The chart shows the sales of five different kinds of jam from 2009 to 2014
Sample Response
The line chart indicates the sales of five different kinds of jam from 2009 to 2014.
Overall, it can be seen that all types of jam experienced an upward trend in sales except for plum during the given years. In addition, strawberry remained the highest-selling kindthe most popular kind with the highest figure forin most of the period.
Starting at 3.2 million units in 2009, the sales of strawberry rose steadilyquickly increased and reached a peak of 7 million at the end of the period. Similarly, raspberry and grape followed similar upward trendsthe figures for raspberry and grape witnessed the same pattern in which their sales grew considerably and stood at 5.5 million and 4.5 million respectively in 2014.
Moving on, 2.5 million units of plum werewas sold in 2009. However, this number gradually dropped throughout the period and finally, no units were recordedno unit was recorded in 2014. Regarding cherry, its sales fluctuatedsaw a fluctuation around 2 million in the first four years. Then, the figure increased slightly before dropping to 2.5 million in 2014.
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response is strongest in its clear overview and logical grouping of the five series, with the main rise in strawberry sales and the decline in plum accurately identified. Its main limitation is that some trends receive little supporting comparison and the description of cherry after 2012 is inaccurate. Prioritise selecting a few precise cross-series comparisons and checking every stated movement against the chart.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
A clear overview and accurate main endpoints cover the key trends, although cherry's movement after 2012 is misreported and comparisons are limited.
Add precise comparisons at significant points and verify that cherry stays level before its final decline.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response progresses logically from the overview to rising series and then the contrasting plum and cherry trends.
Strengthen links between series by organising details around direct comparisons rather than treating several lines separately.
Lexical Resource
A good range of trend vocabulary is used with generally appropriate precision, despite a few awkward combinations such as sales seeing a fluctuation.
Use more natural data-reporting collocations, such as sales fluctuated and sales fell to zero.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Varied complex structures are handled with good control, while occasional agreement and singular-plural errors do not impede meaning.
Check agreement in quantified noun phrases, especially constructions such as 2.5 million units were sold.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The chart shows the sales of five different kinds of jam from 2009 to 2014
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.