Language of comparison

Comparative form – when comparing 2 things

• Than
• In comparison with
• As compared to

As compared to/with // Than - used when comparing things or people, especially

when comparing numbers or amounts:

Example:

• This year's profits are much higher as compared to (than) (in comparison with) last
year's.
• Mortality rates are lower for women as compared with (than) men.

as against/as opposed to conjunction used when you are comparing two figures or
pieces of information, in order to show how they are different:

Example:

• The company achieved sales of $404 million, as against $310 million in the previous year.
• One study predicted that 42% of female university graduates would remain single the
rest of their lives, as opposed to just 5% of male graduates.

3. Process Vocabulary
The first step in learning to write about a process diagram is to see where the process
starts and ends. This is important information as it will help structure your writing. The
obvious thing to do is to start at the beginning and carry on until you get to the end.

Some of the most useful vocabulary for describing a process is the language of
sequencing. This means that you need to find language to say in what order each thing
happens. The key here is variation. Try not to use “and then” “and then” all the time.

Here are some alternatives –

• The first
• The second
• The next
• A further
• Eventually
• This step involves
• After this stage is complete
• At the same time / Meanwhile
• Finally

G www.makkarielts.com
 Passives
When we describe an IELTS process, the focus is on the activities, NOT the person doing
them. When this is the case, we use the passive voice, not the active.

This is a brief explanation of how to use the passive voice, but if you are new or unsure
about using it, you should do some further study and practice.

Most sentences use this structure:

Subject + Verb + Object

(S) Reeta (V) makes (O) tea.

When we use the passive voice, we make the object (tea) the subject, and make the
subject (Reeta) the object. We also add in the verb ‘to be’ and the past participle (or Verb
3).

(O) Tea (be + V3) is made (S) by Reeta.

So throughout most of your description for your IELTS process diagram, you should be
using

4. Maps Vocabulary
The knowledge of directions – north, east, south, west, northeast, southeast, northwest
and southwest is very essential.

H www.makkarielts.com
1. The chart below shows the percentage of adults of different age groups in the UK who
used the Internet everyday from 2003-2006. Summarize the information by selecting
and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Percentage of adults by age group using the Internet from

2003 to 2006

120

100

80 2003

60 2004
2005
40
2006
20

0
16-24 25-44 45-54 55-64 65+

The given column graph illustrates the percentage of adults of different age groups using the
Internet between 2003 and 2006, in the Great Britain. The over 65s had the least percentage
of Internet users.

The main users of the Internet were young adults aged between 16 and 24 years. In 2003 and
2004, they shared the same percentage, which was 80%. In 2005, this figure increased
significantly to 100%, but decreased slightly to 90% in the next year.

We can see from the chart that all the age groups experienced an upward trend as far as their
daily use of the Internet is concerned. In the 25-44 group, there was a gradual growth in the
percentage, from 50% to 80%, between 2003 and 2006. There were similar increases for the
45 to 54 year olds, rising from 60% in 2003 to 80% in 2006. As for the other two groups,
although the percentages had minor fluctuation, the overall trend was upwards.

Overall, adults between 16 and 44 showed the greatest usage of the Internet and the users
grew with time regardless of their age.

1 www.makkarielts.com
2. The chart below shows the percentage of whole world population in four countries
from 1950 to 2000, with projections till 2050. Summarise the information by selecting
and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

30
25
20 1950
% 15 2000
10
2050
5
0
India China USA Japan

The column graph compares the changes in the proportion of population in India, China, the
USA and Japan in 1950 and 2000, and also indicates the projections for 2050. It is clear from
the graph that China had the highest percentage of world population in 1950 and 2000, but
estimates show that India will take the lead by 2050.

In 1950, China accounted for a little over a quarter of the world’s population. Although it
decreased to a little under a quarter, it was still the highest in 2000, compared to the other
three countries. It is estimated that the population of China will continue to drop and would
reach approximately19% by 2050.

India showed an opposing trend to China. The population in India in 1950 was 15%, which
was considerably lower than that of China. However, the population increased moderately
to 19% by 2000 and is further expected to grow and reach nearly 20%, which would be the
highest among the given countries by 2050.

When it comes to the population of the USA and Japan, both showed a decrease from 1950 to
2000. It is predicted that the percentage will remain the same in the USA, whereas in Japan,
the population is likely to keep falling till 2050.

Overall, Japan had the least population in the given period, and the population is expected
to decrease to approximately 3% by 2050.

2 www.makkarielts.com
3. The chart below shows the expenditure on three categories among different age
groups of residents in the UK in 2004. Summarize the information by selecting and
reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Citizens' expenditure in the UK

25
Percentage of total spending

20

15 Food and drink

Restaurant and Hotel
10
Entertainment
5

0
Under 30 31-45 46-60 61-75 76+

The given column graph compares the amount of money spent by five age groups of the
British citizens on three different items, in the year 2004. It is interesting to note that the
spending on food and drinks was the least by the under 30s, and the highest by the above 76
age group.

