IELTS Writing 2 - Task 1
IELTS Writing Tip
Study the data carefully before you start writing. The instructions ask
you to report the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant so you have to select the most important/striking/obvious
similarities and differences within the
data. Note these down before you start writing, and decide in which order
you’re going to present them. Remember that you are not expected to write
down all the data you are given. For each point you make, mention only the
relevant data that supports your point. Use phrases such as On the other
hand to introduce contrast, and phrases such as Likewise to
introduce similarities.
The model answer below has been prepared by an examiner as an example of
a very good answer. However, please note that this is just one example out
of many possible approaches.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph below shows the proportion of the population aged 65 and over between 1940 and 2040 in three different countries.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Model answer
The graph shows the increase in the ageing population in Japan, Sweden and the USA. It indicates that the percentage of elderly people in all three countries is expected to increase to almost 25% of the respective populations by the year 2040.
In 1940 the proportion of people aged 65 or more stood at only 5% in Japan, approximately 7% in Sweden and 9% in the US. However, while the figures for the Western countries grew to about 15°o in around 199C, the figure for Japan dipped to only 25% for much of this period, before rising to almost 5% again at the present time.
In spite of some fluctuation in the expected percentages, the proportion of older people will probably continue to increase m the next two decades in the three countries. A more dramatic rise is predicted between 2030 and 2040 in Japan, by which time it is thought that the proportion of elderly people will be similar in the three countries.
(164 words)