The graph below describes the use of fixed telephone lines, mobile phones, and internet between 1994 and 2005 in China.

Use of fixed telephone lines mobile phones and internet between 1994 and 2005 in China - 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 · 174 words.

The line graph illustrates three different means of communication (Fixed mobile line, mobile phone and Internet) in China between 1994 and 2005, measured in millions of people.

Overall, the number of users increased for all three communication technologies over the period. Fixed telephone lines were initially the most widely used, but mobile phones overtook them in 2001 and became the dominant means of communication by 2005, while Internet usage remained the least widespread throughout.

Turning to details, fixed telephone lines were consistently a more popular means of communication than mobile phones. However, the gap between them narrowed steadily and disappeared in 2001, when both reached approximately 250 million users. From that year onwards, mobile phones became the dominant means of communication, ending the period at approximately 450 and 350, respectevily.

Unlike fixed telephone lines and mobile phones, Internet usage remained the least common form of communication throughout the period. Starting from almost zero in 1994, Internet usage increased steadily throughout the period, rising to around 190 million users at the end of the timeframe.

Examiner feedback

This is a strong response that clearly identifies the main trends of the graph and provides a logical comparison between the three technologies. The strengths lie in its excellent organization and grammatical variety, while the primary areas for improvement are lexical precision and more comprehensive data selection.

Task Achievement - 7

- The response covers all requirements of the task by identifying the main trends and making relevant comparisons. - A clear overview is provided in the second paragraph, which is essential for a high score. - Key features are highlighted, although more specific data points from the middle of the period (e.g., 1998-2000) could have more fully illustrated the trends.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- The message can be followed with ease due to a very logical sequencing of information. - Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview, the comparison of phone lines, and the Internet data. - Cohesive devices such as "Overall", "Turning to details", "However", and "Unlike" provide a clear progression throughout the text.

Lexical Resource - 7

- The vocabulary resource is sufficient and allows for flexibility, using terms like "overtook", "dominant", and "narrowed steadily". - There is one spelling error ("respectevily"), which is a minor lapse in an otherwise strong performance. - Collocations are generally natural, though "Fixed mobile line" in the introduction is a confusing mix of terms.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- A wide range of structures is used accurately, including complex sentences and participial phrases ("Starting from almost zero..."). - The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating high control over grammar and punctuation. - Punctuation is used correctly to manage lists and parenthetical information.

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