The graph shows Japanese average monthly salary (Yen) from 1953 to 1973, and the prices of black and white Television and colored Television during the same period.

Japanese Average Monthly Salary TV Prices 1953-1973 Line Graph - 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 · 164 words.

The given line graph illustrates normal monthly salary in Japan between 1953 and 1973, and the cost of black and white television and coloured television during the same time frame. Units measured in Yen.

Overall, both TV types experienced a downward trend, albeit with varying levels, whereas monthly salary rose dramatically. Of particular note is monthly salary which surpassed other categories and became the leading category.

Regarding colored TV, the figure stood at ¥⁠180 in 1958 before decreasing rapidly to about ¥⁠110, after which it continued to decrease steadily to ¥⁠90 by the end of the period. As for black and white TV, it began the period at ¥⁠100 before dropping rapidly to ¥⁠40 in 1968. It then continued to decline marginally to just under ¥⁠40 by 1973.

Turning to monthly salary, the figure commenced the period at about 30 before rising slightly to ¥⁠60 in 1963, then continuing to rise sharply and reach a peak of ¥⁠180 by the end of the timeframe.

Examiner feedback

The response effectively covers the task requirements, providing a clear overview and well-structured body paragraphs with relevant data points. Language control and cohesion are generally strong, earning solid Band 7 scores across the criteria. Minor slips in data interpretation and lexical choice prevent a higher score.

Task Achievement - 7

- The response covers all parts of the prompt, addressing both the salary and the two types of televisions over the specified timeframe. - A clear overview is presented, highlighting the main trends (downward for TVs, upward for salary). - Key features and data points are selected and supported with figures, though salary starts at a much higher actual scale than the description suggests based on the typical graph context (likely 30,000 Yen).

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Paragraph organization is generally logical with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs detailing the trends. - Cohesive devices such as "Regarding", "As for", and "Turning to" are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. - Progression of ideas is clear, though some data points lack precise comparative linking between categories.

Lexical Resource - 7

- Vocabulary is adequate and appropriate for describing trends, using terms like "downward trend", "dropped rapidly", and "rose dramatically". - There are some minor lexical inaccuracies or awkward phrasing, such as "normal monthly salary" instead of "average monthly salary". - Overall range is sufficient to convey precise meanings and data comparisons.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 7

- A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used with reasonable accuracy throughout the response. - Control of grammar and punctuation is generally sound, with minor omissions like missing units in the salary description (e.g., "about 30"). - Complex structures like participial clauses ("albeit with varying levels") are attempted with success.

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