The chart below shows the Japan's population by age groups starting in 1960 and including a forecast to 2040.

Japan Population Age Groups 1960-2040 Forecast Chart - 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 9 · 178 words.

The line graph illustrates changes in the distribution of Japan’s population across three age groups (0–14, 25–64, and 65+) from 1960 to 2040, including projected figures.

Overall, Japan has experienced a clear ageing trend. While the proportion of people aged 25–64 remained the largest throughout the period, it has gradually declined since the 1990s. In contrast, the elderly population (65+) increased dramatically, whereas the share of children aged 0–14 fell steadily.

In 1960, people aged 25–64 accounted for approximately 65% of the population, rising slightly to around 70% in 1970 before stabilising at just under this level until 1990. Thereafter, this figure declined consistently, reaching about 58% by 2040. Meanwhile, the proportion of children decreased markedly from roughly 32% in 1960 to around 13% at the end of the forecast period.

By contrast, the percentage of individuals aged 65 and over rose sharply. Starting at only 7% in 1960, this figure increased gradually until 1990, then accelerated significantly after 2000. By 2040, it is projected to reach approximately 36%, overtaking the youngest age group by a wide margin.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional response that meets all the criteria for a Band 9. It provides a clear, high-level overview, selects the most important data points without becoming repetitive, and uses sophisticated, natural language to describe trends and comparisons.

Task Achievement - 9

- All requirements of the task are fully satisfied, providing a comprehensive analysis of the three age demographics. - The overview is sophisticated, identifying the core 'ageing trend' while summarizing the movement of all three groups. - Key features, such as the peak of the working-age population (25–64) and the intersection where the elderly population overtakes the children, are skillfully highlighted. - Data points are accurate and representative of the trends shown in the graph.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- The progression of ideas is logical and effortless to follow, moving from a general overview to specific demographic breakdowns. - Paragraphing is used skillfully to separate the dominant/declining groups from the rapidly growing elderly group. - Cohesive devices (e.g., 'Thereafter,' 'Meanwhile,' 'By contrast') are used naturally and do not attract undue attention. - Referencing and substitution (e.g., 'this figure,' 'the youngest age group') are used perfectly to avoid repetition.

Lexical Resource - 9

- A wide range of vocabulary is used with precision and natural control (e.g., 'distribution,' 'projected figures,' 'stabilising,' 'accelerated significantly'). - Collocations are sophisticated and contextually appropriate ('declined consistently,' 'wide margin,' 'forecast period'). - Spelling and word formation are flawless throughout the response.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- The response demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used with full flexibility. - The writer correctly handles the transition from historical data (past tense) to projections (future/passive forms like 'is projected to'). - Punctuation is managed perfectly, enhancing the clarity of the comparisons.

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