IELTS Writing Task 1: graph showing future years

Several students have asked me about the following question from Cambridge IELTS book 5 (page 29).

The graph below shows the proportion of the population aged 65 and over between 1940 and 2040 in three different countries.

Here are the steps I would follow to write my essay:

1. Introduction: write one sentence to introduce what the graph shows. Just paraphrase the question statement (i.e. change a few words).
2. Summary: describe 2 main things e.g. the overall trend for all 3 countries, and the biggest change that you can see.
3. Details: compare all 3 countries in 1940, then in 1990.
4. Details: describe the dramatic increase predicted for Japan, and compare all 3 countries in 2040.

Note:
Try writing some essay plans like the one above. Planning makes you think about selecting and organising, so it's a useful skill to practise (even if you don't do a plan in your exam).

Comments

[saif]

The graph illustrates the percentage of people aged 65 and over from 1940 to 2040 in Japan, Sweden and USA.

It can be seen that life expectancy of old people increased in all three countries. The most noticeable trend is of Japan, where this expectancy is predicted to rise considerably in the future.

According to the chart, in 1940, the percentage of aged 65 or over people was just under 10 in USA as compared to Sweden (7% ), while less number of old people lived in that year in Japan ( about 5% ). The figures for Life expectancy of older citizens in 1990 was the same for USA and Sweden, at about 14 percent, and decreased even further in Japan, around 3.5 percent.

The life expectancy is predicted to rise in every country, which will be 23% and 25 percent in 1940 in Sweden and USA respectively. Most astonishing figure is for Japan, where more old people will live long in the future ( 27 percent in 1940 ) as compared to other 2 countries.

[saif]

Hi Simon
Please comment on my above task 1 report. I am weak in writing section of Ielts and I need 7 in all 4. Is my report 7 band worthy?
thanks

[TAHIR]

I could have wriiten like this in exam,not sure how pefect I am.

The graph illustrates the percentages of older people aged 65 and over in sweden,japan and USA between 1940 to 2040.
It is clear that the figure for population aged 65 and over increased,and, also,are expected to rise by the end of period.
In 1940,the number of people age 65 and abouve was much higher in USA,standing at just under 10%,whereas the figure for sweden and japan stood around 7% and 5% respectively.
By today,the precentage of people with age 65 and over rose gradually in japan,at 15%, and in sweden at 20%.However,the figure for this older age citizens in japan dipped to around 3% for some years,before recovering to same level(5%) around 2010.
By 2040,it is predicted that population for this group of people will rise in sweden to 25% and in japan just under 25%.Similarly,it expect that the figure will also rise in japan,but at much rapidly to reach at it highest point just above 25% in the graph.

[neethu]

hi simon,since 3 yrs i am in croydon, uk,if examinar ask me where do you com fom,how i will answer i com from croydon or icom from india?

[orkun]

Dear Simon İ will be happy if you comment me. Thank you

This diagram shows the proportion of population aged 65 and over to whole population, starting from 1940 to present and also make prediction for next 28 years in three different countries from three different continents.
In 1940, proportion of older population is similar for all countries and smaller than %10 however Japan elder population proportion is % 5 while USA is %9. Over 20 year’s period to 1960, Japan’s older population shows slightly decreasing. At the same time, USA and Sweden have similar increasing trends. It can be clearly seen that in 60 year period from 1940’s to 2000’s Japan older population didn’t change too much, it varied %3 to %5, on the other hand USA and Sweden population proportion for 65 and over was raised to %15.
In the next 20 years it is estimated that Japan’s older proportion will dramatically increase and catch other countries in 2040’s with a percentage about 25.

[ozgur]

The diagram above shows the proportion of population aged 65-and over in years for three countries . The y axis of the diagram shows the percentage between 0 and 30, and the x axis shows the years between 1940 and 2040. The increases are characterized by different type of lines for countries.
At first sight it can be easily said that, the aged population is growing over the years and especially more rapidly for last decade. Also the estimations for the next 28 years indicates that the growth will be similar.
As a second observation, while USA and Sweden have similar trends and constanly growing, Japan’s aged population stays almost stable between the years 1940 and 2000 and estimated to be increased for the next decades. This rates seems to make Japan ‘older’ than it’s western neigbours at the end of 2040’s.
Finally we can say that nation’s populations are getting old by the years and it will be so on for the future.

