The line chart shows exports in billions of dollars.
The line chart details exports from Australia to Japan, the United States, China, and India from 1990 to 2012. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that total exports to India and particularly China rose, while US and Japanese exports declined. By the end of the period, Chinese exports had become most common, followed by Japanese, American, and finally Indian ones.
The figure for Japan began the period significantly higher than other nations at over 26% before a sharp decline over the next 5 years to around 20% and a more minimal downward trend until 2012 to finish at near 17%. In marked contrast, China in 1990 only received 3% of exports and this figure grew exponentially, especially after the year 2000 and reached a peak of 28% in 2012.
The data for the United States fluctuated around 10% until 2000, then declined and recovered slightly to finish the time surveyed at 6% Similarly, Indian exports stood at around 1% for the first ten years detailed, actually overtook the United States with 7% in 2010 and then ended the period slightly lower than the USA.
Analysis
1. The line chart details exports from Australia to Japan, the United States, China, and India from 1990 to 2012. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that total exports to India and particularly China rose, while US and Japanese exports declined. 3. By the end of the period, Chinese exports had become most common, followed by Japanese, American, and finally Indian ones.
Paraphrase what the table shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need another sentence for your overview.
1. The figure for Japan began the period significantly higher than other nations at over $26% before a sharp decline over the next 5 years to around $20% and a more minimal downward trend until 2012 to finish at near $17%. 2. In marked contrast, China in 1990 only received $3% of exports and this figure grew exponentially, especially after the year 2000 and reached a peak of $28% in 2012.
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
1. The data for the United States fluctuated around $10% until 2000, then declined and recovered slightly to finish the time surveyed at $6%. 2. Similarly, Indian exports stood at around $1% for the first ten years detailed, actually overtook the United States with $7% in 2010 and then ended the period slightly lower than the USA.
Write about the final, other parts of the graph – include everything!
Compare the categories.
Don’t leave anything out!
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The line chart details exports from Australia to Japan, the United States, China, and India from 1990 to 2012. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that total exports to India and particularly China rose, while US and Japanese exports declined. By the end of the period, Chinese exports had become most common, followed by Japanese, American, and finally Indian ones.
The figure for Japan began the period significantly higher than other nations at over 26% before a sharp declineover the next 5 years toaround 20% and a more minimal downward trend until 2012 to finish at near 17 billion. In marked contrast, China in 1990 only received 3% in exports and this figure grew exponentially, especially after the year 2000 and reached a peak of 28% in 2012.
The data for the United States fluctuated around 10% until 2000, then dropped and recovered slightly to conclude the time surveyed at 6%. Similarly, Indian exports stood at around 1% for thefirst ten years detailed, actually overtook the United States with 7% in 2010, and then ended the period slightly lower than the USA.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
details shows
exports products sent out of a country to another country
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that total exports overall
particularly especially
declined decreased
By the end of the period at the end of the time shown
most common happened more often
followed by after that
finally in the end
figure data
period significantly time greatly
before prior to
sharp decline big fall
over the next 5 years toaround for the next 5 years hovering at about
more minimal downward trend going down slightly for a while
near close to
In marked contrast much different
received got
grew exponentially increased a lot
especially in particular
reached a peak of got to high point of
data figure
fluctuated around erratic near
until up to
dropped fell a lot
recovered slightly came back up a little
conclude the time surveyed finish the chart at
Similarly the same as
stood at was at
for thefirst ten years detailed the initial decade shown
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The line chart d_______s e_______s from Australia to Japan, the United States, China, and India from 1990 to 2012. L___________________________________________________________s to India and p__________y China rose, while US and Japanese exports d________d. B_________________________d, Chinese exports had become m_____________n, f_________________y Japanese, American, and finally Indian ones.
