Peak/Low Trap in Task 1: Always, Never, All
Max/min fixation · Trends · May 2026
Direct answer
The peak/low trap is building Task 1 around the highest and lowest values while ignoring overall trends, stability, and line crossovers. A chart is not a trivia list. Examiners reward staged movement (rose steadily, plateaued, converged). Write overview trend language first; use peaks only if they support the main story.
Why peak lists cap bands
Peaks feel safe under time pressure. See comparison language traps and Academic Task 1 graph traps.
Trigger Multi-year line graphs
Symptom Body paragraphs read like a leaderboard
Score leak No mention of stability or crossover
Peak/low patterns
| Trap | Weak output | Strong output |
|---|---|---|
| peak only | X was highest in 2010 | X peaked after a decade of growth |
| low only | Y hit a low | Y fell before recovering |
| ignore crossover | Two lists | A overtook B in 2015 |
| static period | Omitted | remained stable at 40% |
Training protocol
1. Trend sketch
Arrow diagram on question paper in 30 seconds.
2. Overview sentence
No numbers—movement only.
3. Selective detail
Two figures that prove the trend.
4. Ban peak list
Max three superlatives in the full report.
Key takeaways
- Peaks and lows support trends—not the whole report.
- Overview describes movement, not a ranking table.
- Include stability, crossover, and recovery.
- Limit superlatives; prioritise staged change language.
FAQ
No—only those that illustrate the main trend.
Group by pattern (growth, decline, stability).
At least 150 words—quality of selection beats length.
Report trends—not trivia leaderboards.
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