It is noticeable that the largest proportion of spending went on food and drinks in most age
groups, except for the under 30s and those between 61 and 75 years of age. Expenditure on
restaurant and hotel was almost similar among all age groups below 60 years. They spent 12-
14% on this sector. The 61-75 and the 76+ age groups spent 2% and 7% respectively on
restaurant and hotel. The under 45s spent lesser on entertainment than on restaurant and
hotel, but the vice versa was true for all the other given age groups. The 61-75 year olds,
showed the highest discrepancy in their spending on these two areas. They spent 2% and
23% on restaurant and hotel, and entertainment respectively.

Overall, it is observed that as age advanced, the spending priorities of people changed.
Older age groups spent more on food and drink and entertainment. However, the 76+ age
group did not give much importance to entertainment.

3 www.makkarielts.com
4. The charts below show the number of working hours per week, in industrial sector, in
four European countries in 2002. Summarize the information by selecting and
reporting the main features and make comparisons with relevant.

France Denmark

60 80
The percentage of workers

The percentage of workers

50 70
60
40 50
30 40
20 30
20
10 10
0 0

Hours Hours

Sweden The UK

100 60
The percentage of workers
The percentage of workers

50
80
40
60
30
40 20
20 10
0 0

Hours Hours

The given column graphs compare the number of hours spent on work per week by
industrial workers in France, Denmark, Sweden and the UK in 2002. In three countries, it can
be seen that the maximum workers worked 36-40 hours, but in France the maximum
workers worked 31-35 hours per week.
In France, approximately half the workers worked for 31-35 hours per week. The percentage
of people who worked for 36-40 hours and 46-50 hours was 35% and 20% respectively. The
figures for the rest of the working hours accounted for around 10% workers each.
Denmark and Sweden witnessed the highest proportion of people working for 36-40 hours,
which was quite different from that of France. The second and the third place came from 31-
35 hours and 41-45 hours workers (25% and 10% in Denmark; 35% and 30% in Sweden). The
proportion of people working for the remaining hours was higher in Denmark than in
Sweden.
It is interesting to note that in the UK, the percentage of people working 50+ hours was the
maximum. Almost 50% worked 36-40 hours per week.
Overall, France was a country where the people worked for the least hours, where as the
Swedish people spent the most time on work among the people from four different
countries.

4 www.makkarielts.com
5. The chart below shows the aid from six developed countries to developing countries
from 2008-2010. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main
features, and make comparisons where relevant.

30
Aid - in $ billion

20
2008
2009
10 2010

0
US Germany UK Japan Netherland Sweden

The given column graph illustrates the amount of aid given by six developed countries from
2008 to 2010, measured in billions of dollars.

The US provided the most aid in all three years and despite a slight drop in 2009 from 22 to
20 billion dollars in 2009, the figure rose to $25 billion in 2010. Germany, UK and Japan, were
other three major donors, with figures ranging between 10 and 15 billion dollars. It is
interesting to note that Germany increased its aid continuously over the years, but the aid
from the other two showed fluctuations. The aid from Netherlands and Sweden was always
under $10 billion, yet the three years saw similar changes in the figures.

Overall, the US contributed the most in supporting the developing world. whilst the aids of
most countries fluctuated in three years, Germany was the only country with consistent
increases.

5 www.makkarielts.com
6. The graph below shows the information on waste disposal in a European country
from 2005 to 2008. Summarise the information making comparisons where relevant.

2000
1900
Amount in million tonnes
1800
1700
1600
1500 Method of disposal
1400
1300
1200 landfill
1100
1000
900
800
burning
700
600
500
dumping in sea
400
300
200
100
0

2005 2006 2008

The given column graph illustrates three methods of disposal of waste materials in 2005,
2006 and 2008. It is clear that the landfill method was the most used for waste disposal in
2005 and dumping in sea was used the maximum in 2008.

It is clear that about 2000 million tonnes of waste was disposed by landfill method in 2005.
Disposal of waste by this method lost popularity gradually and by 2008, only 1200 million
tonnes was disposed off by this method. About 900 million tonnes of waste was burnt and
about 1200 million tonnes was dumped in sea.

In 2006, again the most popular method of waste disposal was landfill, but the amount
disposed was lesser than that in 2005. Just under 1200 million tonnes was disposed off by
burning and a little over 1400 million tonnes was dumped in sea.

In 2008, the most popular method was dumping in sea and over 1600 million tonnes was
disposed off like this. A little under 900 million tonnes was burnt.

Overall it can be seen that dumping in landfill sites lost popularity and dumping in sea
gained popularity in the given time. The burning method of waste disposal fluctuated over
the period.

