The line graph compares the percentage of people aged 65 or more in three countries over a
period of 100 years.
It is clear that the proportion of elderly people increases in each country between 1940 and 2040.
Japan is expected to see the most dramatic changes in its elderly population.
In 1940, around 9% of Americans were aged 65 or over, compared to about 7% of Swedish people
and 5% of Japanese people. The proportions of elderly people in the USA and Sweden rose gradually
over the next 50 years, reaching just under 15% in 1990. By contrast, the figures for Japan remained
below 5% until the early 2000s.
Looking into the future, a sudden increase in the percentage of elderly people is predicted for Japan,
with a jump of over 15% in just 10 years from 2030 to 2040. By 2040, it is thought that around 27%
of the Japanese population will be 65 years old or more, while the figures for Sweden and the USA
will be slightly lower, at about 25% and 23% respectively.
(178 words)
Band Score Analysis
Estimated IELTS Band Score: 7.5
- Task Achievement: 7.5 – Covers all key trends and comparisons, but could enhance clarity in projections.
- Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 – Well-structured with logical progression.
- Lexical Resource: 7.5 – Uses a range of vocabulary but could improve variety.
- Grammar: 7.5 – Mostly accurate, with minor issues in verb tense and sentence structure.
Band 7-8
The line graph illustrates the proportion of individuals aged 65 and above in Japan, Sweden, and the USA from 1940 to 2040, spanning a period of 100 years.
It is evident that the percentage of elderly people has increased in all three countries, with Japan expected to experience the most dramatic growth.
In 1940, around 9% of the U.S. population was aged 65 or older, compared to approximately 7% in Sweden and 5% in Japan. Over the next five decades, the elderly populations in Sweden and the USA gradually rose, reaching nearly 15% by 1990. In contrast, Japan’s proportion remained below 5% until the early 2000s.
From 2000 onwards, Japan’s elderly population is projected to rise significantly, surpassing both Sweden and the USA by 2040. Between 2030 and 2040, Japan is expected to see a sharp increase of over 15%, reaching approximately 27%. Meanwhile, Sweden and the USA will see more gradual increases, reaching around 25% and 23%, respectively.
Overall, the data indicate that while all three countries will see growth in their elderly populations, Japan is anticipated to undergo the most rapid increase in the coming decades.
Word Count: 176
Band 9
The line graph depicts the percentage of people aged 65 and above in Japan, Sweden, and the USA from 1940 to 2040, illustrating a century-long trend in population aging.
It is evident that the proportion of elderly individuals has risen in all three nations, with Japan projected to experience the most pronounced increase.
In 1940, approximately 9% of the U.S. population was aged 65 or older, compared to around 7% in Sweden and just 5% in Japan. Over the following 50 years, the elderly populations in Sweden and the USA steadily increased, reaching nearly 15% by 1990, while Japan’s figure remained below 5% until the early 2000s.
From 2000 onwards, Japan’s elderly population is forecast to surge dramatically, overtaking both Sweden and the USA. Between 2030 and 2040, Japan is expected to witness an unprecedented rise of over 15 percentage points, culminating at approximately 27%. In contrast, Sweden and the USA will experience steadier growth, with their elderly populations reaching roughly 25% and 23%, respectively.
Overall, while aging populations are a common trend across all three countries, Japan is set to undergo the most rapid and significant demographic shift.
Word Count: 180
Comparison Table
| Feature | Band 7-8 Version | Band 9 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Uses clear but simpler vocabulary (e.g., “sharp increase”) | Uses advanced and precise vocabulary (e.g., “unprecedented rise”) |
| Sentence Structure | More straightforward sentence construction | More complex and varied sentence structures |
| Data Presentation | Provides key figures but with less emphasis on trends | Highlights contrasts and emphasizes major shifts more effectively |
| Clarity & Cohesion | Well-structured but slightly less refined | More sophisticated and fluid cohesion |
Examples from Essays
| Aspect | Band 7-8 Example | Band 9 Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Structure | “Between 2030 and 2040, Japan is expected to see a sharp increase of over 15%, reaching approximately 27%.” | “Between 2030 and 2040, Japan is expected to witness an unprecedented rise of over 15 percentage points, culminating at approximately 27%.” |
| Data Presentation | “Meanwhile, Sweden and the USA will see more gradual increases, reaching around 25% and 23%.” | “In contrast, Sweden and the USA will experience steadier growth, with their elderly populations reaching roughly 25% and 23%, respectively.” |
| Clarity & Cohesion | “Japan’s elderly population is projected to rise significantly, surpassing both Sweden and the USA by 2040.” | “From 2000 onwards, Japan’s elderly population is forecast to surge dramatically, overtaking both Sweden and the USA.” |
Grammar Mistakes
- Original: “Japan is expected to see the most dramatic changes in its elderly population.”
Correction: “Japan is projected to experience the most significant increase in its elderly population.” - Original: “Over the next five decades, the elderly populations in Sweden and the USA gradually rose, reaching nearly 15% by 1990.”
Correction: “Over the next five decades, the proportions of elderly individuals in Sweden and the USA increased steadily, reaching nearly 15% by 1990.” - Original: “By contrast, the figures for Japan remained below 5% until the early 2000s.”
Correction: “In contrast, Japan’s elderly population remained below 5% until the early 2000s.”
Vocabulary Repetition
| Repeated Word | Suggested Alternatives |
|---|---|
| “Increase” | Rise, Surge, Growth, Expansion |
| “Population” | Demographic, Inhabitants, Citizens |
| “Percentage” | Proportion, Share, Fraction |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Exercises with Answers
Fill in the blanks using appropriate words:
- The graph illustrates the _______ (proportion/rate) of elderly individuals in three different countries over a century.
Answer: proportion - Over the years, the percentage of elderly people in the USA and Sweden _______ (fell/rose) gradually.
Answer: rose - Japan is expected to experience the most _______ (dramatic/steady) increase in its elderly population.
Answer: dramatic - By 2040, the elderly population in Japan is predicted to _______ (surpass/decrease) those of Sweden and the USA.
Answer: surpass
