The chart below shows the unemployment rate and the number of people leaving Ireland from 1998 to 2008.

Unemployment Rate People Leaving Ireland 1998-2008 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 8 · 166 words.

The line graph compares two different economic rates - the number of people leaving Ireland and the unemployment rate between 1988 and 2008. Units are measured in percentages and numbers.

Although there were fluctuations, overall, both categories experienced a downward trend, albeit with varying levels. Of particular note is 2008, when although the unemployment rate was low, the number of people leaving Ireland was higher.

As far as the unemployment rate is concerned, it began at about 17% in 1988, before decreasing to around 13% by 1990. Thereafter, it dropped steeply to approximately 5% by 2000 after rising slightly to 15% by 1992. After that, the figure remained static until 2004 and increased minimally to 6% by 2008.

By contrast, the number of citizens leaving Ireland was 60,000 in 1988, but it plummeted to roughly 35,000 by 1992. After growing marginally to just over 35,000 by 1994, it declined notably to nearly 25,000 by 2002. Following this dip, there was consistent growth to 50,000 by 2008.

Examiner feedback

This is a very strong Band 8 response. It provides a clear, logical, and accurate summary of the trends shown in the graph. The overview is particularly effective as it identifies the unusual divergence at the end of the period. To reach Band 9, the response could more explicitly compare the two datasets within the same paragraph to highlight their relationship more deeply.

Task Achievement - 8

- The response covers all requirements of the task, providing a clear overview and highlighting key trends and figures. - Key features are skillfully selected; the response correctly identifies the initial decline in both metrics and the subsequent divergence in the final years. - Data is accurately reported and used to support the description effectively.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Information is logically sequenced with a clear progression from the introduction to the overview and then to specific details. - Cohesive devices (e.g., 'thereafter', 'by contrast', 'following this dip') are used naturally and effectively to link ideas. - Paragraphing is appropriate and supports the clarity of the report.

Lexical Resource - 8

- A wide range of vocabulary is used with precision (e.g., 'plummeted', 'fluctuations', 'remained static', 'marginal'). - Lexical choices are appropriate for an academic report, showing good control of collocations and variety. - Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- The response demonstrates a wide range of structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied participial phrases. - The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is well-managed. - Tense usage is consistent and appropriate for describing historical data.

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