The graph below shows the changes in car ownership in European households between 1971 and 2001.

Changes in car ownership in European households between 1971 and 2001 - 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 7.5 · 191 words.

The line graph compares how car ownership changed in European households from 1971 to 2001.

Overall, the data shows a clear move towards owning cars. Over the thirty-year period, the number of families without a vehicle dropped significantly, while those having one or more cars became much more common.

Back in 1971, almost half of all households (around 48%) did not own a car at all, making this the biggest group. However, this number went down steadily over the next few decades. It fell to 40% in 1981, slipped slightly to 38% in 1991, and ended up at just 30% by 2001.

On the other hand, owning a single car became the most popular option. Starting at 35% in 1971, it rose to 42% ten years later, followed by a slight drop to 39% in 1991. By 2001, half of all European households had one car. Meanwhile, the proportion of families with two or more cars also grew overall, moving from 17% in 1971 to 20% in 2001, despite hitting a small peak of 23% in 1991. By the end of the period, multi-car homes actually outnumbered those without any vehicles.

Examiner feedback

The response is well-structured and covers all key features of the graph with accurate data and a clear overview. Language use is generally natural and accurate, showing good control of both vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.

Task Achievement - 8

- The response covers all requirements appropriately and provides a clear, well-supported overview. - Key features such as initial and final percentages are accurately highlighted. - Data selection is comprehensive and relevant.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Information is logically sequenced with a clear overall progression. - Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview and specific details. - Cohesive devices are managed well throughout the response.

Lexical Resource - 7

- A sufficient range of vocabulary is used to convey precise meanings. - Some less common lexical items are attempted with good effect. - Minor informalities appear, but the general style is appropriate.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 7

- A variety of complex structures is used with good flexibility and accuracy. - Sentences are generally well-controlled with frequent error-free constructions. - Punctuation is properly managed.

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