The f________e for Japan began the p___________d s________________y higher than other nations at over 26% b_______e a s____________eo________________________________d 20% and a m__________________________d until 2012 to finish at n_____r 17%. I______________________t, China in 1990 only r_________d 3% for exports and this figure g___________________y, e____________y after the year 2000 and r_____________________f 28% in 2012.
The d____a for the United States f__________________d 10% u______l 2000, then d________d and r____________________y to c___________________________d at 6%. S___________y, Indian exports s_____________t around 1% f_______________________________d, a_________________k the United States with 7% in 2010, and then e________d the period s_____________r than the USA.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas.
What problems can this cause?
How might these problems be reduced?
When standards of living increase, it is primarily urban residents, not those in the countryside, who benefit. In my opinion, this can lead to opposite problems related to population density and is best mitigated by governmental action.
Inequality in terms of standard of living engenders population problems for cities and rural regions. Cities have become over-populated in the last century as they offer a wider range of educational, occupational, and recreational options. Elevated population density means that although residents can enjoy a higher standard of living generally, they must also overcome concomitant effects from overcrowding such as more traffic, less sanitary conditions, and higher crime rates. The inverse problem exists outside cities as residents leave and locals struggle to earn a living in sparsely populated towns and villages.
These related problems can best be countered by the authorities. There are various initiatives that could be implemented. One real-world example of this would be in Japan where the government in recent years has addressed dwindling population numbers in the countryside by auctioning off country homes cheaply. Prospective home-owners are often able to buy houses nearly for free if they agree to live and work in a town with few residents. Another possible measure would be for governments to invest more in urban infrastructure. Since migrations to cities are likely inevitable, this is a more pragmatic tactic.
In conclusion, the inverse issues created for rural and urban areas by rising standards of living can be effectively controlled if governments intervene. This issue will only become more pressing as the global middle class continues to grow.
Analysis
1. When standards of living increase, it is primarily urban residents, not those in the countryside, who benefit. 2. In my opinion, this can lead to opposite problems related to population density and is best mitigated by governmental action.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Inequality in terms of standard of living engenders population problems for cities and rural regions. 2. Cities have become over-populated in the last century as they offer a wider range of educational, occupational, and recreational options. 3. Elevated population density means that although residents can enjoy a higher standard of living generally, they must also overcome concomitant effects from overcrowding such as more traffic, less sanitary conditions, and higher crime rates. 4. The inverse problem exists outside cities as residents leave and locals struggle to earn a living in sparsely populated towns and villages.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
1. These related problems can best be countered by the authorities. 2. There are various initiatives that could be implemented. 3. One real-world example of this would be in Japan where the government in recent years has addressed dwindling population numbers in the countryside by auctioning off country homes cheaply. 4. Prospective home-owners are often able to buy houses nearly for free if they agree to live and work in a town with few residents. 5. Another possible measure would be for governments to invest more in urban infrastructure. 6. Since migrations to cities are likely inevitable, this is a more pragmatic tactic.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
This paragraph can be longer than the other one.
1. In conclusion, the inverse issues created for rural and urban areas by rising standards of living can be effectively controlled if governments intervene. 2. This issue will only become more pressing as the global middle class continues to grow.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
When standards of living increase, it is primarily urban residents, not those in the countryside, who benefit. In my opinion, this can lead to opposite problems related to population density and is best mitigated by governmental action.
Inequality in terms of standard of livingengenders population problems for cities and rural regions. Cities have become over-populated in the last century as they offer a wider range of educational, occupational, and recreational options. Elevated population density means that although residents can enjoy a higher standard of living generally, they must also overcome concomitant effects from overcrowding such as more traffic, less sanitary conditions, and higher crime rates. The inverse problem exists outsidecities as residents leave and locals struggle to earn a living in sparsely populated towns and villages.
These related problems can best be countered by the authorities. There are various initiatives that could be implemented. One real-world example of this would be in Japan where the government in recent years has addressed dwindling population numbers in the countryside by auctioning off country homes cheaply. Prospective home-owners are often able to buy houses nearly for free if they agree to live and work in a town with few residents. Another possible measure would be for governments to invest more in urban infrastructure. Since migrations to cities are likely inevitable, this is a more pragmatic tactic.
