IELTS JOURNAL 38 Sample Answer The first bar chart shows changes in the number of marriages and divorces in the USA, and the second chart shows figures for the marital status of American adults in
1970 and 2000. It is clear that there was a fall in the number of marriages in the USA between 1970 and 2000. The majority of adult Americans
were married in both years, but the proportion of single adults was higher in 2000. In 1970, there were 2.5 million marriages in the USA and 1 million divorces. The marriage rate remained stable in 1980, but fell to 2 million by the year 2000. In contrast, the divorce rate peaked in 1980, at nearly 1.5 million divorces, before falling back to 1 million at the end of the period. Around 70% of American adults were married in 1970, but this figure dropped to just under 60% by 2000.
At the same time, the proportion of unmarried people and divorcees rose by about 10% in total. The proportion of widowed Americans was slightly lower in 2000.
(174 Words) IELTS JOURNAL 39 Describing Processes Occasionally, you will have to describe a process in the test instead of a graph. Although this type of diagram is
less common to see in the test, it is still important to have an understanding of how to tackle this should it arise. While describing a process, explain the sequence of stages or actions and use words like firstly, secondly, thirdly, then, next, after that,
in addition, otherwise, at the same time,
concurrently, simultaneously and finally. These words help you show the sequence of actions more accurately. Try to describe every stage of the process one by one. Connect the stages by using linking words that mentioned earlier, words like firstly, then, etc. Mention whether or not there are stages that are being performed at the same time. You should also notice alternative stages. For example, either stage A or Bis performed first or at the same time. The main task here is to describe all the stages. Wherever possible, try to make comparisons to make your writing flow more naturally. Use the present simple tense and its passive form. For example, the ID card is inserted into the machine. Remember that there is no need to write an overall view paragraph. You just need to write an introduction and two body paragraphs. There is no rule
in dividing the paragraphs, and everyone can do it differently.
