The graph below shows the average number of UK commuters travelling each day by car, bus or train between 1970 and 2010.

Average number of UK commuters travelling daily by car bus or train 1970 2010 - 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 · 176 words.

The line graph illustrates the daily average number of UK commuters using three distinct modes of transport—car, bus, and train—from 1970 to 2010.

Overall, the car was consistently the most popular form of travel throughout the 40-year period, experiencing substantial growth. In contrast, while train usage saw a moderate net increase, bus travel recorded a steady downward trend over the timeline.

In 1970, car travel was already the leading choice, accounting for 5 million daily users. This figure remained stable until 1980, after which it rose steadily to peak at 7 million in 2000, before plateauing through 2010. Similarly, daily train commuters numbered 2 million in 1970 and stayed flat for a decade. Subsequently, train travel experienced a gradual rise, reaching 3 million in 2000 and remaining unchanged for the final decade.

Conversely, bus transport ranked second initially, with approximately 4 million commuters per day. After a decade of stability, bus passenger numbers steadily declined, dropping to roughly 3 million by 2010. Despite this reduction, bus travel consistently outperformed train travel across the entire four decades.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptionally strong Task 1 response that thoroughly addresses all aspects of the prompt with accurate data and clear organization. The writing is fluent, well-paraphrased, and demonstrates a high level of control over both vocabulary and grammar.

Task Achievement - 8

- All requirements of the task are fully satisfied, providing a comprehensive account of the data from 1970 to 2010. - Key features are skillfully selected, clearly presented, and supported with precise figures from the graph. - A clear, well-developed overview highlights the main overall trends effectively.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Information and ideas are logically sequenced with a clear overall progression throughout the response. - Paragraphing is used effectively, with a distinct overview and well-organized body paragraphs grouping transport modes logically. - Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Subsequently', and 'Conversely' are managed skilfully without being overused.

Lexical Resource - 8

- A wide vocabulary resource is used fluently and precisely to convey trends and data points. - Appropriate and sophisticated lexical items are chosen, such as 'plateauing', 'substantial growth', and 'downward trend'. - Collocations are natural and accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- A wide range of complex sentence structures is used flexibly and accurately. - The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating strong control over tense consistency and clause subordination. - Punctuation is well managed, contributing to the overall readability and flow of the text.

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