Academic Writing Task 1 · line graph

Japan's population distribution by age group from 1960 to 2040

The chart below shows Japan's population by age group starting in 1960 and includes a forecast for 2040.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Japan's population by age group (1960-2040) (%)

0-14
25-64
65+

View the data

	1960	1970	1980	1990	2000	2010	2020	2030	2040
0-14	30	35	28	29	20	18	15	12	10
25-64	65	70	68	70	68	65	60	55	57
65+	5	5	10	11	15	25	30	30	35

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Band 8 sample answer

The line graph illustrates the demographic changes in Japan across three age groups from 1960, with projections extending to 2040. Overall, the proportion of the working-age population (25-64) has remained the largest throughout the period, while the elderly population (65+) has experienced a dramatic upward trend, contrasting with the decline in the youngest age group (0-14).

In 1960, the 25-64 age group accounted for 65% of the population, peaking at 70% in 1970 and 1990. However, this figure is projected to decline to 57% by 2040. Conversely, the 65+ demographic started at a mere 5% in 1960 and remained stable until 1970. From 1980 onwards, this group began a steady climb, reaching 30% by 2020 and is forecast to reach 35% by 2040, overtaking the 0-14 age group.

The 0-14 age group, which stood at 30% in 1960, experienced a brief peak of 35% in 1970 before entering a long-term downward trend. By 2000, it had fallen to 20%, and it is expected to continue its decline, reaching a low of 10% by 2040. This highlights a clear ageing trend in Japan's population structure.

184 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

How to write about line graphs

Overview first: the overall direction of each line and which was highest.
Group lines that move together instead of describing each one in turn.
Give the start and end figures plus the peak or low point, not every value.

demographic: relating to the structure of human populations
upward trend: a general direction in which something is increasing
proportion: a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation
forecast: a prediction of future events or trends
overtaking: catching up with and passing while in motion
downward trend: a general direction in which something is decreasing

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The chart illustrates a significant shift in Japan's demographics, characterised by a shrinking proportion of young people and a substantial, continuous rise in the elderly population.

How long should an IELTS Task 1 answer be?

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How do I describe line graphs?

Overview first: the overall direction of each line and which was highest. Group lines that move together instead of describing each one in turn. Give the start and end figures plus the peak or low point, not every value.