IELTS academic latest writing questions with sample answers

Academic Writing Task 1 (from a recent IELTS exam in Canada)

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below describes oil consumption of 4 countries from 2002 to 2015, in million barrels per day.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

Note: this isn't the original graph given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Band 8 Sample Answer:

The line chart illustrates the oil consumption of four countries — the USA, China, India, and Japan — between 2002 and 2015, measured in millions of barrels per day.

Overall, it is clear that the USA consistently consumed the highest amount of oil throughout the period, whereas India showed the most significant relative growth. In contrast, Japan's consumption steadily declined.

In 2002, the USA consumed around 19.5 million barrels per day, a figure that remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations, before ending at approximately 20.6 million in 2015. China’s consumption, on the other hand, started at just 5 million barrels per day, but rose steadily, reaching 11.5 million by the end of the period. This represents more than a twofold increase, highlighting China's rapid industrial growth.

India also experienced a gradual upward trend, rising from 2 million to nearly 5 million barrels daily, indicating increasing energy demands likely due to economic development. Conversely, Japan showed a progressive decline in oil usage, falling from 5.5 million in 2002 to 4.2 million in 2015.

In summary, while the USA remained the top consumer, emerging economies like China and India witnessed marked increases in oil consumption, whereas Japan's usage diminished steadily.

✅ Key Features That Make This Band 8:

• Clear overview summarizing trends.

• Data grouped logically into high, rising, and falling patterns.

• Accurate data reporting with comparative language.

• Use of academic and varied vocabulary (e.g., illustrates, remained stable, highlighted, emerging economies).

• Good range of complex sentence structures and linking phrases.

vocabulary list from the Band 8 sample answer

Word

Meaning

illustrates

shows or displays clearly

consumed

used up (e.g., energy, resources)

remained stable

stayed the same without major change

rose steadily

increased gradually and consistently

represents

stands for or indicates

highlighting

emphasizing or showing clearly

experienced

underwent or went through (a change)

indicating

showing or suggesting a result

showed a decline

decreased or reduced

diminished

became smaller or less

🔹 Connectors & Linkers

Phrase	Function
Overall	To give an overview or summary
In contrast	To show a difference
On the other hand	To present the opposite point
Conversely	To show the reverse or opposite situation
While	To contrast two actions or trends
Whereas	To contrast two points directly
In summary	To conclude or summarize main points