6 www.makkarielts.com
7. The chart below gives information about the growth of urban population in certain
parts of the world including the prediction of the future. Summarise the information
by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

90 Population of towns and cities - percentage of total

80

70

60
1950
50
%

2000
40
2030
30

20

10

0
Whole world Africa Asia Latin America / Caribbean

The given column graph depicts the increase in the percentage of urban population in
Africa, Asia, Latin America / Caribbean and the whole world from 1950 to 2000 and also
gives predictions for 2030. It can be seen that population escalated in all given areas of the
world and is expected to grow further.

In 1950, Latin America and the Caribbean had the maximum urban population, which
constituted 42% of the total population. In contrast, Asia and Africa had much lesser people
living in cities at 14% and 12% of the total population respectively. Just under a third of the
population was of urbanites in the whole world in 1950.

In 2000, Africa and Asia saw an almost threefold increase in urban population. In both these
areas city population became approximately 38% of the total. Latin America and the
Caribbean had over two thirds of the population in cities. However, the whole world had
almost equal number of rural and urban people in 2000.

It is predicted that by 2030 the urban population will continue to grow in all areas by 10-
15%. Almost 80% of people in Latin America and Caribbean are expected to live in cities,
whereas in the whole world the percentage of urbanites is estimated to be 60%.

Overall, it is clear that urban population has grown in all the given areas and is expected to
grow in the future.

7 www.makkarielts.com
8. The graph below shows the changes in the places where people used to surf the
Internet in the years 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004. Summarize the information by
selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

UK survey of the places where people mostly accessed the Internet (1998-
2004)

60

50
Percentage of people

40
Home

30 Work

College

20 Library

10

0
1998 2000 2002 2004

The given column graph compares the changes in the places where people accessed the
Internet between 1998 and 2004. It is clear that the maximum people surfed the Internet from
home in all the given years.

It can be seen from the graph that more people surfed the Internet at home and in their
working places than in the colleges and libraries. The percentage of people who accessed the
Internet from home fell from approximately 55 in 1998 to 48 in 2000. After that this
percentage began to rise steadily and reached 55 in 2004. The second most common place
where people accessed the net was office. The proportion of people who spent their online
time at work was between 25% and 30% from 1998 to 2002, but fell to 15% in 2004.
Approximately 18%-25% people used the Internet at college in all the given years. The least
percentage surfed the net in libraries. This percentage fluctuated between 12% and 18% over
the given years.

Overall, the discrepancy between people surfing the net from home and all other places was
high in all the four given years.

8 www.makkarielts.com
9. The charts below show the percentages of male and female students getting top
grades in 1960 and 2000. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the
main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Males
50
40
30 1960
20
2000
10
0
Science Arts Maths Languages Humanities

Females
50
40
30 1960
20
2000
10
0
Science Arts Maths Languages Humanities

The given column graphs compare the proportion of boys and girls getting top grades in five
subjects, which are science, arts, maths, languages and humanities, in 1960 and 2000. It is
clear from the graph that girls scored higher in Arts and languages, whereas boys scored
higher in science and math in the given years.

In 1960, slightly over 30% boys scored good grades in science and maths, whereas in
languages and humanities the high scorers were 20% each. Only one in ten scored high in
Arts. In contrast, girls did much better in languages, Arts and humanities, with 45%, 32%
and 30% scoring high in these subjects respectively. Only 10% girls scored high in science
and the least (5 %) scored high in maths.

In 2000, among boys, the percentage of top scorers in arts and humanities almost doubled
where as that in science and math became approximately half as compared to the figures of
1960. The percentage of top scorers in languages remained the same. Among girls, however,
the percentage of top scorers in arts, languages and humanities decreased moderately,
whereas that in science and maths remained the same.

Overall, it is surprising to see that boys scored better than girls in humanities in the year
2000.

9 www.makkarielts.com
10. The graph below shows the average class size in six countries and compares it with
the world average class size in 2006. Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main points and give comparisons where relevant.

40

35

30

25

20
Primary school (age 5-10)
15
Lower secondary school (age
10
13-16)
5

The given column graph illustrates the average class size in primary school and lower
secondary school in six nations in 2006, and compares it with the world average. On the
whole, the class size of primary school in the UK and Denmark was larger than the class size
of lower secondary school, whereas in the other given countries it was smaller.

It is clear that the UK and Denmark had higher number of students in primary school (23
and 21 respectively) than those in secondary school (22 and 19 respectively). A similar trend
was seen in the world average, with 26 and 24 students in primary and secondary classes
respectively. South Korea had the highest number of students in both primary and
secondary classes (nearly 35 in each class). Japan had an average primary class of 26
students, whereas the secondary class size was slightly bigger with 31 average students. The
biggest discrepancy in primary and secondary class size was seen in Mexico, where the
primary class strength was only about 20 students, but secondary class had a little over 30
students. Iceland had the smallest primary and secondary classroom size of 15 and 17
students on an average respectively.

