The diagram below illustrates the UK immigration, emigration and net migration during 10 years from 1999 to 2008.
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Sample Response
The line and bar chart illustratesdiagram represents how immigration, emigration and net migration changed during the period from 1999 to 2008.
In general, the number of both immigrants and emigrants rose continuously while the figure for net migration experienced fluctuations over the yearsover years. Notably, each year, there were more people choosing to immigrate rather than emigrate.
To be more specific, starting from roughly 450400,000 in 1999, the figure for immigration witnessed a gradual growth to about 510,000 in the next three years. That number remained stable for a year and then soared to almost 600,000 in 2004. For8For the following four years until 2008, slight fluctuations could be seen, ranging between 570,000 and 600,000.can be seen, ranging from 580,000 to 600,000.
With regard to emigration, the trend was quite similar to that of immigration, except for the years 2004, 2007 and 2008. Before 2004, the number of migrants was higher than that of emigrantsemigrates, with a relatively stable gapwith relatively stabilized gap of 160,000 for every single year. However, in 2004, fewer people decideddecicided to emigrate, which means that net migrationemigration went up dramatically to about 250,000. BesidesBeisdes, it can be seen that emigration dipped slightly to around 340,000 in 2007figures for emigration plummeted to 330,000 in 2007 and then rebounded to a higher level at 430,000 in the following year. This16This explains why net emigration in 2007 (approximately 240,000) reached its second highest peakachieved the second highest peak during this 10-year period.
Why this response received Band 6.5
The response presents a clear overview and effectively structures the comparison of migration trends over the ten-year period. However, the report suffers from inaccurate data reporting and repeated mislabelling of net migration as net emigration, which distorts key features. To improve, double-check numerical starting points against the chart axes and ensure precise domain terminology is maintained throughout.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
A clear overview highlights general trends, but key figures contain inaccuracies and net migration is incorrectly described as net emigration.
Verify data points carefully against axis values and use accurate terms like net migration to represent data faithfully.
Coherence and Cohesion
Information is arranged logically into well-defined paragraphs with clear overall progression throughout the report.
Ensure transitions between paragraph details flow smoothly without abrupt shifts when explaining specific years.
Lexical Resource
A good range of vocabulary is demonstrated, though minor spelling mistakes and incorrect word forms occur occasionally.
Review precise word forms such as emigrants rather than emigrates to maintain formal academic control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A mix of simple and complex structures is used with good general control, despite a few minor typographical errors.
Proofread the final draft carefully to eliminate stray numbers and minor punctuation slips.