IELTS Writing Task 1 #95
Test Tip
If there is more than one diagram, study any heading, key or source for
each. Decide what the vertical and horizontal axes measure, and what the
bars show. Look for similarities, differences, changes and trends.
Sometimes in the exam you can be asked to write about a graph with
future trend. You should write your answer in the same way as before,
but instead of using the past simple, change the grammar and use future
tenses.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graphs below provide information on global population figures and figures for urban populations in different world regions.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_population
Model answer
The first graph shows the trend in world population growth between 1800 and 2100, while the second graph gives predicted urban population figures for the next 25 years.
The world population has experienced continuous growth since 1800. Between 1800 and 1950, the population grew slowly from just under 1 billion to 2.5 billion people. After that, the growth rate increased and currently the figure is around 6.5 billion. Projections show a continued increase in population in the near future, but a steady decline in the population growth rate. The global population is expected to peak at 8.2 billion by 2050, and then decline to around 6.2 billion by 2100.
The predictions also show that almost all urban population growth in the next 25 years will occur in cities of developing countries. In developed regions, on the other hand, the urban population is expected to remain unchanged at about 1.3 billion people over the next two decades.
The graphs show that the global population increase will not occur evenly throughout the world, but will be greater in some areas than others.
(180 words)
Improve your English writing skills
Use the
present
perfect tense when describing a trend that began in the past and is
still continuing. Sentences like this may include since. For example:
The global population has grown from 1 billion in 1800 to 7 billion
in 2012.
Remember how to form the present perfect:
SUBJECT + has/have + PAST PARTICIPLE