Prompt
Task 1 – Metro line passenger numbers
The line graph shows the number of passengers using three metro lines in a city from 2012 to 2022. 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 annual passenger numbers (in millions) on three metro lines in a city between 2012 and 2022.
Overall, Metro Line 1 was consistently the busiest route, while Line 3 carried the fewest passengers throughout. All three lines showed a broadly similar pattern: steady growth up to the mid- to late-2010s, a marked dip around 2020, and then a recovery by 2022.
In 2012, Line 1 served about 85 million passengers, compared with roughly 67 million on Line 2 and about 35 million on Line 3. After minor fluctuations early on, usage rose for each line and peaked in the middle of the period. Line 1 climbed to approximately 105 million in 2016 and remained just over 100 million in 2017–2018. Line 2 increased to around 85 million in 2016 and stayed in the low-80s through 2018, while Line 3 reached about 50 million in 2016.
Ridership then fell sharply in 2020, to around 88 million on Line 1, 70 million on Line 2 and about 37 million on Line 3. By 2022, all three had rebounded, ending at roughly 105, 85 and 55 million respectively.
Verified word count: 190
Why this answer works
explanation
It provides a clear overview of the dominant line and the shared trend across all three series, then supports these statements with well-chosen, accurate comparisons (start, peak, trough, and end). The response is logically organised, uses precise approximations, and avoids listing every data point mechanically.
what this question tests
This Task 1 question tests your ability to summarise time-series data, identify overall trends and turning points, and make clear comparisons between three categories (Metro Lines 1–3) using accurate figures and appropriate language for change.
Useful vocabulary and phrases
was consistently the busiest
Clearly states the overall ranking without repeating numbers.
Line 1 was consistently the busiest route.
showed a broadly similar pattern
Efficiently summarises multiple series in one sentence.
All three lines showed a broadly similar pattern.
peaked at
Accurate academic verb for maximum values.
Line 2 peaked at about 85 million in 2016.
a marked dip
Adds natural sophistication and avoids repetition of 'decrease'.
There was a marked dip around 2020.
rebounded
Concise, high-level verb describing recovery.
By 2022, passenger numbers had rebounded.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting an Overview paragraph (required for a high band).
- Listing every year without selecting key features (peaks, troughs, overall comparisons).
- Mixing up Line 2 and Line 3 figures—keep the ranking consistent.
- Using overly precise numbers when the graph requires approximation (use “about/around/roughly”).
- Failing to mention the sharp fall around 2020 and the subsequent recovery.
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