Overall, the teacher-taught ratio was the best in Iceland with the smallest classroom size.

10 www.makkarielts.com
11. The chart below shows information about the favourite subjects of 60 students from
two schools, school A and school B. Summarize the information by selecting and
reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

40 36
35
30 25
25
18
20 School A
15 10 9
6 School B
10 5 4 5
5 2
0
Social Science language Craft / Sport
science Drawing

The given column graph illustrates the best-loved subjects of 60 students of two schools,
School A and School B. It is clear from the graph that the choice of subjects varies greatly
between the two schools.

In school A, more than half the students (36) like sports. By contrast, the rest of the subjects
are not very popular among students in school A.

In school B, 25 students like craft and drawing which is more than six times the students
number of school A. Language is the second most preferred subject in school B, chosen by 18
students. Social science is the third most liked subject, with 10 students of school B liking it,
which is almost double the number of students of school A, who like it. Only two students of
school B like science, where as 9 of school A like science. The biggest discrepancy can be seen
in those choosing sports as their favourite subject, with 36 students of school A going for
sports, in contrast to only 5 of school B.

Overall, craft and drawing is the least preferred subject of school A students, whereas
science is the least liked subject of students of school B.

11 www.makkarielts.com
12. The graphs below show four categories of citrus fruits and the top three countries to
which these were exported (in thousand tonnes) in 2012. Summarise the information
by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Oranges Lemons

South Africa Mexico

Egypt United States

United States Argentina

0 500 1000 1500 0 200 400 600

Grapefruits Others

Turkey Mexico

Mexico Egypt

United States United States

0 100 200 300 400 500 0 200 400 600

The given bar charts compare the top three countries importing different types of citrus
fruits in 2012. The fruits given are oranges, lemons, grape fruits and all other citrus fruits.

As can be seen from the chart, oranges were the most popular fruit. More specifically, South
Africa was the country where the largest number of oranges were exported amounting to
1020 thousand tonnes approximately. This was followed by Egypt (500 thousand tonnes)
and the United States, which imported the smallest amount (400 million tonnes) of oranges
among the three countries.

Lemon was the second popular fruit in the four categories, with 500,000 tonnes imported by
Mexico and 200 imported by the USA. The minimum amount was imported by Argentina
(100,000 tonnes).

Grapefruits did not constitute a large proportion of the imported fruit. Turkey was the main
country that imported grapefruits, while Mexico and United States imported 400,000 and
300,000 tonnes respectively.

The largest import of all other citrus fruits was done by Mexico. The other two countries
only accounted for a tiny proportion of the whole volume.

Overall, the export quantities of different fruit varied among different countries in 2012.

12 www.makkarielts.com
13. The graphs below show the average retirement age for men and women in 2004 and
2008 in six different countries. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting
the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

64 Average retirement age of men

63
62
61
60 2004
59
2008
58
57

64 Average retirement age of women

63
62
61
60 2004
59
2008
58
57

The given column graphs compare the retirement age of males and females in six countries
in 2004 and 2008. Overall, the retirement age increased in all countries with the exception of
Italy, among men, and France, among women, where it remained the same in the given
years.

The Danish men and women retired at the ages of 60 and 59 respectively in 2004, but in 2008
they both retired at the age of 61. The average age of retirement for both genders was the
lowest in France, with the men retiring at the age of 58 in 2004 and at 59 in 2008. Women
retired at the age of 58 in both the given years. The Italian men retired at 60 years in 2004 as
well as 2008, whereas women retired at a younger age in both the years as compared to men.
The age of retirement for women was 58 in 2004 and 59 in 2008. A similar trend in retirement
ages was seen among the Dutch, Swede and British males and females with the increase of
one year in each case in 2008 as compared to 2004.

To conclude, a striking feature of the graph is that the retirement age for both sexes was the
highest in Sweden in comparison with all other given countries.

13 www.makkarielts.com
14. The graph below shows the percentage of dependents in 2000 and the predicted
figures in 2050 in five countries, and also gives the world average. Summarise the
information by selecting and reporting the main figures and make comparisons where
relevant.

60 Percentage of dependents*

50

40

2000
% 30
2050

20

10

0
World average India Indonesia China Korea Japan

(Dependents: Children below 15 or adults above 65)

The given column graph illustrates the percentage of dependents (children below 15 or
adults above 65) in five countries in 2000 and also gives projections for 2050. It also depicts
the world average in the given two years.

In 2000, India had the maximum percentage of dependents (38%), with Japan, Indonesia and
China following closely behind with around 34% of dependents. Korea had the least
percentage of reliant people (22%). The overall world population of children below 15 and
adults over 65 was 25%.

