace, rising to just under 30 million.
The bar chart indicates that in 1999, France was the top travel destination for UK residents, attracting approximately 11 million visitors, followed by Spain at 9 million. In contrast, the USA, Greece, and Turkey were significantly less popular, receiving around 4 million, 3 million, and 2 million visitors, respectively.
Word Count: 169
Comparison Table
| Feature | Band 7-8 Version | Band 9 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Uses common phrases (e.g., “led with approximately”) | More precise vocabulary (e.g., “was the top travel destination”) |
| Sentence Structure | Mostly straightforward sentences | More varied and complex 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 | “France led with approximately 11 million visitors, followed by Spain at 9 million.” | “The bar chart indicates that in 1999, France was the top travel destination for UK residents, attracting approximately 11 million visitors, followed by Spain at 9 million.” |
| Data Presentation | “Outbound travel increased dramatically, surpassing 50 million by 1999.” | “Over the following two decades, outbound travel surged more than fivefold, reaching over 50 million in 1999.” |
| Clarity & Cohesion | “France was the most popular destination for UK travelers in 1999.” | “France was the most visited country by UK residents in 1999.” |
Grammar Mistakes
- Original: “Overall, it can be seen that visits to and from the UK increased, and that France was the most popular country to go to.”
Correction: “Overall, visits to and from the UK increased, with France being the most popular destination.” - Original: “The figures started at a similar amount, around 10 million, but visits abroad increased significantly to over 50 million, whereas the number of overseas residents rose steadily to reach just under 30 million.”
Correction: “Both figures started at approximately 10 million. However, outbound travel surged past 50 million, while the number of overseas visitors grew more gradually, reaching just under 30 million.” - Original: “By far the most popular countries to visit in 1999 were France at approximately 11 million visitors, followed by Spain at 9 million.”
Correction: “By far the most visited country in 1999 was France, with approximately 11 million visitors, followed by Spain at 9 million.”
Vocabulary Repetition
| Repeated Word | Suggested Alternatives |
|---|---|
| “Increase” | Rise, Surge, Climb, Growth |
| “Popular” | Frequented, Preferred, Favored |
| “Visitors” | Travelers, Tourists, Arrivals |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Exercises with Answers
Fill in the blanks using appropriate words:
- The line graph _______ (illustrates/demonstrates) the number of visits to and from the UK between 1979 and 1999.
Answer: illustrates - France was the most _______ (visited/popular) destination for UK residents in 1999, attracting approximately 11 million travelers.
Answer: visited - Outbound travel from the UK _______ (rose/dropped) significantly to exceed 50 million by 1999.
Answer: rose - The number of overseas visitors to the UK _______ (fluctuated/increased) steadily, reaching nearly 30 million.
Answer: increased
