Outlines paper and plastic cup production at a factory over the period of one year
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Graph
![](https://www.ieltsvisa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27-Outlines-paper-and-plastic-cup-production-at-a-factory-over-the-period-of-one-year.png)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The graph below outlines paper and plastic cup production at a factory over the period of one year. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant
![paper and plastic cup production](https://www.ieltsvisa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/paper-and-plastic-cup-production.png)
Common Questions for the Bar Graph
1. Graph Type: Bar Graph
2. Title: Production of Paper and Plastic Cups Over One Year
3. What are the units of measurement?: Number of cups (in millions)
4. Who: Factory producing paper and plastic cups
5. When: One year (January to December)
6. Where: Factory setting (unspecified location)
7. Topic: Monthly production levels of paper and plastic cups
Comparison Showing and Trends
Comparison 1: Paper Cup Production Trends
- Details:
- Peaks in February (1.7 million) and April (1.8 million).
2. Drops steadily from July (1.2 million) to September (1 million).
3. Ends the year at just below 1.2 million cups.
Comparison 2 : Plastic Cup Production Trends
- Details:
- Begins at 1.2 million cups in January, fluctuating throughout the year.
2. Lowest production levels in September (1 million).
3. Highest production was observed in July (1.75 million).
Sample Answer
The bar graph illustrates the monthly production levels of paper and plastic cups at a factory over one year.
Overall, both paper and plastic cup production varied throughout the year, with September being the month with the lowest output for both types of cups. Peaks in production were more pronounced for paper cups than for plastic cups.
Paper cup production began at approximately 1.1 million units in January and rose to a peak of 1.8 million in April. After maintaining a steady output of 1.2 million from May to July, production gradually declined, reaching its lowest point of 1 million in September. However, there was a rebound to 1.5 million in October, and the year ended with a production figure of slightly below 1.2 million units.
Plastic cup production started at 1.2 million in January and demonstrated significant fluctuations. The lowest production levels were observed in February, April, June, August, September, and December, all hovering around 1 million units. Peaks in production occurred between these months, with the highest output of 1.75 million cups recorded in July.
Top 27 Vocabularies
Vocabulary (type) | Type | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples |
Fluctuation |
Noun |
Irregular rising and falling in amount |
Variation, Instability |
Fluctuations were observed in plastic cup production. |
Peak |
Noun |
The highest point |
Summit, Zenith |
Paper cup production peaked at 1.8 million in April. |
Gradual |
Adjective |
Happening slowly over time |
Steady, Progressive |
There was a gradual decrease in paper cup production. |
Rebound |
Verb |
To recover or rise again |
Recover, Bounce back |
Production rebounded to 1.5 million in October. |
Output |
Noun |
The amount produced |
Production, Yield |
The factory’s output varied throughout the year. |
Illustrates |
Verb |
Explains or shows clearly with examples or visuals |
Depicts, Represents, Portrays |
“The bar graph illustrates the production levels of cups.” |
Monthly |
Adjective |
Occurring every month |
Periodic, Recurring |
“The graph tracks monthly production levels.” |
Production |
Noun |
The process of creating or manufacturing something |
Manufacturing, Creation, Output |
“Paper cup production rose in April.” |
Varies |
Verb |
Changes or differs over time |
Fluctuates, Differs, Alters |
“Production varies throughout the year.” |
Output |
Noun |
The total amount of something produced |
Yield, Product, Result |
“The factory’s output peaked in July.” |
Pronounced |
Adjective |
Strongly noticeable or obvious |
Prominent, Marked, Distinct |
“Peaks in production were more pronounced for paper cups.” |
Demonstrates |
Verb |
Clearly shows or proves |
Displays, Reveals, Indicates |
“Plastic cup production demonstrates significant variations.” |
Maintained |
Verb |
Kept at a consistent level |
Sustained, Continued, Preserved |
“Production maintained a steady output from May to July.” |
Declined |
Verb |
Became lower or less in amount |
Decreased, Dropped, Reduced |
“Production declined sharply in September.” |
Lowest |
Adjective |
The smallest amount, degree, or level |
Minimum, Bottom, Least |
“September had the lowest output for both cup types.” |
Significant |
Adjective |
Large or important enough to be noticed |
Noticeable, Substantial, Meaningful |
“Significant fluctuations were observed in plastic cup production.” |
Fluctuated |
Verb |
Rose and fell irregularly |
Varied, Wavered, Oscillated |
“Plastic cup production fluctuated significantly over the year.” |
Steady |
Adjective |
Regular and consistent |
Stable, Constant, Uniform |
“Paper cup production remained steady during the summer.” |
Approximately |
Adverb |
Close to but not exact |
Roughly, Around, Nearly |
“Production started at approximately 1.1 million units.” |
Decline |
Noun |
A decrease or reduction |
Drop, Downturn, Fall |
“There was a gradual decline in production during autumn.” |
Hovering |
Verb |
Staying close to a particular level |
Lingering, Staying, Remaining |
“Production levels hovered around 1 million units.” |
Reached |
Verb |
Arrived at a specific level or point |
Achieved, Attained, Hit |
“Production reached its peak in April.” |
Significant |
Adjective |
Having a noticeable impact |
Important, Notable, Meaningful |
“Significant changes occurred in the production levels.” |
Observed |
Verb |
Noticed or seen |
Witnessed, Detected, Recorded |
“Fluctuations were observed in plastic cup production.” |
Units |
Noun |
A single complete item or quantity |
Items, Pieces, Quantities |
“The factory produced 1.5 million units of paper cups in October.” |
Recorded |
Verb |
Documented or registered |
Logged, Registered, Captured |
“The highest output was recorded in July.” |
Gradual |
Adjective |
Happening in small steps over time |
Slow, Progressive, Incremental |
“There was a gradual decline in production levels.” |
Factory |
Noun |
A building where goods are manufactured |
Plant, Workshop, Mill |
“The factory specializes in producing cups.” |
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