Looking into the future, an increase in the population of dependents is predicted for
Indonesia, Korea, China and Japan. In contrast, in India the needy population is thought to
fall from 38% to 32%. In Korea the population is expected to double by 2050, from 22% to
44%. Approximately 15% rise in such population is predicted for Japan, whereas China is
thought to show the least increase (2%). The world average of the dependents is expected to
go up from about 25% to nearly 42%.

Overall, the percentage of dependents is expected to decrease in India whereas in other four
countries it is projected to increase.
(Note the language for the future and the synonyms for dependents)

14 www.makkarielts.com
15. The chart shows the information relating to people within 15-minute drive service in a
particular region in UK. It also compares the people living in urban areas and people
living in rural areas. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information
given below.

People within 15 minute drive service

Doctor

Post office

People living in urban areas

Primary school
People living in rural areas

Secondary school

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
% of people

The given bar graph compares the access to medical, educational and postal services by the
city and countryside people in a specific region in the United Kingdom. Overall, it can be
seen that almost all urban people are within fifteen-minute drive to all these mentioned
services.

Cent-percent urban and rural people have access to medical facilities. They are all within
fifteen minutes drive to a doctor. Similarly, secondary school can be reached within 15
minutes by all residents of villages and cities. All city people have a post office in their
propinquity. However, five per cent of villagers have to drive more than fifteen minutes to
avail postal services. The biggest discrepancy lies in primary school facilities. Only sixty five
percent of villagers have a primary school within a quarter of an hour drive, where as the
remaining, approximately, one third inhabitants of countryside have to drive their children
to far-off schools.

Overall, the rural and urban communities have similar access to medical, postal and
secondary school facilities but only about a third of villagers do not live close to a primary
school.

15 www.makkarielts.com
16. The graph below shows the percentage of adults according to age and gender who do
not do any physical activity in Australia. Summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

60

50
Percentage

40

30
Males
20
Females
10

0
15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+
Age groups

The given column graph compares the percentage of men and women of seven different age
groups who lead a sedentary life in Australia. It can be clearly seen that except for the 45 to
64 year olds, all other age groups have more females than males who do not do much
physical activity.

The 15-24 year age group is the most active with only about 14 and 17 % men and women
respectively who don’t do much physical activity. The 25-34 age group has a little more
percentage of people following a leisurely way of life. As age advances the percentage of
easy-going men and women also is seen to be on the rise, with the exception of the 65-74 age
group. Surprisingly, in this age group the number of males and females doing no physical
activity is lesser than that of the 55-64 age group. However, the 75+ age group has the
maximum number of both genders doing no physical work.

Overall it is clear that as age goes up more and more people start leading physically inactive
lives except for the 65-74 year olds, and in most age groups more females than males lead
sedentary lives.

16 www.makkarielts.com
17. The graph below shows the result of a survey of young people in four European
countries on the most effective solution of global warming. Summarise the
information making comparisons where relevant.

60
percentage of young people

50
40
Lifestyle changes
30
Government regulations
20
10 Environmental issues

0 None of these

The given column graph elucidates the outcome of a survey as to the best solution of global
warming among the people of four European countries, which are Portugal, Spain, Italy and
the Netherlands. It is clear from the graph that lifestyle changes were rated as the best
solution by the maximum youth of all the countries.

50% of the Portuguese young people rated lifestyle changes as the best solution for global
warming. Government regulations and environmental issues were considered the best ways
to solve global warming by 20% and 17% respectively. The maximum Spanish young
generation also was of the view that lifestyle changes were the most effective solution but
their percentage was lesser than that of the Portuguese in this respect. 17% and 20% young
people of Spain rated government issues and environmental factors as the best solution. The
overall trend of the Spanish, the Italian and the Dutch youth was the same for all the factors
with minor differences in percentage.

Overall, only a small minority of the youth of all the countries opined that none of these
factors could help reduce global warming.

17 www.makkarielts.com
18. The graph below shows the way in which men and women used the Internet in
Canada in 2000. Summarise the information making comparisons where relevant.

% of male and female internet users (15-24 age group)

71
e-mail
70

61
Goods and services
71

48
Chat rooms
50
Females
58 Males
Games
64

38
Online shopping
28

9
Research and education
13

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

The given bar graph compares the percentage of males and females, of 15-24 age group, who
used the Internet for various purposes in Canada in 2000. It is manifest from the graph that
the least percentage of both genders used the Internet for research and education.

It is clear from the graph that the maximum number of men used the Internet for goods and
services (71%). The second most popular use among the males was for sending e-mails
(70%). A slightly higher percentage of women (71%) used the Internet for e-mails. However,
a significantly lesser percentage (61%) of women used the Internet for goods and services.

