The graph below shows waste recycling rates in the U.S. from 1960 to 2011.
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Sample Response
The given line graph illustrates the data on waste recoveryinformation about waste recovery in the United States of America between 1960 and 2011. The data was reported in million tons and as percentagesmeasured in both million tons and percentages.
Overall, the greatestmaximum amount of waste was recovered in 2011, and the minimum was in 1960, while both measures increased overallthe recycling process increased gradually over the 51-year periodduring the 51 years.
To begin with, 5.6 million tons were recovered in the USA in 1960were recovered in 1960 in the USA, and it increased steadily untiltill 1985 when it was 16.7 million tons. Thereafter, there was a sharply soared and doubled recycling rate in 1990. Also, the increaseenhancement continued in the following five years, whennext five years, where it showed more than 1/5th of the recovery rate. After steadily rising, it ended at 86.9 million tons in 2011.
Shifting the per cent of recycled products initiated at 6.4% in 1960, and after thatfrom there, it declined slightly to 6.2% over the next five years6.2% next five years. However, it rose graduallyfrequently soared till 1985 at 10.1%1/10th of the total percentage. Between 1985 and 1990At the same time, it roseup-surged gradually to 16%by 6% in the next five years. From 1990 to 2011, it rose drastically and reached 34.7% in 2011settled at 34.7% 2011.
Why this response received Band 6.0
The response covers both series and is strongest when reporting several key starting and ending figures alongside the overall upward direction. However, some intermediate descriptions are vague or inaccurately expressed, and the overview does not distinguish the early percentage dip from the later acceleration. Prioritise precise comparisons between the two measures and use straightforward trend language tied to exact years and values.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The response identifies the overall rise and reports several accurate figures for both measures, but some intermediate changes and comparisons are unclear or imprecise.
Select the main stages more systematically, including the slight early fall in recycling percentage and the faster growth after 1985, and compare the two series accurately.
Coherence and Cohesion
The paragraphing separates the overview and the two measures clearly, although progression within the detail paragraphs is sometimes weakened by vague references.
Organise each series chronologically and ensure every pronoun or linking phrase refers unambiguously to a specific measure and period.
Lexical Resource
There is sufficient vocabulary for trends and quantities, but frequent awkward collocations such as descriptions of rates soaring or settling reduce precision.
Use conventional chart language such as rose steadily, increased sharply, and reached, avoiding forced synonyms that do not fit the data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A mix of simple and complex structures communicates the main information, but recurring errors in clause construction, word forms, articles, and prepositions reduce control.
Practise forming complete trend sentences with a clear subject and verb, followed by accurate time and value phrases.