The graph below shows the number of hours per day on average that children spent watching television between 1950 and 2010.

Sample Response

1

The graph shows the number of hours on average per dayper day on average that children spent watching television. It coversThe graph covers the period between 1950 and 2010.

2

From 1950 to 1960, there was a modest rise in the average number of hours children spent watching televisionin front of the television set. This was followed by a marked increase from approximately one hour to four hours of viewing per day between 1965 and 1982among children between 1965 and 1982. Over the next fewfive years, there was a decrease. However, this trendHowever this trend was short-livedproved negligible as the average viewing timeviewing figure then rose again marginally, and it reached a peak of over four hours in 1995.

3

Between 1995 and 2010, there was another modest decline in the hours children spent watching television.

4

Overall, it can be concluded that there has been a significant rise in television viewing over the sixty-year period, though there is some indication that this trend may be changing.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.5

The response gives a clear overview and accurately traces the dominant rise, mid-period fluctuations, peak, and later decline, with logical sequencing and strong control of comparative language. Its main limitation is limited numerical detail, especially at the start and end of the period. Add a few precise values and explicitly note the small initial dip to make the feature selection more complete.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

7.0
Scoring rule

A clear overview and accurate account of the main rise, fluctuations, peak, and decline address the task well, though some useful values and the initial dip are omitted.

Next step

Add selected figures for the opening, peak, and ending points and mention the slight fall just after 1950.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

7.5
Scoring rule

The response progresses logically through the period and uses paragraphing and linking effectively.

Next step

Make the introduction more concise by combining its two repetitive sentences and punctuate linking adverbs consistently.

LR

Lexical Resource

7.5
Scoring rule

A varied and generally precise range of trend vocabulary describes changes and degrees effectively.

Next step

Use terms such as negligible only when the size of the movement clearly supports that judgement.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.5
Scoring rule

A good range of sentence structures is controlled accurately, with only minor punctuation and tense lapses.

Next step

Use past tense consistently for the completed period and place a comma after introductory linking adverbs such as However.

Put the feedback to work

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 the number of hours per day on average that children spent watching television between 1950 and 2010.

Your response

Words0
20:00

Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.