Prompt
Task 1 – Internet access in three countries
The line graph shows the percentage of households with access to the internet in three countries between 2000 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 9 sample answer
Band 9 sample answer
The line graph compares the proportion of households with internet access in Countries A, B and C from 2000 to 2020.
Overall, internet penetration rose steadily in all three nations throughout the period. Country A consistently recorded the highest figures and widened its lead in the mid-2000s, while Country C remained the least connected despite notable growth. By 2020, the gap between the countries had narrowed slightly compared with the peak difference around 2010.
In 2000, around 45% of homes in Country A had internet access, compared with roughly 38% in Country B and just over 20% in Country C. Access in Country A then climbed rapidly, passing 50% by 2004 and reaching about 70% in 2010. Growth continued, albeit more gradually, to approximately 84% in 2015 and about 93% by 2020.
Country B followed a similar but lower trajectory, increasing from about 38% in 2000 to around 45% in 2004 and close to 60% by 2010. It then rose to roughly 69% in 2015 and finished at around 80% in 2020. Country C grew from just above 20% to about 38% in 2004 and reached roughly 52% in 2010, before rising to around 59% in 2015 and 70% at the end of the period.
Verified word count: 206
Why this answer works
explanation
It provides a clear overview of the main trends and rankings, then supports these with accurately selected figures at key points (start, midpoints, end). Comparisons are explicit and the progression is logically organised by country and time.
what this question tests
This Task 1 assesses your ability to summarise trends over time, highlight overall patterns, and make clear comparisons using accurate data and appropriate language for change (e.g., rises, gaps, convergence).
Useful vocabulary and phrases
internet penetration
Shows topic-specific sophistication without being unnatural.
Overall, internet penetration rose steadily in all three nations.
recorded the highest figures
Formal, accurate phrasing for graph descriptions.
Country A consistently recorded the highest figures.
followed a similar but lower trajectory
Efficiently compares trends without repeating numbers.
Country B followed a similar but lower trajectory.
passed 50%
Natural way to describe crossing a threshold.
Access in Country A then climbed rapidly, passing 50% by 2004.
albeit more gradually
Adds precision about changing rates of increase.
Growth continued, albeit more gradually, to approximately 84% in 2015.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting an Overview paragraph that summarises the main trends.
- Listing every data point instead of selecting key years for comparison.
- Confusing ‘percentage points’ with ‘percent’ when describing differences.
- Failing to compare countries (writing three separate stories with no links).
Want examiner-style feedback on your answer?
Submit your essay and unlock a band estimate, corrections, and improvement steps.
Get examiner-style feedback