The graph illustrates the average output of carbon dioxide in metric tones for each individual in four European countries (Sweden, the UK, Portugal and Italy) over a forty year period.

Overall, the United Kingdom and Sweden, which initially showed a high CO₂ output, saw a decline in emissions by the end of the forty year period. Italy and Portugal on the other hand, which started with relatively low emissions, saw a dramatic increase in CO₂ output by the end of the period.

In 1967 The UK showed the highest amount of carbon emissions at 11 metric tonnes per person. Sweden started at around 9 metric tonnes per person rising to a peak in output in 1977. With regards to the UK, there was a steady decline in CO₂ output over the forty years in question, ending at around 9 metric tonnes for each individual. Sweden followed a similar trend and saw a sharp decline to only 5 metric tonnes of CO₂ output by 2007.

Conversely, Portugal in 1967 had the lowest CO₂ output of the 4 European countries at just over 1 metric tonne per person. Over the next 40 years, this increased sharply ending at over 5 tonnes. Italy demonstrated a similar pattern, almost doubling carbon dioxide emissions, beginning at 4 metric tonnes and ending at nearly 8 metric tonnes of Carbon dioxide for each person by 2007.

I have paraphrased the task question which is very important in this kind of task. You can use synonyms or you can change the grammatical structure of the sentences so that it retains the same meaning. Paraphrasing is not just about synonyms, you can restructure the grammar, this is a very important skill to practice.

'The graph illustrates the average output of carbon dioxide in metric tonnes for each individual in four European countries (Sweden, the UK, Portugal and Italy) over a forty year period.'

• shows = illustrates
• average carbon dioxide emissions = the average output of carbon dioxide
• per person = for each individual
• I also added the phrase '... in four European countries which are ...'

I didn't paraphrase the word 'graph' because a graph is always a graph, you can't really paraphrase this word. I put the four countries in brackets, using brackets is a good way to group information in task 1.

The overview is also an important feature in task 1 academic and your report must have one. The overview should not include any numbers, statistics or dates. Leave those details for the body paragraphs. You will need to look at the main trends of the graph and write briefly about those. Pick out two main trends and give a summary.

'Overall, the United Kingdom and Sweden, which initially showed a high CO₂ output, saw a decline in emissions by the end of the forty year period. Italy and Portugal on the other hand, which started with relatively low emissions, saw a dramatic increase in CO₂ output by the end of the period.'

I start with the word 'Overall' this is a good way to introduce the overview. I have picked out the two main trends here which are:

• The UK and Sweden = started high ended much lower.
• Italy and Portugal = started low ended much higher.

Key vocabulary:

• initially showed
• saw a decline
• the forty year period
• on the other hand (shows contrast)
• relatively low
• a dramatic increase

Note that a conclusion in not necessary so I do not recommend writing a conclusion. For writing task 1 academic never include an opinion, you must write factually.

Now we can write in more detail about the graph and the trends. Also remember to be selective and do not write about everything in the graph. Grouping the information is very important in this part of the task. Take the 2 main trends and separate them into 2 body paragraphs as below.

'In 1967 The UK showed the highest amount of carbon emissions at 11 metric tonnes per person. Sweden started at around 9 metric tonnes per person rising to a peak in output in 1977. With regards to the UK, there was a steady decline in CO₂ output over the forty years in question, ending at around 9 metric tonnes for each individual. Sweden followed a similar trend and saw a sharp decline to only 5 metric tonnes of CO₂ output by 2007.'

In this body paragraph I wrote about the 2 highest CO₂ outputs, which are The UK and Sweden, and described how they declined in the 40 year period. I added more detail and numbers here, notice how I have used prepositions also (at, around, over, to, by)

Key vocabulary:

• the highest amount
• rising to a peak
• output = emissions
• with regards to...
• steady decline
• ending at...
• individual = person
• followed a similar trend
• sharp decline

In the next paragraph I have written about the 2 lowest CO₂ outputs, which are Italy and Portugal, and described how they increased in the 40 year time-frame.

'Conversely, Portugal in 1967 had the lowest CO₂ output of the 4 European countries at just over 1 metric tonne per person. Over the next 40 years, this increased sharply ending at over 5 tonnes. Italy demonstrated a similar pattern, almost doubling carbon dioxide emissions, beginning at 4 metric tonnes and ending at nearly 8 metric tonnes of Carbon dioxide for each person by 2007.'

Key vocabulary:

• conversely (shows contrast)
• the lowest (superlative)
• must over..
• increased sharply
• ending at
• demonstrated a similar pattern
• doubling (gerund)
• beginning at ... ending at

Using the language of comparisons is important in this kind of task; make sure you know how to use comparatives and superlatives, especially if you get a graph or bar chart with 2 or 3 trends.

It is not necessary to write a conclusion for writing task 1 academic. In fact you could lose points if you do this.

Introduction:
Changes in three different areas of crime (Burglary, car theft and robbery) in Manchester City Centre, from 2003 to 2012 are portrayed in the given line graph.

Overview: 2-4 key features

Overall, it is clear that the number of crimes reported in these areas fluctuated, and had not exhibited a similar pattern over the given period.

As can be seen in the chart, burglary was the worst reported crime in the city in 2003. The reported cases of burglary were about 3400 in this year, which spiked to 3750 in the next year.

Car theft stood as the second worst crime in the city, but the numbers stood almost 1000 less than the former crime reported in 2003. Robbery was the least reported crime in the year (around 500).

After 2004, there was a decline in the burglary cases until 2008, and this was from 3750 to 1100. It did not cross 1500 since then. Car theft too Buralary Car Theft Robbery showed a decline, but in a varying proportion, and this was from 2400 in 2004 to around 2000 in 2006. From this lowest point, the number rose erratically to reach 2800 by 2012. In case of robbery, despite a spike in 2005, the numbers hovered around 500.