The chart below shows the Japan’s population by age groups starting in 1960 and including a forecast to 2040.
Sample Response
The line graph illustrates the percentage of the Japanese population in different age groups from 1960 until now, and projections for the year 2040.
Overall, the percentages of people aged 0–14 and 15–64 followthe percentage of people aged 0-14 and 15-64 follows downward trends over the period shown. By contrast,The opposite trend, however, can be seen in the percentage of peoplethose aged 65 and over.
Starting at about 65% in 1960, the proportion of people aged 15–64the proportion of people between 15 and 64 years old fluctuated between about 65% and 70% over the next 40 yearshovered during the next 40 years before falling to around 60% in 20202018. This figure is predicted to fallis predicted to experience a fall to about 5352% by 2030, before finally constitutingand finally will constitute around 55% of Japan's total populationaround 55% of the total population of Japan in 2040. The figure for those aged 0–14The figures for those aged 0-14 follow a somewhat similar pattern, beginning at 30%which began at 30% in 1960 and is projectedestimated to drop to about 10% by 2040.
In contrast, the percentage of Japanese people aged 65 and overabove was only 5% in 1960. However, the figure increased significantlythe figures witnessed a significant increase to about 28% in 2020just under 30% in 2018, and by 2040, it is forecast that approximately 35% of Japan’s population will fall into this age group.
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response gives a clear overview of the contrasting age-group trends and supports it with well-selected, largely accurate figures through 2040. The main weakness is some imprecision around dates and the early fluctuations, alongside a few awkward word choices. Improve by distinguishing observed years from forecasts exactly and briefly noting the initial variation before the later sustained changes.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
A clear overview and accurate key figures cover all three groups, though some intermediate fluctuations and dates are simplified or imprecise.
Refer to the chart’s exact years and mention the early rise or fluctuation in the two younger age groups before describing their later declines.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response progresses logically from overview to the two declining groups and then the growing older population, with effective paragraphing.
Make the chronology even smoother by linking each forecast directly to the last observed data point.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and generally precise, although expressions such as ‘the figures witnessed’ and repeated uses of ‘percentage’ are occasionally awkward.
Use natural data-reporting collocations such as ‘the proportion rose’ and vary references with ‘share’ or ‘age group’ where appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A range of complex structures is handled accurately, with only occasional awkward agreement, word order, or construction choices.
Refine sentences such as the overview and forecast statements so compound subjects and adverb placement are fully natural.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The chart below shows the Japan’s population by age groups starting in 1960 and including a forecast to 2040.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.