The chart below gives information about the UK’s ageing population in 1985 and makes predictions for 2035.
Sample Response
The graph shows how the size and distribution of the UK’s ageing population is likely to change over a 50-year period.
Overall, the proportions are predicted to increase in all UK countries. In 1985, 15 per cent of the UK population was over 65, but by 2035, this will account for 23 per cent of the total population.
A closer look at the data reveals that the ageing population is expected to rise more in some parts of the UK than in other. In 1985, Wales had the highest percentage of people aged 65 and over, at 16 per cent. The second-largest group could be found in England and the third in Scotland. Northern Ireland had lowest proportion, with 12 per cent aged 65 and over.
By 2035, Wales is still going to have by far the greatest percentage of over 65s, with figures likely to reach 26 per cent. However, the biggest increases in this age group, relative to the rest of the population, are predicted to occur in Northern Ireland and Scotland. In Northern Ireland, for example, this figure will increase almost double to 23 per cent.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Name the chart measure Original: the size and distribution of the UK’s ageing population Suggested revision: the proportion of people aged 65 and over across the UK Why it matters: The chart compares percentages across countries rather than the population’s absolute size.
- 2. Specify the group Original: all UK countries Suggested revision: all four UK countries Why it matters: Adding the number makes the scope of the comparison explicit.
- 3. Clarify the reference Original: this will account for 23 per cent of the total population Suggested revision: this figure is predicted to rise to 23 per cent Why it matters: The revision makes the numerical reference clearer and maintains the prediction framing.
- 4. Use plural pronoun Original: other Suggested revision: others Why it matters: “Others” is required when referring to the remaining parts of the UK without a following noun.
- 5. Add definite article Original: had lowest proportion Suggested revision: had the lowest proportion Why it matters: The superlative “lowest” requires the definite article here.
- 6. Use formal projection Original: going Suggested revision: projected Why it matters: “Projected” is more appropriate for describing forecast chart data.
- 7. Fix singular reference Original: with figures likely to reach Suggested revision: with the figure likely to reach Why it matters: Only one percentage for Wales is being described, so a singular noun is needed.
- 8. Correct verb placement Original: this figure will increase almost double Suggested revision: this figure will almost double Why it matters: “Almost double” functions as the verb phrase and should not follow “increase.”
- 9. Sentence rewrite Original: The second-largest group could be found in England and the third in Scotland. Suggested revision: The second-highest proportion was recorded in England, followed by Scotland. Why it matters: The chart compares proportions rather than population groups, and the revision states the ranking precisely.
- 10. Complete the forecast comparison Suggested revision: Include the 2035 figures for England and Scotland so the final-country comparison is more complete. Why it matters: The paragraph reports Wales and Northern Ireland but omits two forecast values shown in the chart.
Suggested Rewrites
- the size and distribution of the UK’s ageing population the proportion of people aged 65 and over across the UK
- all UK countries all four UK countries
- this will account for 23 per cent of the total population this figure is predicted to rise to 23 per cent
- other others
- had lowest proportion had the lowest proportion
- going projected
Why this response received Band 7.5
The response is well organized and accurately identifies the overall rise, the leading position of Wales, and the largest projected increases. Its main limitation is that the 2035 comparison is selective, leaving England and Scotland without exact final figures. Add a concise comparison of all four countries in the projected year while correcting the few article and comparison-form errors.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The overview and principal comparisons are accurate and relevant, though the projected figures for England and Scotland are not fully reported.
Complete the 2035 comparison by noting England at about 23% and Scotland at about 25%, alongside Wales and Northern Ireland.
Coherence and Cohesion
Information is sequenced clearly through an introduction, overview, and two focused detail paragraphs with effective progression.
Keep the same structure while making the final paragraph's country comparisons slightly more parallel and concise.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and precise enough for the task, with only occasional awkward choices such as the second-largest group.
Prefer exact comparative phrasing such as the second-highest proportion and the other countries.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of structures is generally well controlled, although several local errors occur with articles and comparison forms.
Correct forms such as in other to in others, add the in the lowest proportion, and write almost double or increase to almost twice its level.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The chart below gives information about the UK’s ageing population in 1985 and makes predictions for 2035.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.