The table below shows changes in the amount of tax collected (measured as a percentage of GDP*) in five different countries for four years between 1975 and 2005.

Changes in the amount of tax collected as a percentage of GDP in five different countries between 1975 and 2005 - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7.5 · 178 words.

The table shows the percentage of GDP collected as tax in Sweden, the USA, Japan, Turkey, and Korea from 1975 to 2005.

Overall, Sweden had the highest percentage of tax in all years, while Korea had the lowest figures. In addition, the percentage of tax increased in most of the countries, but the USA stayed almost the same.

Looking at the details, Sweden started at 41.6% in 1975. This figure rose every year and reached the highest point of 50.7% in 2005. Japan also showed an increase from 20.9% in 1975 to 27.1% in 2005. On the other hand, the USA showed very little change. Its tax percentage was 25.3% at the beginning and finished at 27.2% at the end of the period.

Turning to the other countries, Turkey and Korea also grew. Turkey's tax was 16.0% in 1975, fell slightly to 15.4% in 1985, but then rose to 32.2% in 2005. Similarly, Korea started at 15.1% in 1975, which was the lowest number in the table. After that, Korea’s percentage increased continuously and reached 25.5% in 2005.

Examiner feedback

This is a very strong response that accurately captures all the main trends and data points from the table. The overview is clear, and the organization of the body paragraphs is logical, making the information easy to follow. To reach a Band 8.0 or 9.0 in Lexical Resource, focus on incorporating more sophisticated synonyms and complex comparative language.

Task Achievement - 8

- The response covers all requirements of the task, including a clear overview and accurate data points. - Key features are highlighted, such as Sweden's dominance and Turkey's significant growth. - Comparison is present (e.g., "lowest figures," "stayed almost the same"), providing a comprehensive summary of the table.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Information is logically organized with a clear overall progression from the introduction to specific details. - Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different groups of countries. - Cohesive devices like "On the other hand," "Similarly," and "Turning to" are used appropriately to link ideas and signal transitions.

Lexical Resource - 7

- The vocabulary is appropriate for the task and accurately describes trends (e.g., "increased continuously," "reached the highest point"). - There is sufficient flexibility to avoid repetitive phrasing, although more sophisticated synonyms for "percentage" or "tax" could be used. - Word formation and spelling are excellent throughout the response.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- A wide range of structures is used accurately, including complex sentences with subordinating conjunctions. - The majority of sentences are error-free, particularly in the use of the past simple tense for historical data. - Punctuation is well-managed, facilitating a smooth reading experience.

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