[Adel Ansari]

Hello Simon,
I will be happy if you comment on this writing (if you tell me the band score I will be glad).
My exam is in in 31st of March and any little help will affect on my mark.
============================================

The graph shows the percentage of population released by elderly people in Japan, Sweden and USA starting from 1940 and expected in 2040.

It can be seen that there are increase in population in USA and Sweden. However, in Japan, the proportion between 1940 and 2000 falls and rises evenly, and this pattern includes a plateau of just under 3% and then increases to almost 25%. Furthermore, the figures of population in three countries increase about 17% in total.

The highest percentage in 1940 is in USA which is a twice bigger than it is in Japan (9% and 5 % respectively) while in Sweden it was in the middle about 7 per cent. It is noticeable that the percentage of USA and Sweden predicted to be the same in 2000 about 15% whereas In Japan it is 5%.

By the year of 2020, the proportion of older people in Japan starts to grow and by the year 2040, it reaches the peak value (27%) which is twice bigger than USA and for Sweden it is in the middle of the percentage of two countries.

[amped]

The line graph compares the percentage of people aged 65 and above over a period of 10 years in Japan,Sweden and USA.

[josh]

The line graph illustrates information on percentage of population ageing 65 and above over the century in 3 different countries: USA,Sweden, Japan.

It is clear that the ratio of the population in this category has increased in all the three countries. Particularly, the United States of America saw the most significant rise.

[josh]

hi simon

i figured the mistake i posted above. the date given is until 2040 so in my opinion the last sentence i mentioned above should be in future tense.

thanx josh

[josh]

The line graph illustrates information on percentage of population ageing 65 and above over the century in 3 different countries: USA,Sweden, and Japan.

It is clear that the ratio of the population in this category has increased in all the three countries and expected to rise in future. Particularly, Japan is predicted to see the most dramatic rise.

[socorro]

hello simon,

Can we substitute picture/illustration with the word graph in introduction?

And if there are 6 variables, how many should we mention/compare?

Thanks.

[jay]

Hi Simon

Can it be used present continuous tense?????

[Rose Basco]

The graph illustrates the percentage of population aged 65 and above between 1940 to 2040 in America, Sweden and Japan.

In 1940, America has the highest percentage of elderly population which is almost 10% until the first two decades and has increased to 5% in 1980.From 1980 however, it leveled its growth at 15% and is predicted to remain the same until 2020 but is expected to rise to about 20% in 2040. Swedish population on the other hand started at about 7% in 1940 but is steadily increasing and is forseen to reach its peak at 25% in 2040. Japanese elderly has the least population of merely 5% in 1940, and even decreased to just 2% in 1990 but gained its growth back to 5% this year. In 2040 however, its elderly population is predicted to rise dramatically and will defeat America and Sweden.

To summarise, life expectancy increases as years goes by in America, Sweden and Japan, but amongst the three countries Japan will have the most noticeable increased in the future.

[Rose Basco]

Hi Simon i will take my ielts exam tomorrow but to be honest i did not study at all as i am busy with my work.I open this website and just want to post my interpretation to the graph. If i will not pass this time i will purchase your book and maybe i will have idea on what to write next time.

Cheers,
Rose

[Jenny]

The graph illustrates the percentage of people aged 65 and over from 1940 to 2040 in Japan, Sweden and USA.

The graph shows the trend on each country's life expectancy over a century. It can be seen that there is a continous increase in the proportion of people aged 65 and above in three countries.

According to the chart, in 1940 the population aged 65 and above was much higer in USA standing at just 10 percent, while Japan and Sweden at 5 percent and 7 percent respectively. In the present time, USA remained just under 15, Sweden rose remarkably by 20 percent wile japan continued to rise just below 10 percent.
Before 2040 Japan had striking increase from 10 percent to 25 percent and predicted to rise to 28 percent before the year ends. Sweden at 25 percent and USA just below 25 percent in 2040.

[Tuyen]

Dear Simon,
I just compused about how to write two number are the same by using EVEN and EQUAL?

[Ngan]

Hi Simon,
It is the first time I do a task in your web site. I'm looking forward to getting feedback from you. I'll take the IELTS in April. My target score is 6.o for writing.

