Line Graphs: Body Paragraphs (British Council Academic IELTS: Writing): Study Material

Line graphs: body paragraphs

• The body paragraph is where you give more details by giving figures and making comparisons

Selecting data

• Choose the most noticeable changes and ignore details that do not help the reader understand the main patterns

• Look for the highest and lowest points and clear rises and falls

• Select important comparisons between lines

  • For example, if you see that one line starts below another but later goes above it, that might be an important comparison to include

• Select data for each line 

• Do not try to describe every single point on the graph

• Look at the whole graph and select data from the beginning, middle and end 

• When studying the graph, you can ask yourself these useful questions:

  • Which numbers best show the main trend?

  • Which years are the most useful to compare?

  • Which figures make the differences between lines clear?

Ordering data

• Do not describe the graph in a random order

• Start with the beginning of the time period and move through the graph in time order

• End with the final period

• Keep the same order for all lines and avoid jumping back and forth across years

• Group information that is similar or closely connected

  • For example, if two lines rise steadily over the period, you can describe them together in one sentence

• Mention contrasting trends together

  • For example, if one line increases over time while the other decreases, you can describe them in the same sentence to make the contrast clear

• Avoid writing a separate paragraph for every line

Writing the body paragraph(s)

• Include specific figures and numbers that help show trends and comparisons

• Remember: good language without figures is not enough

• Do not give your opinions about the information shown in the graph

• Try to make each sentence cover one main point and check that every sentence adds useful information

• Do not add reasons or explanations that are not shown in the visual

• Make sure that what you described in the overview is in line with what you include in the two body paragraphs

• Use simple and accurate language for change over time

• Use future forms only if the graph includes predictions

• Do not write “in conclusion”