Understanding how to analyze and describe income trends across different countries is a crucial skill for IELTS Writing Task 1. Similar to Average Household Savings in Various Countries (2000-2023), income data frequently appears in IELTS examinations. Let’s explore this topic through a sample task.
Sample Task
The line graph below shows the average annual household income in four different countries between 2000 and 2023.
Task Analysis
The graph presents:
- Time period: 23 years (2000-2023)
- Unit of measurement: Thousands of USD
- Four countries being compared
- Clear trends and patterns of change
Model Answer
The line graph illustrates changes in average household income across four nations – the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia – over a 23-year period from 2000 to 2023.
Overall, while all countries experienced general upward trends in household income, their growth patterns varied significantly. The US maintained the highest income levels throughout most of the period, while Japan showed the most modest growth.
In 2000, American households led with an average income of approximately $45,000, followed closely by the UK at $42,000. Australian households earned around $38,000, while Japanese families recorded the lowest at $35,000. During the first decade, all countries witnessed steady growth, though at different rates.
The most notable changes occurred between 2010 and 2020, when Australian incomes rose sharply, briefly surpassing the UK in 2015. By 2023, the US remained at the top with $68,000, while Australia and the UK converged at around $60,000. Japan’s growth remained relatively flat, ending the period at $45,000.
(Word count: 169)
Writing Tips and Guidelines
Grammar Focus
- Use appropriate tenses:
- Past Simple for specific points in time
- Past Perfect for earlier events
- Present Perfect for continuing trends
- Example: “American households led” (past simple) vs. “has shown consistent growth” (present perfect)
Key Vocabulary
- household income (n) /ˈhaʊs.hoʊld ˈɪn.kʌm/ – money earned by people living together
- fluctuate (v) /ˈflʌk.tʃu.eɪt/ – to change frequently in level or amount
- converge (v) /kənˈvɜːdʒ/ – to come together at a point
- modest (adj) /ˈmɒd.ɪst/ – relatively small in size or amount
- sharp rise/increase (n) /ʃɑːp raɪz/ – sudden significant growth
Conclusion
When describing household income trends, focus on:
- Clear overview of main trends
- Specific numerical data points
- Appropriate comparison language
- Logical paragraph organization
- Accurate use of trend vocabulary
Remember to always identify and describe the most significant features to achieve a Band 7+ score.