The charts below show the percentage of workers in three sectors across four countries in 1980 and 2010.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 1 question on IELTSX. The charts below show the percentage of workers in three sectors across four countries in 1980 and 2010.

Workers Three Sectors Four Countries 1980 2010 Bar Chart - 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.

IELTS Writing Task 1 chart for Workers Three Sectors Four Countries 1980 2010 Bar Chart
Chart supplied with the IELTS Writing Task 1 question: Workers Three Sectors Four Countries 1980 2010 Bar Chart

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 9 · 243 words.

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Writing Task 1

The bar charts illustrate the percentage of workers employed in three economic sectors—agriculture, industry, and services—across four countries in 1980 and 2010.

Overall, there was a significant shift from agriculture and industry towards the services sector over the 30-year period. The most notable change occurred in Country A, while Country D remained relatively stable.

In 1980, agriculture dominated employment in Country A, accounting for approximately 70% of workers. However, by 2010, this figure had dropped dramatically to around 20%. Conversely, the services sector in Country A grew substantially from about 10% to nearly 60%, while industry saw a moderate rise from roughly 15% to 20%.

Country B followed a similar but less extreme pattern. Agricultural employment fell from about 50% in 1980 to roughly 30% in 2010, while services increased from approximately 30% to 50%. Industry remained relatively unchanged at around 20%.

Country C showed more balanced figures. In 1980, the three sectors were fairly equal, each accounting for about 30-35%. By 2010, services had grown to approximately 45%, while agriculture and industry both declined to around 25% and 30%, respectively.

Country D exhibited the least change, with services consistently employing the largest proportion of workers—around 50% in both years. Agriculture and industry remained at roughly 20% and 30% throughout the period.

In summary, the data clearly shows a global trend towards service-based economies, with the most dramatic transformations occurring in countries that initially relied heavily on agriculture.

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Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional response that demonstrates full control over the language and the task requirements. The data is accurately represented, the trends are clearly articulated, and the grammatical and lexical range is of a native-like standard.

Task Achievement - 9

- All requirements of the task are fully satisfied, with a clear overview of the main trends. - Key features are skillfully selected and illustrated with accurate data from the charts. - Comparisons between countries and sectors are insightful and well-developed.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Paragraphing is logically managed, with each country receiving its own clear description. - Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively to link ideas (e.g., 'Conversely', 'However', 'In contrast'). - The progression from 1980 to 2010 within each paragraph is effortless to follow.

Lexical Resource - 9

- Vocabulary is varied and precise (e.g., 'dominated', 'accounted for', 'substantially', 'relatively stable'). - Excellent use of collocations such as 'service-based economies' and 'dramatically dropped'. - Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control. - Complex sentences are accurate and punctuation is flawless. - Use of various tenses (past perfect for changes by a certain date) is sophisticated and correct.

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