The graph below shows a 2008 report about the consumption of energy in the USA since 1980, with projections until 2030.
Sample Response
The line graph illustrates US energy consumption across different fuel typesillustrates the US energy consumption by fuel since 1980, with projections until 2030.
Overall, the consumption of almost all fuels is projected to increase, except for that of hydropower, which is projected to remain relatively stableremained relatively stable. In addition, petrol and oil remained the most consumed fuel during the period, whereas hydropower is expected to remain the lowestwas the lowest.
The consumption of petrol and oil was nearly 36 quadrillion units in 1980, after which it experienced a slight dip in the 1980s before rising steadilyafter which it rose steadily over the period. It is predicted that it will increase to a peak of around 50 quadrillion unitsapproximately 47 quadrillion units in 2030. Moreover, the consumption of coal and natural gas continued to rise from 1980 to 2015from 1908 to 2014, converging around 25 quadrillion units around 2014reaching around 25 quadrillion units. Subsequently, the consumption of natural gas remained stable, while the consumption of coal continued to increase, with a projection that it will climb to aroundclimb to a peak of approximately 32 quadrillion units in 2030.
In contrast, the consumption of the other threeconsumptions of other three energy sources were much lower than those of coal, petrol and oil, and natural gas. The consumptions of nuclear, solar/wind and hydropower stood at about 3.5 quadrillion units in 19801908, then the consumptions of nuclear and solar/wind began to rise slowly, while the consumption of hydropower showed a fluctuatingfulctuating trend from 1985 to 2010, then remainedreamained stable at the end of the period.
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response effectively highlights the key trends and structures data logically into clear comparison categories. The primary limitation is the presence of factual typos regarding dates, such as writing 1908 instead of 1980, alongside minor numerical inaccuracies. Proofreading key data points and dates against the visual prompt should be the highest priority for improvement.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The response presents a clear overview and covers all key fuel categories, but key details contain noticeable date errors and slight data inaccuracies.
Ensure all dates and figures copied from the visual prompt are double-checked for complete accuracy.
Coherence and Cohesion
Information is logically grouped by consumption levels, with clear transitions linking paragraphs and comparative points.
Vary cohesive phrases slightly more naturally to avoid reliance on repetitive transitional signals.
Lexical Resource
A good range of topic-specific vocabulary and trend terminology is used appropriately despite a few minor spelling errors.
Carefully check for minor spelling slips such as 'fulctuating' and 'reamained' before finalizing the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The essay displays good control over complex sentence structures and future projection grammar, with mostly error-free clauses.
Ensure correct article and plural usage when introducing grouped noun phrases.
Write this task while it is fresh
Try the same task now. It helps you remember the feedback and write better next time.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The graph below shows a 2008 report about the consumption of energy in the USA since 1980, with projections until 2030.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.