The diagram below illustrates the UK immigration, emigration and net migration during 10 years from 1999 to 2008.

Same questionCompare 2 different answers (Band 7–8)

Sample Response

1

The chartdiagram Deletebelow illustrates UK immigration, emigration and net migration over the 10-year period from 1999 to 2008. Overall, the numbers of people who immigrated to and emigrated from the UK rose slightly during these 10 years. Moreover, net migration fluctuated with moderate variations. Net migration reached its highest point in 2004, while the lowest figure was recorded in 2003 at around 150,000lowest figure was recorded in 2003. Net migration figures were generally higher each year from 2004 to 2007 than in other years. First, the number of people immigrating rose steadily overallrose slowly over these ten years, from about 450 thousand to nearly 600 thousand. It increased by almost 100 thousand between 2003 and 2004. Immigration stayed almost unchanged at 510 thousand from 2002 to 2003. Secondly, the number of emigrants showed only minor fluctuationshad only small changes from 1999 to 2006. It droppedplummeted from 400 thousand to 320 thousand in 2007, and then rose sharplysurged from 320 thousand to 420 thousand in 2008. Finally, net migration remained relatively stable overall during the 10‑year period at around 180 thousand.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response effectively presents an overview and captures key general trends across the ten-year period. However, the main limitation lies in minor data inaccuracies, such as describing the emigration trend prior to 2006 as having only small changes despite a rise from under 300 thousand to 400 thousand. To improve, ensure all reported figure ranges and trend descriptions match the chart precisely.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

6.0
Scoring rule

The essay provides a clear overview and addresses key trends, though some specific values and sub-trends for emigration are slightly inaccurate.

Next step

Double-check data points against the visual prompt to ensure accurate trend reporting, particularly for the multi-year changes in emigration.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0
Scoring rule

Information is logically organized by categories, allowing the reader to follow the progression smoothly across paragraphs.

Next step

Vary transitional phrases beyond basic sequential markers like 'First' and 'Secondly' to create a more sophisticated flow.

LR

Lexical Resource

7.0
Scoring rule

A good range of trend-related vocabulary is used appropriately, including terms such as 'surged', 'fluctuated', and 'plummeted'.

Next step

Ensure strong verbs like 'plummeted' match the scale of the change, reserving extreme verbs for sharper drops.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0
Scoring rule

Grammar and sentence structures show strong control with a good mix of simple and complex sentences throughout.

Next step

Continue practicing varied complex sentence structures to maintain flexibility across all descriptions.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

The diagram below illustrates the UK immigration, emigration and net migration during 10 years from 1999 to 2008.

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