IELTS|Upper-Intermediate|11. Changing life expectancy

Look at the chart and table and answer the questions below

The chart and table below give information about population figures in Japan. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

1. How is the table linked to the chart?

2. Select the key features in the chart and table.

3. What general trends can you identify in the data as a whole?

Think of the best way to organise the information and write down the plan of the answer

Read the sample answer and complete the writer’s plan. Decide how it differs from your plan

The table and chart provide information regarding population growth and the proportion of the population over 65 over a 100-year period in Japan. According to the information, Japan’s general population figures in 1950 were very different from those in 2005 and future predictions show even greater differences.

In 1950, the number of people was just over 84 million, and only 4.9 percent (4.1 million) of these people were above the age of 65. By 2005, the percentage of older people had risen considerably to 20 percent, while the overall population had shown a parallel increase to nearly 128 million.

However, total population figures peaked in 2005, and it is expected that the number of people living in Japan will fall substantially over the next 50 years to a little below 90 million. In spite of this fall, the rise in the ageing population will continue, and at a faster rate, so that by 2055, 41 percent (З6.5 million) of Japanese people will be over 65.

These statistics show two contrasting trends in Japan’s demographics that will result in fewer citizens, but greater numbers of elderly people.

Answer these questions about the sample answer

1. What figures does the writer quote? Why?
2. What is the purpose of the first sentence in paragraph 2?
3. What similarities does the writer mention? What linker does she use to compare the points?
4. What differences does the writer mention? What linkers does she use to contrast the points?
5. What is the purpose of the overview at the end?

Exam tips

Writing Task 1

1. If there is more than one chart, decide how they relate to each other.

2. Ensure key features are clearly expressed.

3. Include an overview, summarising the main trends or features.

4. Vary your vocabulary and use your own words as far as possible (e.g. do not lift long phrases from the task instructions).

Read the sample once more and underline as many alternative expressions for the phrases A and B as you can

A. Aged 65 and older

B. Japan’s population

Find more precise words or phrases in the sample answer for these expressions

Choose the correct alternative to complete these sentences

Additional information

Rewrite these sentences so that they have the same meaning, using the words after each sentence

Look at this Writing Task 1 and answer the questions below

Writing Task 1

The charts above give information about the diet and general health of two groups of students.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

1. What are the key features?
2. What comparisons could you make?
3. What should the overview contain?
4. Suggest two different ways you could organise the information.

Summarise the key tendencies presented in the charts in a consistent and coherent way

Useful language

Exam tips

Writing Task 1

1. If there is more than one chart, decide how they relate to each other.

2. Ensure key features are clearly expressed.

3. Include an overview, summarising the main trends or features.

4. Vary your vocabulary and use your own words as far as possible (e.g. do not lift long phrases from the task instructions).

Read the sample answer ignoring the gaps and identify the key features, the comparisons, the overview and the organisation of the information

The pie charts provide a breakdown of the … of food eaten by two groups of students, while the table highlights some … of their health. The data suggest that diet may have an impact on … of absenteeism and on student’s ability to stay healthy.

The pie charts show that there are similarities and differences with regard to the two groups’ diets. In both groups, about a third of the food students eat consists of cereals such as pasta, bread and rice. Similarly, they eat an equal … of fish (5 percent). However, the … of high-fat food eaten by Group B is considerably higher than in Group A, at 50 percent, while students in Group В eat far fewer vegetables than Group A and a slightly smaller … of fresh fruit. The table indicates that there are twice as many overweight people in Group В (20 percent) as in Group A. What is more, Group В has experienced a much higher … of illness over the year, with over double the … of students being absent from classes. This has resulted in a 15 percent lower attendance …

Read the sample and decide whether the words in the gaps are used correctly. Change the words or the word forms where necessary

Choose which assessment criterion each question refers to

Study the sample answer and assess it according to the assessment criteria in the previous task. In categories 1-4 select High/Medium/Low score

Additional information

Writing Task 1

The charts give information about the diet and general health of two groups of students.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample summary

The pie charts provide a breakdown of the types of food eaten by two groups of students, while the table highlights some aspects of their health. The data suggest that diet may have an impact on levels of absenteeism and on student’s ability to stay healthy.

The pie charts show that there are similarities and differences with regard to the two groups’ diets. In both groups, about a third of the food students eat consists of cereals such as pasta, bread and rice. Similarly, they eat an equal amount of fish (5 percent). However, the quantity of high-fat food eaten by Group B is considerably higher than in Group A, at 50 percent, while students in Group В eat far fewer vegetables than Group A and a slightly smaller rate of fresh fruit.

The table indicates that there are twice as many overweight people in Group В (20 percent) as in Group A. What is more, Group В has experienced a much higher incidence of illness over the year, with over double the number of students being absent from classes. This has resulted in a 15 percent lower attendance rate.

Choose the correct option in each of these sentences written by IELTS candidates

Add emphasis to the sentences below by completing comparative constructions

Look at the Writing task below and decide if the statements based on the information in the charts are True or False

«Absenteeism through illness (per 1,000 employees): 2016»

Writing Task 1

The chart and table above give information about exercise and absenteeism in two departments of a major company.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write your answer to the Writing task above in about 20 minutes. Your answer should be at least 150 words long

Instructions

1. Read the Exam task carefully. If necessary make use of Exam tips.
2. Plan what you are going to write about.
3. Write the text according to your plan.
4. Check your writing.
5. Please use 🔗Grammarly to avoid spelling and some grammar mistakes.

Useful language

Writing Task 1

Summary

Exam tips

Writing Task 1

1. If there is more than one chart, decide how they relate to each other.

2. Ensure key features are clearly expressed.

3. Include an overview, summarising the main trends or features.

4. Vary your vocabulary and use your own words as far as possible (e.g. do not lift long phrases from the task instructions).