IELTS Writing Task 1: Mobile Phone Subscriptions in Three Countries

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Writing Prompt

The line graph below shows the number of mobile phone subscriptions, measured in millions, in three countries between 2005 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The vertical axis shows the number of subscriptions in millions, ranging from 0 to 120, and the horizontal axis shows the years 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Country A begins lowest at around 20 million in 2005 and rises steeply throughout, overtaking the others to reach about 110 million by 2020. Country B starts highest at roughly 60 million but grows only gently, finishing at around 80 million. Country C begins at about 35 million, climbs steadily to a peak of 70 million in 2015, and then levels off, ending the period at the same figure.

Show Band 8–9 model answer

The line graph compares the number of mobile phone subscriptions in three countries between 2005 and 2020.

Overall, mobile use increased in all three countries, but at markedly different rates. While Country A experienced a dramatic surge and became the clear leader by 2020, Country B grew slowly from an already high base, and Country C saw moderate growth before reaching a plateau.

In 2005, Country B had by far the highest number of subscriptions, at around 60 million, compared with about 35 million in Country C and only 20 million in Country A. Over the next fifteen years, however, Country A’s figures rose sharply, more than quintupling to approximately 110 million by 2020. This rapid growth meant that A overtook both B and C at some point after 2010 and finished the period with the largest subscriber base.

By contrast, subscriptions in Country B increased only gradually, climbing from 60 million in 2005 to roughly 80 million by 2020. Country C showed a different pattern again: numbers grew steadily from 35 million to a peak of 70 million in 2015, but then stabilised, remaining unchanged at around this level for the final five years.

Why this response works

This response provides a clear overview highlighting the dominant trends and relative positions of all three countries, satisfying the Task Achievement requirements. Key data points and comparisons are accurately selected and reported without speculation. Cohesion is strong, with a logical progression from overview to detailed paragraphs, and appropriate use of referencing and contrastive linkers. The lexical resource is varied yet precise, using terms like “surge,” “plateau,” and “subscriber base” naturally. Grammatical structures are flexible and accurate, with a mix of complex and simple sentences and no noticeable errors in tense or agreement.