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

Japan population by age groups starting in 1960 and including forecast to 2040 - 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 7 · 240 words.

The line graph compares three different age groups - 0-14, 25-64, and 65+ - in terms of their population in Japan from 1960 up until 2020, and a prediction to 2040. Units are measured in percentages.

Although there were fluctuations, overall, older than 65 year-olds experienced an upward trend, while 0-14 and 25-64 year-olds declined in general, albeit with varying levels. Of particular note is 25-64 years old population, which maintained a dominant position throughout the whole period.

Of significance is the increasing trajectory observed for 65+ category. As far as the figure for 65+ is concerned, it stood at only 5% from 1960 to 1970 before rising drastically to 30% by 2020. Thereafter, it will remain unchanged by 2030, but there will be a notable growth to 35% by 2040.

By contrast, 25-64 year-olds climbed markedly to 70% by 1970 after commencing at 65% in 1960. Thereafter, there was a minimal dip to about 68% by 1980, prior to growing again to 70% by 1990. Afterwards, the figure dropped dramatically to 60% by 2020, and it will continue to decrease until 55% by 2030; however, it will go up marginally again to approximately 57% by 2040. When it comes to 0-14 year-olds, the figure oscillated slightly from 30% in 1960 to 29% in 1990, reaching a high of 35% in 1970. Then, the figure declined to 15% by 2020, and it will reach a low of 10% by 2040.

Examiner feedback

This is a strong response that clearly identifies the main trends and provides a logical structure. To reach a higher band, focus on ensuring 100% accuracy in data reporting and integrating more direct comparisons between the age groups within the paragraphs.

Task Achievement - 7

- The response covers all requirements of the task, including the historical data and the forecast. - A clear overview is provided, identifying the main trends for all three age groups. - Key features are highlighted and supported with data, though some minor data inaccuracies exist (e.g., the 0-14 group did not reach a high of 35% in 1970 according to typical charts for this task).

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Information is logically organized by age group, which allows for a clear progression of ideas. - Cohesive devices such as 'Thereafter', 'By contrast', and 'When it comes to' are used effectively. - Paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, overview, and detail paragraphs.

Lexical Resource - 7

- There is a good range of vocabulary used for describing trends (e.g., 'oscillated', 'trajectory', 'declined drastically'). - Some less common collocations are used correctly, such as 'maintained a dominant position'. - Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 7

- A variety of complex structures are used with good control (e.g., 'after commencing at', 'prior to growing again'). - The mix of past, present, and future tenses is handled accurately for the most part. - Punctuation is generally correct, aiding the clarity of the descriptions.

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