Participation in four sports: IELTS Task 1 answer #7, band 7.5
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
302 words. Marked by Axiom on 22 October 2025. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
The line graph this answer describes
Show the data
| Basketball | Tennis | Badminton | Rugby | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 80 | 150 | 55 | 240 |
| 1990 | 78 | 175 | 45 | 210 |
| 1995 | 82 | 200 | 50 | 200 |
| 2000 | 83 | 210 | 50 | 150 |
| 2005 | 80 | 220 | 50 | 50 |
Academic Task 1302 words
The graph below shows the number of people taking part in four different kinds of sports in a particular region between 1985 and 2005.
Given is the line chart providing data on the count of players in four various sport types in a European country from 1985 to 2005 at five-year intervals. In general, while the number of tennis players increased over the years, that of rugby players showed the opposite trend; however, the count of basketballers and badminton players remained stable. Notably, the least-participated sport category was badminton almost every year.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedRugby players initially outnumbered the others but were overtaken by tennis players in the latter half.
This revision clarifies the timeline and relationships between the numbers.
The number of the former adhered to a steady upward trend, rising from an initial 150 players to 200 by 1995. Since then till the end, the number outmatched that of rugby players, though the growth rate decelerated, with the figure increasing by only half as much as in the first part of the period to around 225. Conversely, the participation rate of rugby – the most popular sport type initially – went down negligibly from a chart high of roughly 250 to 200 in 1995, matching the tennis players’ figure. However, by the end, the rate of decline had accelerated, so the number of players fell to a low of 50 and reached parity with that of badminton players, thus becoming the second least-favored sport.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedThe numbers for tennis and rugby players showed more noticeable changes during this period.
This revision uses simpler language while maintaining grammatical complexity.
Basketball ranked third on the list, with the figure hovering around the same point of approximately 80 players. Therefore, both sports showed the least noticeable changes.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedOn the other hand, basketball and badminton displayed similar patterns of consistency.
This revision simplifies the language and clarifies the comparison.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedSimilarly, badminton, which was the least popular for most of the period, showed little change, remaining at 50.
Sentence structure is simplified for clarity.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized, with clear divisions for each sport and their respective trends. Effective use of linking words and phrases creates seamless transitions between ideas.
Suggestions
- Include a brief conclusion to summarize findings
- Use more varied transitions to enhance flow
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedMeanwhile, the number of basketball and badminton players stayed relatively constant.
This revision offers a smoother transition and avoids the use of 'the count of.'
RevisedOverall, tennis players saw an increase in numbers over the years, whereas rugby players experienced a decline.
The sentence is revised for clarity and to provide a concise comparison.
RevisedOn the other hand, basketball and badminton displayed similar patterns of consistency.
This revision simplifies the language and clarifies the comparison.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay demonstrates a good range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, and generally maintains a high level of accuracy.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedRugby players initially outnumbered the others but were overtaken by tennis players in the latter half.
This revision clarifies the timeline and relationships between the numbers.
RevisedSimilarly, badminton, which was the least popular for most of the period, showed little change, remaining at 50.
Sentence structure is simplified for clarity.
RevisedThe numbers for tennis and rugby players showed more noticeable changes during this period.
This revision uses simpler language while maintaining grammatical complexity.
Lexical resource
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay utilizes a good range of vocabulary relevant to the topic and employs some less common lexical items appropriately.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedThe number of tennis players steadily increased from 150 to 200 by 1995.
This simplification results in clearer communication without losing meaning.
RevisedThe decline in rugby players accelerated, dropping to 50 and matching the number of badminton participants.
Simplified language enhances clarity and directness.
RevisedBoth basketball and badminton participation remained steady throughout the period.
Simplifying the language makes the information clearer and more concise.
Task achievement
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay successfully describes the main trends and comparisons seen in the graph, providing relevant details and analysis.
Suggestions
- Provide more detailed analysis of trends for basketball and badminton to enhance depth.
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