The graph illustrates the percentage of the population at the age of 65 and over in Japan, Sweden and USA from 1940 to 2040.

From an overall perspective, the population trend in all three countries is ageing population. Japan's life expectancy will have the most dramatical increase in the future among three countries.

In 1940,people aged 65 and over in US made up 9% of the population, while this propotion was just 5% in Japan and 7% in Sweden. After this year, the percentage of old people in both USA and Sweden steadily icreased and then slightly decreased to around 14% in 1990. Over 50 years, the old population in Japan had a downward trend before starting to increase in the year of 1990.

It is likely that the propotion of people aged 65 and over will continue to increase in these countries. The figure for USA and Sweden are predicted standing at about 23% and 25% respectively by the year 2040. Specially, Japan is set to have the most percentage of population of old people above 65 years old (27%) compared with the two others.

[Lina]

Hi, Simon
This's my first time to post the writing on your website.

The line chart illustrates proportion of people aged 65 and over from 1940 to 2040, in Japan, Sweden and the US.

Overall, the percentage on American and Swede lived over 65 years is similar, while the percentage of Japanese’s life expectancy over 65 years has exactly different trend over the period of 100 years.

In 1940, America had the highest proportion of the population aged 65 and over, at 9%, compared to lower and the lowest percentage on those who lived in Sweden and Japan, which were 7% and 5% respectively. It is noticeable that in 1990s, the American proportion was similar with Swede, which was approximately around 15%. Meanwhile, the Japanese proportion hit the lowest to 3%. In particular, in 2030s, the amounts of Japanese aged 65 and over will be predicted to have a dramatic increase from 10% to 25%. In contrast, the population aged 65 and over in Swede and the US will increase steadily by almost 3%.

[Rita]

Hi, Simon!
I just found your website and I think it is pretty awesome. I am taking my IELTS in April 14, so don't have much time to prepare well. I think, my blind side is writing. Well here I am to share some stuff with others! Hope You comment it)

The graph outlines the comparison in the amount of ageing people in Japan, Sweden, and the USA. In general, it reveals that the percentage of elderly people is anticipated to soar to almost 25% by the year 2040.

In 1940 the figures of all three countries were negligible as compared with their results in 2040, only 5% in Japan, just about 7% in Sweden, and 9% in the US. As we can observe the proportion of ageing population slightly enhanced in Sweden and the US, making up 15% by the year 1980. By comparison, Japan’s figures somewhat deteriorated, maintaining 3% from 1960 to 1985 before rising again to 5% in 2000’s.

The graph suggests that amount of older people will almost certainly increase in next three decades in the three countries. The most drastic progress is expected in Japan between 2030 and 2040, by which time all three countries will reach similar highs.

[Lily]

Hey Simon,

I bought your ebooks. Today I wrote the task 1 according to your steps.

The line graph illustrates that the figure for the population aged 65 and above over a period of 80 years in three different countries, namely Japan, Sweden and USA.

It is clear there is a considerable increase in the proportion in the three different countries overall. In Japan, the proportion of population aged 65 and over experienced a drop from 1940 to 1960, and then keeping up.

In 1940, 9% of Americans was aged 65 and over, compared to 5% of Japanese and 7% of Swedish. In 1990, the figures for USA and Sweden fell slightly, while aged 65 and over Japanese rose.

In 2040, In Japan the proportion of the population is predicted to increase to about 27%, and the figure for Sweden will also be over 25%, whereas in USA the proportion is the lowest in the three countries. On contrary, in 1940, the proportion of Americans aged 65 and over was highest among the countries shown.

[Elai]

The diagram compares the number of people ages 65 and above in USA, Japan and Sweden from 1940 to 2040. It can be clearly seen that there is an upward trend throught the century.

In 1940, USA had the most number of aged population followed by Sweden and Japan. There was a considerable increase in the American and Swedish senior citizens, with approximately 10 and 8% respectively. The 2 countries' population seesawed between 1960 and 2000. A continuous increase preceded by a plunge is predicted at the end of the period.

In contrast, Japan, which was about twice as less as the number of seniors in USA and Sweden, had declined consistently until the beginning of the year 2000. The proportion of the old, Japanese people went up gradually by 50% in 2010 and will reach a peak in 2040.

