IELTS ACADEMIC
SAMPLE 19

The graph below shows the pollution levels in London between 1600 and  2000.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features,  and make comparisons where relevant.

Model answer
The graph shows pollution levels in London between 1600 and 2000. It measures  smoke and sulphur dioxide in micrograms per cubic metre. According to the  information, the levels of both pollutants formed a similar pattern during this period,  but there were always higher levels of sulphur dioxide than smoke in the  atmosphere.
In 1600, pollution levels were low, but over the next hundred years, the levels of  sulphur dioxide rose to 700 micrograms per cubic metre, while the levels of smoke  rose gradually to about 200 micrograms per cubic metre. Over the next two hundred years the levels of sulphur dioxide continued to increase, although there was some  fluctuation in this trend. They reached a peak in 1850. Smoke levels increased a  little more sharply during this time and peaked in 1900 at about 500 micrograms.  During the 20th century, the levels of both pollutants fell dramatically, though there  was a great deal of fluctuation within this fall.
Clearly air pollution was a bigger problem in London in the early 20th century than it is now.
(176 words)