The graphs below show the percentage of math graduates and other graduates who got full-time job after graduating from a university in Australia, and also show the average salary of both these types of graduates, from 2004 to 2012.

Percentage of math graduates and other graduates who obtained a full-time job and their average salary in Australia from 2004 to 2012 - 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 · 185 words.

The line graph illustrates the percentage of full-time workers holding a university degree, while the table shows average salaries of mathematics graduates compared to other graduates between 2004 and 2012.

Overall, both groups experienced salary growth over the period, but mathematics graduates consistently earned more and saw a steeper increase, particularly after 2008.

In 2004, the average salary for both mathematics and other graduates was identical at $41,000. This parity continued in 2006, when both groups earned $43,000. However, from 2008 onwards, a clear divergence emerged: mathematics graduates earned $50,000, while other graduates received $45,000.

The gap widened further in subsequent years. By 2010, mathematics graduates commanded $51,000 compared to $47,000 for their counterparts. The most notable difference occurred in 2012, when mathematics graduates earned $56,000 — a full $5,000 more than other graduates, who received $51,000.

In conclusion, although starting salaries were equal in 2004–2006, mathematics graduates experienced significantly faster wage growth, resulting in a persistent and growing earnings advantage by the end of the period.

---

Лексика для высокого балла:

Вместо "show" Используйте

illustrate demonstrate

depict indicate

experienced witnessed

notable significant

consistent steady

Examiner feedback

The writing quality in terms of grammar and vocabulary is excellent (Band 8 level). However, the overall score is significantly lowered because you completely ignored the first graph concerning employment percentages. In Task 1, omitting a whole section of the data results in a major penalty for Task Achievement.

Task Achievement - 5

- The response fails to address a major requirement of the task: describing the line graph showing the percentage of graduates who found full-time work. - Only the salary table is described, meaning the task is only half-fulfilled. - While the description of the salary data is accurate and includes specific figures, the omission of the first graph is a significant lapse in content.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Information regarding the salary table is logically organized with a clear chronological progression. - Cohesive devices such as 'However', 'subsequent years', and 'By 2010' are used effectively to link ideas. - The paragraphing is appropriate for the data presented, though the overall structure is incomplete due to missing data.

Lexical Resource - 8

- There is a good range of vocabulary used to describe trends and comparisons, such as 'parity', 'divergence', and 'commanded'. - Collocations like 'steeper increase' and 'notable difference' are used naturally and accurately. - Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- The student demonstrates a variety of complex structures, including subordinate clauses and passive voice. - The majority of sentences are error-free, showing good control over grammar and punctuation. - Tense usage is consistent and appropriate for describing historical data.

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