To sum up, life expectancy in the 3 nations will have increased by nearly one-sixth from 1940 to 2040.

[KAUSHIK]

The graph show the percentage of people aged 65 and over from 1940 to 2040 in Japan,Sweden and USA.
Acording to this graph in 1940 the percentage of aged 65 or over people was just under 10 in USA as compared to SWEDEN 7 percentant.

[Vivian]

Hi Simon, here is my answer...please check it..Thanks so much!

The major figure is represented as percentage of the old population during 1940 to 2040 among 3 countries.
It can be seen from the graph, the life expectancy has an gradual increasing tendency through the period.Especially, the Japan trend is remarkable where is expected to soar in the future.
To begin with the first half of period, the numerous of old American drift to 15% in 1980,compared to Sweden just 14%.While there was a slower rate in Japan,having 5% in 1940 or even less in the following 50 years.
In the next period, there was a sharp recovery in Sweden's life expectancy to 20% in 2010 and promise to lift to 25% in 2040.
Whereas in US, after remaining stable in 14%, the percentage of US elder is predicted to recover sharply 24% in the end of period.
In contrast, although Japan was evaluated to have the shortest life expectancy during some years, but it is forecasted that the old population rate soar to nearly 27% in 2040.
To sum up,the life expectancy have an significiant accelarating tendency from 1940 to 2040.

[ian]

Dear Simon,
this is the first time I posted in your website. Would you mind commenting on this answer?I will be happy if you comment on this writing and tell me the band score,too

The graph shows information about the growing rate of over 65 aged population in three countries: Japan, Sweden and USA between 1940 and 2040.
It is clear from the graph that the percentage of population aged 65 and over all increased in the three countries, however, in different degrees.
As is illustrated by the graph, in the first 70 years of the period, Japan is proved to be the one which has the slowest growth rate of 65and over aged population with a steady rise from 5% to nearly 10%. While in USA, the proportion went up from 8% in 1940 to the peak at 15% in 1980 and remained the same. In contrast, during the first 70 years, there was a great increase from about 10% to 25% in the percentage of 65 and over 65 people in Sweden
However, it is predicted that there will be a significant rise in the number of this group age population in all three countries from 2030 to 2040, especially Japan with a soar to 28% in 2040.
In conclusion, it can be seen that the percentage of people over 65 will increase sharply in developed countries like Japan, Sweden and USA in the near future due to the advance in many aspects of life.

[angeline]

hi simon,

this is angeline from the Philippines, i took an ielts exam last june 9 and my writing task 1 was about the pecentage of aged 65 or over..Yours used a graph while in the exam they used table to show the figures...your site helped me a lot.
thanks,
angeline

[angeline]

idp changed the 3 cities into canada, Germany and UK and the future year was until 2050..

thanks,
angeline

[Simon]

I'm glad my site helped Angeline!

[MAKSumon]

Hi Simon,

Please evaluate my writing:

The given line graph outlines the proportion of the inhabitants aged 65 and over between 1940 and 2040 in 3 different countries.

It is clearly stated that there will be a raised in proportion of the pollution in all the countries by the end 2040 and Japan will have a significant increased in population from 2020 to 2040.

In 1940, proportion of pollution was 5% for Japan where Sweden and the USA had 7% and 9% respectively. By the end of 1960 the proportion of population for Japan got a slight decreased to 3% wheres the USA and Sweden got a slight increased to 10% and 9% correspondingly. Till 1982 the proportion of the USA and Sweden continued to rise and the proportion for Japan remain constant. By the end of 1990 the USA and Sweden got a slight decreased and Japan got a slight increased.

In 2040, Japan will have the highest percentage of population in contrast to the USA and Sweden. Japan will hold almost 27% of population where the USA and Sweden will have 24% and 25% as a consequence in 2040.

[Ernesto M-A]

My report:

The line graph compares the percentage of people aged 65 and over in Japan, Sweden and the USA between 1940 and 2040.

In all three countries, the proportion of the population in their late years increases during the analysed century. Of the trio, Japan shows the most dramatic changes in its proportion, especially in the years to come.

The Swedish and the American elderly percentages were very similar during half a century. They rose from 7% and 9% 1940, respectively, to 14% in the late 1990's decade. In the same period, the Japanese elderly percentage remained under 5%.

