The graph below shows the information about green transportation users from 1980 to 2020.

Band 9 Sample Answer

The line graph depicts the monthly ridership figures (in millions) for four types of transportation—subway, tram, bus, and bike share—in a European metropolitan area from 1980 to 2030.

Overall, both subway and tram usage exhibited an upward trend throughout the period, while bus ridership steadily declined. Bike sharing was introduced around 2000 and, although increasing gradually thereafter, maintained the lowest commuter numbers compared to the other modes, with the subway sustaining the highest usage by 2030.

In 1980, approximately 2.5 million commuters used the subway monthly. This figure remained stable during the 1980s before climbing steadily to reach about 4.5 million by 2030. Similarly, tram ridership started just below 0.5 million in 1980 and experienced consistent growth, tripling to peak at 1.5 million by the end of the period. Bike share was introduced around 2000 with roughly 0.25 million users and showed a gradual increase, reaching its highest level by 2030.

In contrast, bus ridership began at just over 1.5 million in 1980 and exhibited a gradual decline, falling to approximately 1 million by 2030.

---

Examiner’s Comments & Breakdown

Task Achievement

• Strengths:
  • Fully addresses all parts of the task: identifies trends, compares data, and includes specific figures and timelines.
  • Clear overview summarizing the main patterns without unnecessary detail.
• Tip: Always include data points to support descriptions, which is done well here.

Coherence and Cohesion

• Strengths:
  • Information is logically organized: introduction → overview → detailed comparisons.
  • Effective use of linking phrases (“Overall,” “Similarly,” “In contrast”) to guide the reader smoothly through the description.
• Tip: Group data logically (e.g., upward trends, introduction of new mode, and decline) for clarity.

Lexical Resource

• Strengths:
  • Uses precise and varied vocabulary: “depicts,” “exhibited,” “steadily declined,” “gradual increase,” “maintained the lowest commuter numbers.”
  • Synonyms for “increase” and “decrease” used appropriately, avoiding repetition.
• Tip: Use a range of verbs and adjectives to describe trends accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Strengths:
  • Complex sentences with correct punctuation and clear meaning.
  • Accurate use of passive and active voice, appropriate tense consistency.
• Tip: Vary sentence structures between complex and simple for natural flow.