Academic Writing Sample Task 1 #26

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.

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. 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.