The table illustrates the percentage of age of visitors from the UK to Spain in 1981 and 2015.

Percentage of UK visitors to Spain by age group in 1981 and 2015 - 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 · 164 words.

The table shows the proportions of different age groups of people who visited Spain from the UK between 1981 and 2015.

Overall, the percentages of visitors aged 16–24 and over 55 increased during the period. In contrast, the proportions of the other age groups declined. The 25–35 age group remained the largest group of visitors in both years despite a significant decrease.

In 1981, 10% of visitors were aged 0–15. By 2015, this figure had risen slightly to 12%, showing only a modest increase. The proportion of visitors aged 16–24 increased more noticeably, rising from 4% in 1981 to 15% in 2015. Similarly, the percentage of visitors aged over 55 grew from 16% to 25% over the same period.

By contrast, the proportions of visitors aged 25–35 and 35–54 decreased. The 25–35 age group accounted for 50% of visitors in 1981, but this figure fell to 32% in 2015. Likewise, the percentage of people aged 35–54 declined from 22% to 12% during the period.

Examiner feedback

This is a very strong response that accurately captures all data points while maintaining a high level of linguistic control. The logical organization and clear overview make the information easy to follow, and the variety in vocabulary prevents the reporting from feeling mechanical.

Task Achievement - 8

- The response covers all requirements of the task, appropriately highlighting key features and trends. - A clear overview is provided, identifying the main patterns of increase and decrease across age groups. - All relevant data points from the table are accurately reported and supported with figures.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Information and ideas are logically organized with a clear progression from the introduction to the overview and detailed comparisons. - Cohesive devices like 'In contrast', 'Similarly', and 'By contrast' are used effectively to link ideas. - Paragraphing is appropriate and logical, grouping increasing trends and decreasing trends separately.

Lexical Resource - 8

- A wide range of vocabulary is used fluently to convey precise meanings (e.g., 'proportions', 'modest increase', 'accounted for'). - Skilful use of lexical items related to data description such as 'significant decrease' and 'remained the largest group'. - Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- A wide range of structures is used accurately, including complex sentences and varied tense usage (past simple, past perfect). - The majority of sentences are error-free with well-managed punctuation. - High level of control over numerical expressions and comparisons.

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