The graph below shows a 2008 report about the consumption of energy in the USA since 1980, with projections until 2030.

Same questionCompare 2 different answers (Band 6–7)

Sample Response

1

The line graph illustrates the US energy consumption by fuel since 1980, with projections until 2030.

2

Overall, the consumption of almost all fuels is projected to increase, except for that of hydropower, which is projected to remain relatively stablewhich remained relatively stable. In addition, petrol and oil remained the most consumed fuel during the period, whereas hydropower was projected to be the lowestwas the lowest.

3

The consumption of petrol and oil was nearly 36 quadrillionquadrilion units in 1980, after which it rose steadily over the period. It is predicted that it will increase to a peak of approximately 50 quadrillion unitsapproximately 47 quadrilion units in 2030. Moreover, the consumption of coal and natural gas continued to rise from 19801908 to 2014, reaching around 25 quadrillionquadrilion 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 a peak of approximately 32 quadrillionquadrilion units in 2030.

4

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 quadrilion 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.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response effectively highlights key trends and comparison points from the graph, featuring a clear overview and strong paragraph organization. Its main limitation stems from minor typographical inaccuracies in key dates along with recurring spelling mistakes. Proofreading to ensure precise numerical data and correct word spelling will provide the greatest boost to overall quality.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

7.0
Scoring rule

The main trends and key features are well-identified with a clear overview, though repeated date errors like writing 1908 instead of 1980 slightly detract from data accuracy.

Next step

Double-check all dates and figures against the visual prompt to prevent simple typographical errors from affecting accurate data representation.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0
Scoring rule

Information is logically grouped into paragraphs separating major and minor energy sources with clear progression throughout.

Next step

Vary cohesive devices slightly more to avoid overusing standard transition phrases like moreover and subsequently.

LR

Lexical Resource

6.0
Scoring rule

A good variety of vocabulary suitable for data description is used, but noticeable spelling errors lower the lexical accuracy.

Next step

Carefully review word spellings, paying close attention to repeated terms such as quadrillion, fluctuating, and remained.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0
Scoring rule

A good mix of simple and complex sentence structures is controlled well with only minor grammatical lapses.

Next step

Pay attention to article usage in plural noun phrases, such as changing 'consumptions of other three' to 'consumption of the other three'.

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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.

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