The graph below shows the average number of people attending top-level football matches in three European countries from 1980 to 2004

Average Attendance Top Football Matches Three European Countries 1980-2004 Line Graph - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 8.5 · 168 words.

The line graph illustrates the average attendance at elite football matches in Germany, Italy, and England over a 24-year period from 1980 to 2004.

Overall, attendance in Germany and England saw a [significant rise], whereas Italy experienced a notable decline. Despite starting with the highest attendance, Italy was [surpassed] by both other nations by the end of the period.

In 1980, Italy had the highest average attendance at 35,000. This figure fluctuated slightly, peaking at 37,000 in 1986, before commencing a steady downward trend to finish at its lowest point of 25,000 in 2004.

Similary, Germany and England followed an upward trajectory. Germany started at 25,000 visitors, and despite a brief dip to 19,000 in 1986, it recovered strongly to reach approximately 33,000 by 2004. England began the period with 26,000 attendees, slightly higher than Germany. After a marginal decrease to 23,000 in the first six years, attendance in England grew consistently, eventually overtaking Italy in the late 1990s and reaching a peak of nearly 35,000 in 2004.

Examiner feedback

This is an excellent response that demonstrates a high level of control over both language and data analysis. The overview is particularly strong, and the data selection is precise. To reach a Band 9, ensure perfect spelling (e.g., 'Similarly') and incorporate even more varied lexical items for comparison.

Task Achievement - 9

- The response fully satisfies all requirements of the task, providing a comprehensive summary of the trends for all three countries. - The overview is exceptionally clear, identifying both the overall trends (increase vs. decrease) and the shift in relative positions (Italy being surpassed). - Key data points (start, finish, peaks, and troughs) are accurately selected and reported to support the description.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Paragraphing is logically managed, with a clear introduction, overview, and separate body paragraphs for declining and rising trends. - Cohesive devices (e.g., 'Overall', 'Despite starting', 'Similary', 'Eventually') are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader. - The progression of ideas is effortless to follow, moving from broad trends to specific chronological details.

Lexical Resource - 8

- A wide range of vocabulary is used to describe trends, such as 'upward trajectory', 'marginal decrease', and 'fluctuated slightly'. - There is skillful use of synonyms like 'visitors', 'attendees', and 'average attendance' to avoid repetition. - The score is an 8 rather than a 9 due to a minor spelling error ('Similary') and slightly less varied vocabulary in the data descriptions compared to top-tier Band 9 samples.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of complex structures is used with full flexibility (e.g., 'Despite starting with...', '...before commencing a steady downward trend'). - The majority of sentences are error-free, and the use of tense (past simple for historical data) is consistent and correct. - Punctuation is used accurately to separate clauses and enhance readability.

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