Academic Writing Task 1 · mixed chart

Trends in Japan's total population and elderly demographic from 1950 to 2055

The chart and table below give information about population figures in Japan.

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

Japan's population: past, present and future trends (millions)

View the data

	1950	1955	1960	1965	1970	1975	1980	1985	1990	1995	2000	2005	2010	2015	2035	2055
population	84.1	90	94.3	99.2	104.5	111.9	117	121	123.6	125.5	126.9	127.8	127.1	125.4	110	89.9

Population aged 65 years or over

Year	Population aged 65 years or over (millions)	Percentage of total population aged 65 years or over
1950	4.1	4.9%
2005	25.7	20.0%
2035	37.2	34.0%
2055	36.5	41.0%

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 bar chart illustrates the total population of Japan between 1950 and 2055, while the table provides specific data regarding the elderly population aged 65 and over for selected years.

Overall, Japan experienced steady population growth for over half a century, reaching a peak of 127.8 million in 2005. Following this, the total population began a downward trend, which is forecast to accelerate, dropping to 89.9 million by 2055. Conversely, the elderly demographic shows a consistent upward trajectory in terms of percentage share.

In 1950, the population stood at 84.1 million, with only 4.1 million people (4.9%) aged 65 or over. By 2005, the total population had grown to 127.8 million, and the number of elderly citizens had increased more than sixfold to 25.7 million, representing 20% of the total.

Looking ahead, the figures indicate a demographic shift. By 2035, the total population is expected to fall to 110 million, while the elderly population will reach a peak of 37.2 million, accounting for 34% of the total. By 2055, although the number of elderly people will slightly decrease to 36.5 million, they will constitute 41% of the total population, highlighting a significant ageing trend.

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

How to write about mixed charts

Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals.
Give each visual its own detail paragraph.
Point out where one chart explains the other.

trajectory: the path followed by a trend over time
accelerate: to increase the speed of a process
constitute: to be a part of a whole
demographic: a particular sector of a population
upward: moving or directed towards a higher level
proportion: a part or share in relation to whole

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While Japan's total population is projected to decline significantly after peaking in 2005, the proportion of elderly citizens is expected to rise sharply 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 mixed charts?

Write one overview sentence that links the two visuals. Give each visual its own detail paragraph. Point out where one chart explains the other.