Chat rooms were almost equally popular among both genders with 50% males and 48%
females using the internet for this purpose respectively. Online shopping was more popular
among women. 38% women used the net for this purpose and only 28% men used the
Internet for online shopping.

Games were slightly more popular among males (64%) than females (58%). Research and
education was the least popular activity among both men and women. 9% women and 13 %
men used the Internet for this purpose.

Overall, it can be seen that women were ahead of men in using the internet for e-mailing and
online shopping. In all other given activities, males superseded women.

18 www.makkarielts.com
19. The graph below shows the number of trips made by children in one country to travel
to and from school in 1990 and 2010 using various modes of transport. Summarise the
information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons
where relevant.

Travel to and from school by children aged 5-12

14
Number of trips made by
children in million per

12

10

8
year

6
1990

4 2010
2

0
car walking cycling bus & bus
walking
The given column graph illustrates the number of trips made by children in two separate
years, which are 1990 and 2010 in a particular country. The vertical axis represents the
number of trips in million per year and the horizontal stands for the different modes of
transport like bus, car, walking, bicycle and, bus and walking together.

In 1990, the trips made by bus were dramatically higher than by other modes. About 12
million trips were made by bus, which was two times more than those made by walking and
cycling each, and three times more than those made by car. About 7 million trips were made
by bus and walking together.

Two decades later, in 2010, the car trips superseded all other modes and became
approximately 12.5 million, an increase of 8.5 million from the figures of 1990. The bus trips
decreased to half and became 6 million. Trips made by bus and walking together also
decreased by 1 million from the figures of 1990. Trips made on foot also decreased from 6 to
3 million and those made by cycling reduced to 2 million.

On the whole, the column graph shows that bus was the most popular form of transport to
go to and from school for children in 1990. However, in 2010, the car became the most
popular mode.

19 www.makkarielts.com
20. The bar chart below shows the average hours of housework done by women
(unemployed, part time employed and full time employed) and full-time working
men. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and

8 Time spent by people on housework

7 Women with no
6 employment
5 Women with part time
4 employment
3 Women with full time
2 employment
1 Men with full time
0 employment
1985 1995 2005
make comparisons where relevant.

The given column graph illustrates the average time spent by men and women at different
levels of employment on household chores over a period of two decades. It can be clearly
seen that full time employed men spent the least amount of time on housework.

Women with no employment spent the maximum time on housework in the three given
years. They spent 7 hours per day in 1985 and 2005 and 6.5 hours a day in 1995. A little less
time was spent by part time employed women. They spent 5.5, 5 and 6 hours per day on
household chores in 1985, 1995 and 2005 respectively. Women with full time employment
spent lesser time on domestic work than the other two categories of women. They spent 2
hours per day in 1985; 1.5 hours per day in 1995 and 2.5 hours/day in 2005. Full time
employed men spent one hour per day in 1985 and 1995 and 1.5 hours per day in 2005. No
data is given for the unemployed men and men with part time employment.

Overall, it can be seen that full time employed women spent lesser time in household chores
than unemployed and part-time employed women, but still they worked more than their
male counterparts.

20 www.makkarielts.com
21. The graph below shows the cinema attendance of people on different days of the
week in 2003, 2005 and 2007. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting
the main features and make comparison where relevant.

30 Percentage of people going to cinemas

25
20
% 15 2003
10 2005
5 2007
0

The given column graph depicts the percentage of people going to the cinemas on different
days of the week, in 2003, 2005 and 2007. It is manifest from the graph that more people
attended cinemas on weekends than on weekdays.

There was not much variation in the given three years in cinema attendance. In all the three
years, which are 2003, 2005 and 2007, nearly 10% of people frequented the cinemas from
Tuesdays to Thursdays. The least number of people viewed cinema on Mondays. This
percentage was 7.5%, 6.5% and 5% in all the years respectively. A little over 15% watched the
cinemas on Fridays, in all the three given years. On Saturdays and Sundays the cinema halls
were flooded with people as over 25% and 20% went for viewing films on these two days
respectively.

Overall, the number of people going to the cinemas grew slightly on Saturdays and the
number frequenting cinemas on Mondays fell slowly over the given years.

21 www.makkarielts.com
22. The following graphs depict the reliability of print and non-print academic materials
as voiced by undergraduates and postgraduates at 3 different British universities.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make
comparisons where relevant.

Print
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% Under-graduates
40%
Post -graduates
30%
20%
10%
0%
University of University of University of
Oxford Cambridge Leeds

100% Non Print

90%
80%
70%
60%
50% Under-graduates
40%
Post -graduates
30%
20%
10%
0%
University of University of University of
Oxford Cambridge Leeds

The two charts compare the views of undergraduate and postgraduate students from 3
different British schools on the reliability of print and non-print academic resources. In all
the three given universities, students feel printed materials to be more reliable than the non-
print materials.

