The graph below shows the number of applicants from four different countries in a UK university between 1999 and 2003.

Number of applicants from four different countries in a UK university between 1999 and 2003 - 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 7.5 · 292 words.

The bar chart compares the number of applicants from four different countries who applied to a UK university between 1999 and 2003. The data are presented in thousands.

Overall, while people from European countries accounted for the highest number at the beginning of the period, Far East applicants overtook the remaining countries to become the countries whose applicants were the highest by 2003. Moreover, people from Africa and the Middle East demonstrated an upward trend despite some fluctuations.

Looking first at the regions demonstrating an increase, namely the Far East and Africa. At the beginning of the period, the figure for the Far East was almost three times that of Africa (nearly 17 thousand and 5 thousand, respectively). By 2000, the number of applicants from the Far East experienced a slight rise, increasing from 17,000 to 20,000, while the figure for Africa remained relatively stable. From 2000 to 2002, the number of applicants from the Far East recorded a steady rise, whereas African applicants experienced a slight increase, growing from 5,000 to nearly 6,000, which was one fourth of the number of applicants from the Far East. At the end of the period, they both reached their peak, with 32,000 applicants from the Far East and 8,000 applicants from Africa. Although both regions experienced growth, the increase in the Far East was considerably greater than that in Africa.

Turning to the remaining countries, the number of applicants from European nations experienced a dramatic decline throughout the whole period, declining from 30,000 in 1999 to 13,000 applicants in 2003. Middle East applicants displayed an upward trend despite a decline in 2001. At the beginning of the period, the number of applicants stood at slightly over 12,000 before increasing steadily until 2003 (22,000 applicants).

Examiner feedback

This is a strong response that provides a clear and logical summary of the data. The description of trends is accurate, and the language used to compare the figures is sophisticated. To reach a Band 8 in Task Achievement, ensure total consistency in terminology (calling 'Far East' a country vs a region) and ensure all minor data points are interpreted with absolute precision.

Task Achievement - 7

- The response covers all requirements of the task by identifying all four countries/regions. - A clear overview is provided, highlighting the main trends and the change in the leading region. - Key features are well-supported with accurate data, though the distinction between 'countries' and 'regions' (as used in the prompt) could be more precise.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Paragraphing is logical, separating groups based on their trends (increasing vs. decreasing/stable). - Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'namely', and 'whereas' are used effectively to link ideas. - Progression is clear throughout the response with appropriate referencing.

Lexical Resource - 8

- Vocabulary is varied and precise, using terms like 'overtook', 'fluctuations', 'dramatic decline', and 'peaked'. - Collocations related to data description are natural and appropriate (e.g., 'recorded a steady rise'). - Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- A wide range of structures is used with flexibility and accuracy. - Sentence forms are mostly error-free with effective use of complex structures like 'despite some fluctuations' and 'which was one fourth of...'. - Punctuation is well-managed, supporting the clarity of the data description.

Related prompts

• Male Female Students Art Related Subjects UK University 2011
• Town Centre Changes 1990 and Today
• Male Female Students High Grades Five Subjects Parston School National Average
• Qualifications Staff Advertising Company 1990 and 2010
• Australian School Leavers Activity 1980 1990 2000
• Layout Town Shopping Centre Present and Future Redevelopment