Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Proportion of elderly population in Canada, Germany and the UK

The table below shows information and predictions regarding the change in the percentage of the population aged 65 and above in three countries.

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

Percentage of population aged 65 and above in Canada, Germany, and the UK

Country	1988	2000	2030
Canada	16%	21%	26%
Germany	20%	25%	30%
UK	14%	15%	20%

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 table illustrates the historical data and future projections for the percentage of the population aged 65 and over in Canada, Germany, and the UK between 1988 and 2030.

Overall, it is clear that the elderly population is set to increase in all three nations. Germany is expected to remain the country with the highest proportion of older citizens, while the UK consistently records the lowest figures across the observed timeframe.

In 1988, Germany had the largest elderly population at 20%, followed by Canada at 16% and the UK at 14%. By 2000, these figures rose to 25%, 21%, and 15% respectively. Notably, the growth in the UK was relatively stagnant during this initial twelve-year period, increasing by only one percentage point, whereas Canada and Germany both saw a five-percentage-point rise.

Looking ahead to 2030, the upward trend is predicted to continue for all three countries. Germany is forecast to reach 30%, maintaining its position as the country with the oldest demographic. Canada is expected to follow with 26%, while the UK is projected to see a more significant increase compared to its previous growth rate, reaching 20% of its total population.

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

How to write about tables

Tables hide the trend: find the highest, lowest and biggest change yourself.
Select; do not list every cell.
Organise paragraphs by row or by column, whichever gives the clearer comparison.

proportion: a part or share of a whole number
projected: estimated based on current trends and data
stagnant: showing little or no growth or activity
upward trend: a general direction in which something is increasing
demographic: a particular sector of a population
forecast: a prediction of future events or trends

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The proportion of the population aged 65 and above is projected to rise in all three countries, with Germany consistently maintaining the highest percentage throughout the period.

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 tables?

Tables hide the trend: find the highest, lowest and biggest change yourself. Select; do not list every cell. Organise paragraphs by row or by column, whichever gives the clearer comparison.