75% of undergraduate students at Cambridge and 80% of undergraduate students at both

Oxford and Leeds rate printed material ‘reliable’. However, postgraduates support printed
materials in strengths of 92% at Oxford, 87% at Cambridge and 96% at Leeds. Thus, more
postgraduates than undergraduates rate printed material reliable at these 3 schools.

However, this trend is reversed for non-print academic sources. Only 59% at Oxford, 63% at
Cambridge and 61% at Leeds support non-printed materials among the under
graduates. The proportion of postgraduates who feel positive about non-printed academic
items are 50%, 54% and 47% respectively, for the same 3 schools.

The charts depict that postgraduates find printed material more dependable and under-
graduates find non-printed material more reliable.

22 www.makkarielts.com
23. The graph below shows the average calorie intake per person in eight countries in
2003. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and
make comparisons where relevant.

Average calorie Intake in 2003

4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0

The given column graph compares the average calorie intake of eight different countries in
2003. It is manifest from the graph that the highest calorie intake per person was in the USA,
whereas the least was in Indonesia in the given year.

The country with the highest caloric intake was the United States, with a staggering 3350
calories consumed per day on average. Not far behind was New Zealand, where people
consumed about 3200 calories per day during the year in question. Intakes for Spain and
Mexico were slightly higher than 2500 calories per day. On the lower side of the spectrum
were countries like China, at 2200 daily calories, India, at 2100 daily calories, and Somalia
and Indonesia, both at roughly 1800 calories per day. When comparing the highest and the
lowest values, Americans had the highest calorie intake and Indonesians had the least calorie
intake.

Overall, it can be seen that consumption for all countries varied between 1800 and 3350
calories per day.

23 www.makkarielts.com
24. The chart below illustrates the result of a British survey on the types of houses people
liked, taken in 2005. Summarise the information given below and make comparisons
where relevant.

70% Housing preferences in the UK (2005)

60%

50%

40%
London

30% Oxford
Cambridge
20%

10%

0%
Flats Terraced houses Detached houses Semi-detached
houses

The given column graph illustrates housing preferences among people who lived in the
British cities of London, Oxford and Cambridge in the year 2005. Four types of houses are
mentioned, such as flats, terraced houses, detached houses and semi-detached houses.

58% of Londoners listed ‘flats’ as their preferred living arrangement, a number much higher
than its Oxford and Cambridge counterparts, at 29% and 20% respectively. Fondness of
terraced housing was roughly equal between the three cities, all of which showed figures
within the 16% to 19% range. However, a stark difference was seen among the figures
representing people who preferred detached houses, with London at 9%, Oxford at 25% and
Cambridge at 36%. 17% of people living in London in 2005 preferred semi-detached style of
housing. Oxford and Cambridge, however, both had figures of 27%.

Overall, people of London preferred flats and the people of Cambridge preferred detached
houses.

24 www.makkarielts.com
25. The following graphs illustrate electronic gaming trends in South Korea in 2006. The
first outlines gamer age groups and gender demographics. The second indicates game
type preference. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main
features and make comparisons where relevant.

40
% of total gamers

30

20
Male
10
Female
0
<12 13-19 20-29 30+
Age

60
% preference among all

50
40
30
20
gamers

10
0

Type of games

The given bar charts illustrate the trends of electronic gaming in South Korea in 2006. The
first graph gives information about gamers’ age and gender, and the second compares
gamers’ preferences for different types of games.

The first graph shows that there were more male gamers than female gamers in every single
age group. Nearly half of all gamers (45%) were aged between 20 and 29 years, of which 35%
were males and 10% were females. The second largest age group was of the 13 to 19 year
olds, which made up 26% of all gamers. 14% gamers were younger than 12 years and15%
gamers were older than 30 years.

According to the second diagram around 50% of gamers rated role-playing games the most
popular in marked contrast to simulation, which was liked by only 10%. Other games, which
did not fit into the given four categories, had the least popularity. The preferences for
strategy/turn based and action games, on the other hand, were almost similar. Just a little
more than 20% of gamers preferred the former, where approximately 17% favoured the
latter.

From the bar graphs, one can conclude that far more males than females played electronic
games, and role-playing was the top choice for game type in Korea, in 2006.

25 www.makkarielts.com
26. The bar graph below outlines literacy rates for a number of nations in 2004. Write a
report for a university lecturer describing the information shown here.

Worldwide Literacy Rates in 2004

120.00%

100.00%

80.00%

60.00%

40.00%

20.00%

0.00%

The given column graph illustrates the various literacy levels of a handful of countries
around the world in 2004. The countries are plotted on the x-axis, whereas the literacy rate
on the y-axis.

