Read the bar graph band 7 sample answer on the topic: The chart below shows the total number of minutes (in billions) of telephone calls in UK, divided into three categories from 1995 to 2002.
The chart below shows the total number of minutes (in billions) of telephone calls in UK, divided into three categories from 1995 to 2002.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Introduction:
The chart below shows the total number of minutes (in billions) of telephone calls in UK, divided into three categories from 1995 to 2002.
Overview:
Overall, local fixed-line calls were the most commonly used throughout the period, reaching their peak in 1999 before gradually declining. Meanwhile, national and international fixed-line and mobile calls showed a steady upward trend.
Body Paragraph:
In 1995, local fixed line calls accounted for around 72 billion minutes, significantly more than the other two categories. This figure rose steadily to a peak of approximately 90 billion minutes in 1999 but then declined, returning to about 72 billion minutes by 2002.
National and international fixed line calls began at just under 38 billion minutes and increased consistently, reaching approximately 61 billion minutes by 2002. Although the growth was steady, it was not as dramatic as that seen in mobile usage.
Mobile phone calls started at a very low base of around 4 billion minutes in 1995. After a relatively slow rise until 1998, usage grew sharply, reaching about 45 billion minutes by 2002, narrowing the gap with national and international calls.
Tip for IELTS Writing Task 1
Your job is to describe the main features, not to explain reasons or give opinions. Therefore, you should:
Summarize, Don’t Analyze:
- Focus on trends, comparisons, and overall patterns.
- Do NOT say why the data changed (e.g., “Because technology improved” — that’s wrong).
- DO describe what happened (e.g., “The number of mobile calls rose dramatically after 1998.”
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