The chart below shows the average earnings of people in various areas of work in one country in 2000 and 2010. The table shows the average salary for all sectors in the same years.

Average earnings of people in various areas of work in one country in 2000 and 2010 and the average salary for all sectors - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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

Write at least 150 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 8.5 · 183 words.

The bar chart compares the average annual earnings of employees working in six different sectors in one country in 2000 and 2010, while the table shows the average salary across all sectors during the same period.

Overall, employees in the financial services sector earned by far the highest salaries in both years, whereas those working in tourism received the lowest pay. In addition, the average salary across all sectors increased slightly over the ten-year period.

In 2000, workers in the financial services sector earned just over $100,000 per year. This figure rose steadily to approximately $130,000 in 2010, making it the highest-paid sector throughout the period. By contrast, salaries in the administration, telecommunications, transport, and retail sectors were considerably lower, ranging from around $30,000 to $60,000 annually. Employees in the tourism industry received the lowest earnings, at approximately $20,000 in both years, with almost no change over the period.

Regarding the average salary for all sectors, the figure increased gradually from $44,000 in 2000 to $50,000 in 2010. Although the rise was relatively modest, it indicates that overall earnings improved during the decade.

Examiner feedback

This is an excellent response that demonstrates a very high level of English proficiency. The writing is clear, logical, and uses a sophisticated range of vocabulary and grammar. To reach a Band 9, the response could slightly increase the level of detail provided for the middle-tier sectors to provide a more exhaustive comparison.

Task Achievement - 8

- The response covers all requirements of the task, including a clear overview and appropriate data selection. - Key features (Financial Services vs. Tourism) are highlighted effectively. - The grouping of mid-range sectors (Admin, Telecom, Transport, Retail) is efficient, though a Band 9 could provide more specific comparative nuances between these categories rather than a broad range.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- The essay is expertly organized into logical paragraphs, with a clear separation between the introduction/overview, the bar chart analysis, and the table data. - Cohesive devices such as "By contrast," "In addition," and "Regarding" are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader. - The progression of information is seamless, moving from the most significant data points (Financial Services) to the least, before concluding with the general data from the table.

Lexical Resource - 9

- A wide range of vocabulary is used with precision and natural control (e.g., "annual earnings," "considerably lower," "modest rise"). - Collocations are sophisticated and contextually appropriate. - No spelling or word formation errors are present, showing a high degree of lexical mastery.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- The response demonstrates full flexibility with a wide range of complex structures (e.g., "making it the highest-paid sector," "ranging from around..."). - The majority of sentences are error-free, with sophisticated control of grammar and punctuation throughout. - Tense usage is consistently accurate, appropriately reflecting the past dates (2000 and 2010).

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