The line graph gives information about the number of Iranian, Greek and Turkish students who enrolled at Sheffield University between 2005 and 2009.
Sample Response
The line graphdiagram shows the enrolment of Iranian, Greek and Turkish students at Sheffield University from 2005 to 2009. During this period, enrolment of both Iranian and Turkish students roserocketed sharply. However, Greek enrolmentadmissions dropped significantly and followed an almost inverse trend to Iranian enrolmentwith numbers being almost the reverse of those for Iranian students.
Iranian numbers grew steadily up to 2008 followed by a sharp rise reaching almost 160 students in 2009. Similarly, the number of Turkish studentsnumbers of Turkish students showed steady growth throughout the period, rising from about 20throughout the period from about 20 in 2005 to over 120 in 2009. In contrast, enrolments of Greek students decreased dramatically from a high of 180 students in 2005 to just about 70 in 2007. Numbers then levelled off throughout 2007 finally dropping again to a low of around 45 in 2009. A further point of interest is that from 2007 to 2008, enrolments from all three countries were very similar, the average difference being approximately 20 students.
Overall, the graph highlights a considerable difference between the growth in Iranian and Turkish enrolments and the decline in Greek enrolmentsbetween growth in Iranian and Turkish enrolments but reduction in Greek enrolments.
Why this response received Band 8.0
This is a concise and largely precise account that identifies the opposing national trends, supports them with well-chosen figures, and highlights the temporary convergence of all three series. The main limitation is that the structure repeats the overview and concentrates nearly all detail in one long paragraph, alongside a few awkward expressions. Prioritise splitting and comparing the data more deliberately while tightening wording around the Greek plateau and final overview.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The response accurately identifies the major trends, endpoints, Greek plateau, and convergence shown in the graph.
State more precisely that Greece remained level from 2007 to 2008 rather than saying it levelled off throughout 2007.
Coherence and Cohesion
Progression is clear and comparisons are easy to follow, although nearly all supporting detail appears in one dense paragraph and the overview is repeated.
Divide the detail into two purposeful groups, such as the rising series and the declining Greek series, and retain only one overview.
Lexical Resource
A wide and effective trend vocabulary conveys the changes precisely, with only occasional awkward or overstated choices.
Replace phrases such as 'rocketed sharply' and 'growth ... but reduction' with more natural, measured academic wording.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Varied complex sentences are mostly accurate and fluent, with a few minor issues in clause attachment and parallel construction.
Use clearer punctuation around participial clauses and maintain parallel noun forms when contrasting growth with decline.
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 line graph gives information about the number of Iranian, Greek and Turkish students who enrolled at Sheffield University between 2005 and 2009.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.