The graph below shows the number of immigrants to three countries from 1990 to 2001.

Graph shows number immigrants three countries 1990 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 9 · 196 words.

The line graph illustrates the annual number of immigrants (in thousands) who moved to the USA, Canada and Australia between 1990 and 2001.

Overall, the USA received by far the largest number of immigrants throughout the period, despite experiencing a considerable decline after an initial peak. By contrast, immigration to Canada remained relatively stable before rising sharply at the end of the period, while Australia consistently recorded the lowest figures.

In 1990, approximately 1.5 million people immigrated to the USA. This figure reached a peak of around 1.8 million in 1991 before falling dramatically to about 1 million in 1992. It then continued to decline gradually, reaching roughly 700 thousand by 1998 and 1999. However, the number recovered slightly and finished at around 900 thousand in 2001.

Canada attracted far fewer immigrants than the USA. The figure remained fairly stable at approximately 250–300 thousand between 1990 and 1999. After that, it increased noticeably, ending the period at about 450 thousand in 2001. Australia had the lowest immigration levels throughout the period, starting at around 150 thousand. Although the figure fluctuated slightly, it generally stayed below 200 thousand and ended at approximately the same level in 2001.

Examiner feedback

This is a model Band 9 response. It demonstrates a sophisticated ability to synthesize visual information into a clear, concise, and highly accurate written report. The language is natural, the data selection is optimal, and the structure is perfectly logical.

Task Achievement - 9

- The task is fully addressed with a clear, accurate overview that highlights the most significant trends. - Key features are skillfully selected and illustrated with precise data extracted from the graph. - Data for all three countries across the entire time period is represented comprehensively.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- The response is exceptionally well-organized with a clear, logical progression of information. - Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively without being repetitive or intrusive. - Paragraphing is used skillfully to separate the overview from detailed data analysis.

Lexical Resource - 9

- The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise, using a wide range of terms to describe trends and comparisons. - Collocations are used naturally (e.g., "considerable decline", "fluctuated slightly", "consistently recorded"). - Spelling and word formation are accurate with no detectable errors.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of complex grammatical structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. - Punctuation is perfect throughout the response, aiding the clarity of the data presentation. - The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a native-like control of the language.

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