Today, the Swedish proportion of old people is 20% and the American one is 14%, and both are expected to climb to roughly 25% by 2040. On the other hand, the Japanese proportion is nowadays 7% but it is forecast to increase to 10% by 2030 and then to soar to 26% by 2040, surpassing those of Sweden and the USA.

(159 words)

[flower]

Hi simon can you check my essay?

[flower]

Can Anyone check this report for me! Please!

The graph illustrates the percentage of population aged 65 and over from 1940 to 2040 in 3 nations.
It is expected to happen an interchange among those countries. From the starting point the proportion of people aged 65 or more in Japan was much less than that of Sweden and USA( 5%) However at the end of 2040 it's expected to reach the top, with approximately 28%. While at the same time US showed a good start (9%) but in the end it's predicted to stand in the bottom (22%).
The figure for the old people Sweden rose from 7% in 1940 to 15% in 2000 and it is predicted to reach 25% in the year 2040.
To sum, the trend in 3 countries reflect there has been an improvement in the living standard of 3 countries, this is most evident in the case of Japanese people. It also indicates that the old will account for the highest percentage of population in the near future.

[Lilly]

hi everyone
Iam so glad to see this site and thank u all for posting your essays that i have studied from them a lot, and of course, espeacially thank u very much, Simon, for all the most wonderful thing u done.

Here is my report. Hope everyone enjoys and gives comment.

The line graph compares the changes in the population aged over 65 between three different countries from 1940 to 2040.
It is clear that life expectancy of old people in three countries increased significantly during a period of a millennium. The most striking feature was that this life expectancy in Japan was predicted to rise considerably in the future.
In 1940, there was only 5% of Japanese people aged 65 and over, while the figures for people lived in USA and Sweden were twice as high as that in Japan. In the next fifty years, the proportion of over 65-year-old people decreased to just about 3.5% in Japan. In contrast, the percentages of aging population rose dramatically in both USA and Sweden, but the figure was slightly lower in Sweden than in USA.
In the period of year from 1990 to 2040, the proportion of over 65-year-olds was forecasted to increase dramatically, and reach the highest point at about 27% in Japan compared to other two nations. The figure for population in Sweden was expected to constantly rise by 10% in the last year. By comparison, USA was predicted to level off between 1990 and 2020, and then negligibly go up, following Sweden.

Thank you,
Lilly

[Sena Hayta]

Hey Simon,

Thanks for your help. Here is my essay.

The graph line gives information about the percentage of the population aged 65 and over from 1940 to 2040 in Japan, Seweden and USA.

In 1940 the percentage ofpeople who are more than 65 years old less than 10% of majority in these 3 countries. After 100 years, in 2040 it is waiting that this proportion will rise over %20.

Till 2000 the proportion of elderly people was over %5 of the population in Japan. It is clear that after 2000 it rose dramatically. In these days the proportion of the elderly people is %8 of the japanniese population. The graph shows it will rise up fastly next 38 years.

Sweden and USA has smilar graph lines in these 100 years. In contrast, between 1995 and 2010 it shows some differences. Between 1980 and 2020 the elderly people population is remain stable in USA. Where as, from 1995 to 2010 elderly people in sweden population rose.

Note: I've just started to working on Ielts so this essay is not fully without help. I looked some clues from your latest notes.

[rambod]

The graph line indicates the percentage of people 65 or more in the USA,Japan and Sweden from 1940 to 2040.
It is obvious that life expectancy has increased in all three countries since 1940.Japan will have significant spurt after 2020.
In the year of 1940,the USA had the greatest number of senile population,nearly to 9%, and the least one was for Japan(5%).Population of 65 and over,slowly rose to 10% in USA but,it gradually declined to 3% in Japan in 1960.Sweden had a parallel increasing rate with the USA from 1960,reached to 14% and 15%,respectively in 1980 ,however,Japan remained at the same level.
Although the rate for the USA will not change by 2020,there will be a remarkable growth of aged people in Sweden before 2020 (20%) but,it will fall to 18% in 2020.Moreover,proportions in Japan will slowly incline to 8% by 2020.
After the year of 2020,nearly at 2030,all senile numbers in three countries,will dramatically increase by 2040.Japan will have the highest number(27%) and for Sweden and the USA,it will be 25% and 23%,respectively.