According to the graph, Georgians and Slovakians, with literacy rates of 100% were the most
literate in the list for this time period. Israel ranked the third most literate, with roughly 97%
literacy rate. Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, Qatar, Brazil, Peru and Turkey appeared to share
an almost identical literacy rate of 88%. Literacy in Syria in 2004 was slightly lower, at 80%,
while Tunisia and Cambodia had a literacy rate of slightly below 70%. Haiti, at 62%,
Pakistan, at less than 50% had fairly lesser literacy rates than the countries mentioned earlier.
Sierra Leone, at 35%, made up the least literate country among the given countrie.

Overall, eleven of the countries given in the graph had a literacy rate of 80% or above
literacy rate in 2004.

26 www.makkarielts.com
27. The graph below outlines paper and plastic cup production at a factory over the
period of one year. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main
features and make comparisons where relevant.

2000000
1800000
1600000
1400000
1200000
1000000
Paper
800000
600000 Plastic

400000
200000
0

The given column graph shows the production of paper and plastic cups over the course of
one year. No obvious correlation between the manufacturing levels of each cup type can be
seen in the graph.

In January and March, about 1.1 million paper cups are manufactured. In between these two
months the figure peaks at roughly 1.7 million in February and 1.8 million in April. 1.2
million paper cups are manufactured in May, June and July. After that there is a gradual
decrease and by September, the production reaches 1 million cups. This number jumps to
approximately 1.5 million units in October. Paper cup levels finish the year at slightly less
than 1.2 million.

Plastic cups commence the year at 1.2 million units. Throughout the year there are
fluctuations. The months of February, April, June, August, September and December all
hover at roughly a million finished products each. Between these months, however,
production values rise to varying levels, the highest of these being in July at 1.75 million

Overall, fluctuations are seen in the production of paper and plastic cups all over the year.
The least production of both is seen in September.

27 www.makkarielts.com
28. The two bar charts show the proportion of 14-16 year-old students studying a modern
foreign language in an English speaking country, and the top three popular foreign
languages. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features,
and make comparisons where relevant.

Percentage of students who studied a foreign language

60
50
40
Girls
30
20 Boys
10
0
1984 2007

Top 3 languages studied by students

60
50
40 French
30
German
20
10 Spanish

0
1984 2007

The given column graphs illustrate the percentage of boys and girls of 14-16 year age group
studying foreign languages, and the top three foreign languages opted by those children of
an English speaking country. It is clear that more girls than boys studied foreign languages,
and French was the most popular out of the three given languages.

Just-under 50% girls and 30% boys studied foreign languages in 1984. This number fell
among both genders and in 2007 40% girls and approximately 25% boys were studying
foreign languages.

In 1994, French was the most popular language and was studied by 50% students. The
percentage of students studying French nearly halved and became about 25% by 2007.
German also lost popularity as the proportion of students studying German fell from 20% to
15% over the given period. Spanish was the least popular language in the given two years,
but surprisingly it is the only language whose popularity grew over time. In 1984, 5%
students studied Spanish but 10% opted for Spanish in 2007.

Overall, there were maximum French learners and the minimum Spanish learners in the
given years.

28 www.makkarielts.com
29. The graph below shows the number of magazines sold in 5 different countries in 2005
and 2015. A prediction for 2025 is also given. Summarise the information by selecting
and reporting the main points and make comparisons where relevant.

45
40
Magazines sold in 000s

35
30
2005
25
20 2015
15 2025
10
5
0
France US UK Italy Spain

The given column graph depicts the number of magazines sold in five countries from 2005 to
2015, with a prediction till 2025. It is clear from the graph that in France and the UK, the
number of magazines sold decreased from 2005 to 2015 and are predicted to decrease in the
future also. However, in the US, Italy and Spain the number of magazines sold increased
from 2005 to 2015, but a decrease in sales is predicted for 2025.

The French were the most ardent magazine readers and are projected to remain so till 2025.
40,000 magazines were sold in France in 2005 but this number fell to approximately 37,500
by 2015 and is predicted to fall further by 2025 and reach 35,000. The number of magazines
sold in the UK was far less than those sold in France, but the trend was identical. 22,000
magazines were sold in the UK in 2005 but by 2025 the number is forecast to fall to 18,000.

The least number of magazines (5,000) were sold in Spain in 2005, and after a slight rise in
2015 the number is again predicted to reach 5,000 by 2025. In the US, the second highest
number of magazines was sold in 2005 but here again the number is expected to fall to 25,000
by 2025. The most striking prediction is for Italy. The number of magazines sold were 15,000
in 2005, 20,000 in 2015 but are predicted to fall to 1,000 by 2025.

Overall, the French magazines were sold the most, whereas the Spanish magazines were
sold the least, and this trend is expected to remain so by 2025.

29 www.makkarielts.com