In conclusion, the inverse issues created for rural and urban areas by rising standards of living can be effectively controlled if governments intervene. This issue will only become more pressing as the global middle class continues to grow.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
standards of living how well people live, quality of life
primarily urban residents mostly people living in cities
countryside rural areas, outside cities
benefit aid
lead to opposite problems create inverse issues
related to concerning
population density how many people in an area
best mitigated best dealt with
governmental action nations taking steps
inequality not being equal
in terms of standard of living when it comes to quality of life
engenders creates
rural regions the countryside
over-populated too many people living there
century 100 years
offer allow for
wider range more kinds of
educational related to learning
occupational related to work
recreational options related to free time
elevated population density more people living there
higher standard of living generally living better overall
overcome stronger than
concomitant related, caused by
traffic cars and bikes
less sanitary conditions not clean
higher crime rates more crime
inverse opposite
exists outsidecities is in the countryside
locals struggle people living there have a tough time
earn a living make money
sparsely populated towns and villages
countered by fixed by
authorities people in charge
various initiatives different efforts
implemented put into place
one real-world example of this would be an actual instance is
in recent years recently
addressed dwindling population numbers deal with fewer people there
auctioning off selling
cheaply not expensively
prospective home-owners people who want to own homes
agree feel the same way
another possible measure would be for a different fix is
invest put money into
urban infrastructure city roads, buildings, sewage, etc.
migrations people moving
inevitable will of course happen
more pragmatic tactic more realistic strategy
rising standards of living better quality of life
effectively controlled well handled
intervene step in
pressing important
global middle class people earning more money all around the world
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
When s_____________________g increase, it is p_____________________s, not those in the c_____________e, who b________t. In my opinion, this can l_______o o_______________________________o p________________y and is b________________d by g__________________n.
I_____________y i_____________f s____________________ge____________s population problems for cities and r______________s. Cities have become o_____________d in the last c_________y as they o______r a w________________e of e____________l, o______________l, and r____________________s. E________________________y means that although residents can enjoy a h_________________________y, they must also o__________e c___________t effects from overcrowding such as more t_______c, l_____________________________s, and h__________________s. The i_________e problem e______________________s as residents leave and l__________________e to e_______________g in s__________________________________s.
These related problems can best be c______________y the a_____________s. There are v_____________________s that could be i_______________d. O___________________________________e in Japan where the government i___________________s has a_____________________________________s in the countryside by a_______________f country homes c_________y. P_______________________s are often able to buy houses nearly for free if they a_____e to live and work in a town with few residents. A_______________________________r governments to i______t more in u_____________________e. Since m______________s to cities are likely i_____________e, this is a m____________________c.
In conclusion, the inverse issues created for rural and urban areas by r_______________________g can be e_______________________d if governments i____________e. This issue will only become more p________g as the g____________________s continues to grow.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Which city would you like to live in in the future?
Do most people in your country live in cities?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
In many cities, problems related to overpopulation are becoming more common. Some governments are now encouraging businesses and individuals to move out of cities to rural areas.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Studies show that crime rates are lower among those with educational degrees. Therefore, the best way to reduce the crime rate is to educate criminals while they are still in prison.
Some countries are struggling with increases in crime rates. Some believe that having more police on the streets is best way to reduce and combat crime.
Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.
Some Believe that nuclear weapons benefit the world at large.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Here is a preview of the essay – I took an interesting approach with the ideas in this one:
Some argue that the development of nuclear weapons has been, on level, a positive for the world. While I concede that their destructive power is a deterrent to large wars, they are nonetheless a net negative.
(Scroll to the bottom and there is a link to one of my Ebooks for free!)
