IELTS Graph #1
The charts below show the main reasons for study among students of different age groups and the amount of support they received from employers.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
- You should write at least 150 words.
- You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
1. Model Answer:
The first graph shows that there is a gradual decrease in study for career reasons with age. Nearly 80% of students under 26 years, study for their career. This percentage gradually declines by 10-20% every decade. Only 40% of 40-49yr olds and 18% of over 49yr olds studing for career reasons in late adulthood.
Conversely, the first graph also shows that study stemming from interest increases with age. There are only 10% of under 26yr olds studing out of interest. The percentage increases slowly till the beginning of the fourth decade, and increases dramatically in late adulthood. Nearly same number of 40-49yr olds study for career and interest. However 70% of over 49yr olds study for interest in comparison to 18% studing for career reasons in that age group.
The second graph shows that employer support is maximum (approximately 60%) for the under 26yr students. It drops rapidly to 32% up to the third decade of life, and then increses in late adulthood up to about 44%. It is unclear whether employer support is only for career-focused study, but the highest level is for those students who mainly study for career purposes.
This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 8 score.
2. Here is the examiner’s comment:
- This answer summarises the key features of both charts and integrates them well. Clear trends are identified and supported with appropriately-selected figures. The answer could only be improved by adding an introduction to the general topic of the charts.
- The information is well organised, with a clearly-signalled progression. Linking words are used accurately and precisely, although there is occasional omission. Paragraphing is used well initially, but lapses in the later section.
- A very good range of vocabulary is used to convey the information concisely and accurately with only occasional inappropriacy. Words are used precisely and there are no errors in spelling or word form.
- A wide range of structures is used and most sentences in this answer are accurate. Errors are rare and do not affect communication in this answer
3. Other Answer (Band 8)
Model Answer 1:
The bar chart delineates the ratio of pupils who continue their education for the benefit of their career and from passion based on their age groups. The line graph reveals the ratio of support those students get from their companies as a form of financial support and time off. Overall, young students’ main focus for education is their job while it is mostly passion when they grow older.
To illustrate, eight of ten people under 26 years old continue education for their career. Only 10% of them do it from passion. Interestingly, the higher the age, the more eager they become to study for personal interest, not for professional reasons. Seven out of ten people who are at least 50 years old study for interest. Finally, these two factors equally motivate people from 40-49 years old to further their learning.
The second diagram shows that young employees who are less than 30 years old get more backing from their employers while the least support is expected for workers between 30 to 39 years old. However, it is interesting to notice that employers are more sympathetic to workers over 40 years old than they are to employees in their thirties.
Sample Answer 2:
The diagrams outline why students from different age groups study and the support they get from their employers. Overall, having a good career is the main reason for young to study while it is personal interest for grown-ups. Moreover, young employees get more support from their employers regarding their education.
According to the first bar graph, people who are under 40 years old mostly study for the career while people over 49 years mainly study for their interest. Interestingly for the age group 40 to 49, the number of people who study for career and the number of people who study for interest is the same. 80% students under 26 years continue their education to build a career. 7 out of ten students over 49 years old do so for their interest, rather than the career.
Graph 2 shows that more than 60% students under 26 years old get support from their employers for their education and this supports includes the time off and monetary supports they get. This percentage reduces with the increase of age and at 30-39 age group, 32% get the support from the employers. After that, the employers’ support for their employees’ education increases and reaches to 45% for the over 49 year’s age group.
(Approximately 263 words) (This model answer can be followed as an example of a very good answer. However, please note that this is just one example out of many possible approaches.)
Sample Answer 3:
The graphs illustrate why people from different age groups continue their studies and the support employers offer to them in terms of financial and time off. Overall, it is obvious that there is a decreasing trend among students who study for their profession as they become older, whereas the reverse is true for those who study for passion.
It is apparent that the highest percentage of students (80%) study for their career and they are under 26 years old. Turning to the personal interest as a reason for the study, the higher the age, the ratio of pupil learning from passion increases. In addition, an equal percentage of people, aged 40 to 49, study for their career and interest in subjects.
The second bar chart reveals that the employers give more support to their young employees (those under 26 years old) and elderly workers with the least support provided to those in the age range between 30 and 39 years old.
( Written by – Lee Wing Qeen )
Model Answer 4:
The charts depict why students at different ages study and also give information about the support (time off or financial aid) they receive from their employers.
Overall, it is evident that young people (under 40 years) study because of their career prospects while the majority of older people study because of their interest.
With regard to motivations, the majority of people under 40 years study in order to promote their career, although this attitude varies depending on the age of polled people. To start with, 80% students under 26 years express that they would study because of career preparation while just 10% study for interest in subjects. In older cohorts, 70% of 26-29 years old students and 58% of 30-39 years old students say that career plays an important role, while in the group of 40-49, career and interest are similarly important. People over 49 mainly study because of interest (70%).
Regarding support they receive from offices, approximately 62% of interviewees under 26 years say that they get support from their employers whereas the majority of students being older than 25 do not receive much help from their companies.
[Authored by – Jörn Matzen]
