top of page

The Quantities of Good Transported in The UK between 1974 and 2002 - Task 1 Line Graph Band 9 Sample

Updated: Aug 29

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.


The graph below shows the quantities of good transported in the UK between 1974 and 2002 by four different modes of transport.


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


Write at least 150 words.


Get your Detailed Essay Feedback from an IELTS Examiner


Task 1 Line Graph Band 9 Sample Report prompt (The graph below shows the quantities of good transported in the UK between 1974 and 2002 by four different modes of transport.)

Get our downloadable eBooks, learn the details how to write a high band essay



IELTS Task 1 Line Graph Band 9 Sample Report (1)

The line chart provides an overview of the movement of goods in the UK from 1974 to 2002, detailing four different transportation modes: road, water, rail, and pipeline. Quantities are denoted in million tonnes.


Overall, three out of four transportation modes experienced a growth in the quantity of goods transported over this period, with rail being the exception.


Road transportation dominated, enduring a temporary decline between 1978 and 1982 before a robust escalation, peaking at approximately 100 million tonnes in 2002. Waterways presented a stable mode of transport, experiencing a slight rise initially from 40 to just under 60 million tonnes, maintaining this level for twelve subsequent years. After a minor setback in 1998, it rebounded strongly to exceed 60 million tonnes in 2002. Additionally, pipeline usage displayed a steady increase, with a few periods of stagnation, ultimately tripling its initial value by 2002.


In contrast, rail transport exhibited a downward trend until 1994. This descent was followed by a recovery phase that saw it regain its initial position by 2002, mirroring its 1974 level. Therefore, while road transportation remained the most popular method for goods movement, other modes also saw notable usage.


Get our downloadable eBooks, learn the details how to write a high band essay



IELTS Task 1 Line Graph Band 9 Sample Report (2)

The supplied line graph delineates the trend in goods transportation in the UK, spanning from 1974 to 2002, across four distinct mediums: road, water, rail, and pipeline, with quantities represented in million tonnes.


Predominantly, three out of the four transport modes manifested a growth trajectory across the period, while rail transport was the outlier.


Road transport was the preeminent mode, witnessing a transient downturn from 1974 to 1982 prior to experiencing a pronounced ascension, culminating at an apex of roughly 100 million tonnes by 2002. In the same vein, water transport initially escalated from 40 to just shy of 60 million tonnes, plateauing at this level for the ensuing dozen years. Despite experiencing a minor dip in 1998, a substantial resurgence saw it surpass the 60-million-tonne threshold by 2002.


Concurrently, pipeline utilization evinced a gradual yet consistent proliferation, interspersed with brief stagnant phases, ultimately attaining a threefold increase in volume by 2002.


Conversely, rail transport underwent a period of progressive decline until 1994. However, a subsequent revival phase allowed it to reattain its initial volume by 2002, effectively reverting to its standing in 1974. Overall, while road transportation unequivocally held sway, other modes also registered significant usage, underscoring the multifaceted nature of goods movement in the UK throughout these three decades.


Get your Detailed Essay Feedback from an IELTS Examiner


Get our downloadable eBooks, learn the details how to write a high band essay

bottom of page