Dave
IELTS Task 2 Writing Ebooks
Some people believe that violent media directly results in violent behavior.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?In the 20th century, contact between many different parts of the world has developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?Some people think it is better to have many short holidays during the year. Others believe it would be beneficial to have fewer, longer vacations.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.Many people today do not feel safe either at home or when they are out.
What are the causes?
What are the solutions?Nowadays, families are not as close as in the past and a lot of people have become used to this.
Why is this happening?
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the drawbacks?Computers are becoming increasingly pervasive in modern life. Some view this is as a positive while others feel it is negative overall.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures.
Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?There are different customs in different countries related to how people eat, dress, and so on. Some think that people visiting a country should behave according to customs of the country they visit.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Some people think that schools should not test and grade students. Others think that grades are important.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.Everyone should become vegetarians because they do not need to eat meat to have a healthy diet.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Computers today can quickly and accurately translate languages, therefore, it is a waste of time to learn a foreign language.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Some think that politicians should always be honest while others feel that there are times when they must lie.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.Many think intelligence is an innate quality. Others feel that intelligence can be improved throughlearning.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Libraries should focus resources of upgrading technological resources rather than preserving their physical collections.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Nowadays many countries are facing problemsrelated to waste disposal.
Why is this the case?
How can this issue be tackled?Many believe that reading books is a waste of time and children would be better served doing something more useful.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Many believe that living in a city offers greater benefits compared to life in the countryside.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Nowadays the differences between countries are becoming less evident because people follow the same media.
Do the advantage of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?Childhood obesity has become a serious problem in recent years.
What are the primary causes of this?
What measures should be taken to reduce childhood obesity?These days children spend a lot of time on devices playing games and watching shows. Some believe this is harmful for mental health.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Some people think that famous people can help international aid organizations to draw attention to important problems. Others believe that the celebrities can make the problems seem less important.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.Some people think that governments should spend more money on sports facilities for top athletes. others argue that this money should be spent for sports facilities for ordinary people.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.Many think that private vehicles, mainly cars, should be banned in city centres in order to alleviate traffic congestion. Others Think this solution is unrealistic.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.Serious health problems associated with obesity are increasing.
What is the cause of increased obesity?
How can this problem be fixed?Some people believe that governments should pay for healthcare for all citizens.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Around the world more and more people today are living in urban areas.
Why is this?
What problems does this cause?Most societies value being competitive.
How does competitiveness affect individuals?
Is it a positive or negative quality?One of the most important issues facing the world today is a shortage of food and some think genetically modified foods are a possible solution.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Many think playing sports is meant to teach children teamwork, while others feel it is important for them to learn to be competitive.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.Parents should take courses in parenting in order to improve the lives of their children.
To what extent do you agree?The amount of drinkable water for people is decreasing.
Why is this?
What can be done?Some believe that advances in technology are increasing the gap between rich and poor while others think the opposite is hapenning.
Dicuss both sides and give your own opinion.Many think that the news should be as objective as possible.
Do you think all news is true?
What is the main function of a newspaper?Some people believe that job provide both income and for a social life, while others think that friends should be made outside of work.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.Getting promotions are one of the biggest motivators for hard work in the modern workplace.
Why are people so driven to receive promotions?When a person spends most of his or her time working a job with little job satisfaction, their life loses meaning.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Some people believe the purpose of education should be helping the individual to become useful for society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.Nowadays many people travel to foreign countries for pleasure. Some believe this travel has a negative impact on the countries travelled to.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?In the future, it will become more difficult to live on Earth so more money should be spent researching how to live on other planets such as Mars.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?The news should not report detailed information about crimes because it can have negative consequences.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Some people believe that international news is more important than local news.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.People are more similar than they are different.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Many young people today spend too much time following the latest fashion trends in areas such as clothing and technology.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?Complete collection of my IELTS Ebooks!
IELTS Task 1 Writing Ebooks
How to Write IELTS General Overviews
IELTS Speaking Ebooks
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