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If you are preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 1, understanding how to describe data clearly is a must. The graph below shows the percentage of self-employed workers as part of the total workforce in five countries, Russia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Turkey, in the years 1998 and 2008. In this IELTS Writing Task 1 analysis, we’ll explore the main features, compare key trends, and break down what the data reveals.
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Graph Below Shows the Percentage of Self Employed Workers of the Total Workforce in Five Countries in 1998 and 2008: Samples and Essays
Here are 3 different perspectives for the topic IELTS Writing Task 1 ‘The Graph Below Shows the Percentage of Self Employed Workers of the Total Workforce in Five Countries in 1998 and 2008’. Check out each one and find the easy solutions to score good marks.
Sample Structure 1
Introduction
Paraphrase the task by introducing what the chart is about, including the type of data, time period, and countries covered.
Overview
Summarise the key features without mentioning exact data. Point out the overall trend, highest and lowest figures, and general direction of change.
Body Paragraph 1
Focus on the most significant changes. Highlight countries with the highest values or biggest shifts between 1998 and 2000.
Body Paragraph 2
Discuss the remaining countries. Mention any small increases, stable figures, or less significant trends. Make comparisons where needed.
Essay 1
The bar chart illustrates the percentage of self-employed workers as part of the total workforce in five countries, Russia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Turkey, in the years 1998 and 2000.
Overall, Turkey and Greece had significantly higher rates of self-employment compared to the other countries during this period, while Russia consistently recorded the lowest figures. While some countries experienced a notable decline, others saw only slight increases.
In 1998, Turkey had the highest percentage of self-employed workers, with just over half (around 53%) of its workforce in this category. However, this figure dropped sharply to approximately 38% by 2000. Greece followed a similar trend, with its rate falling from around 42% in 1998 to about 35% in 2000.
In contrast, Russia had the lowest proportion of self-employed individuals in both years, with only a marginal increase from around 5% to just above that level. Both Slovakia and the Czech Republic showed modest growth. In Slovakia, the rate rose slightly from 10% to 12%, while the Czech Republic saw an increase from about 12% to nearly 15% between 1998 and 2000.
Sample Structure 2
Introduction
- The [graph/chart/table/map/process] illustrates/shows/provides information about/on [topic] for [time period/location].
- It compares/highlights the differences/trends in [main subject] among [groups/categories].
2. Overview
- Overall, [general trend or pattern].
- The most noticeable features are [main trend 1] and [main trend 2].
- There is a clear increase/decrease/stability in [aspect].
- In contrast, [another trend or comparison].
3. Body Paragraph 1
- In [time period or category], [group/category 1] had the highest/lowest/most significant [data].
- The percentage/number of [subject] was approximately [number] in [year].
- This was followed by [group/category 2], which showed [increase/decrease/stability].
- A comparison between [groups] reveals that [describe relationship or difference].
4. Body Paragraph 2
- Meanwhile, [group/category 3] experienced a slight/moderate/steady increase/decrease from [number] to [number].
- In contrast, [group/category 4] remained relatively constant at around [number].
- The difference between [groups/categories] is evident in [aspect], where [describe key comparison].
- These figures indicate that [summary of the data in this paragraph].
Essay 2
The bar chart provides information on the percentage of self-employed individuals within the total workforce in five countries, Russia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Turkey, in the years 1998 and 2000.
Overall, Turkey and Greece had the highest proportions of self-employed workers in both years, while Russia had the lowest. Self-employment declined in Turkey and Greece, whereas the other countries experienced only slight increases.
In 1998, Turkey had the largest share, with just over half of its workforce being self-employed. By 2000, this figure dropped significantly to around two-fifths. Greece showed a similar trend, with its rate falling from over 40% in 1998 to about 35% in 2000.
In contrast, Russia consistently recorded the lowest figures, with only about 5% of its workforce self-employed in both years, showing minimal change. Slovakia’s percentage rose slightly from around 10% to 12%, while the Czech Republic also saw a modest increase from roughly 12% to 15% over the same period.
Sample Structure 3
1. Introduction
The bar chart compares the proportion of self-employed individuals within the total workforce in five countries… during 1998 and 2000.
2. Overview
- At a glance, [countries with the highest/lowest trends].
- Both [countries] saw notable decreases, whereas [other countries] experienced modest growth or steady figures.
3. Body Paragraph 1 (Major trends in Turkey and Greece)
- In 1998, [Country] recorded the highest percentage, with around [data].
- By 2000, this number had dropped sharply to approximately [data], marking the most significant decline.
- [Another country] also followed a downward trend, falling from [data] to [data].
4. Body Paragraph 2 (Minor changes in Russia, Slovakia, Czech Republic)
- By contrast, [Country] reported a consistently low rate, at roughly [data] in both years.
- [Country A] and [Country B] saw slight but steady increases.
- [Country A] rose from [data] to [data], while [Country B] climbed from [data] to [data].
Essay 3
The bar chart compares the percentage of self-employed individuals in five countries, Russia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Turkey, in the years 1998 and 2000.
Overall, Turkey and Greece had significantly higher rates of self-employment than the other countries in both years, while Russia had the lowest. Both Turkey and Greece experienced noticeable declines, whereas the remaining three countries saw slight increases or remained relatively stable.
In 1998, Turkey had the highest proportion of self-employed workers, with just over half of its workforce in this category. By 2000, this figure had dropped sharply to around 37%, marking the most substantial decline among the five countries. Greece followed a similar trend, with its rate decreasing from approximately 42% to 35% over the same period.
In contrast, Russia recorded the lowest percentage of self-employed individuals, with only around 5% in both years and little to no change. Slovakia and the Czech Republic showed modest increases. In Slovakia, the figure rose from 10% to 12%, while the Czech Republic saw an increase from 12% to 15%.
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To wrap up this IELTS Writing Task 1 overview, the graph highlights a clear contrast among the five countries. Turkey and Greece started with the highest self-employment rates but saw notable declines by 2008. In contrast, Russia remained stable at the lower end, while Slovakia and the Czech Republic showed modest growth. This kind of data analysis is important for IELTS Writing Task 1, as it builds strong comparison and summary skills.
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FAQs
Ans. You should group countries or categories that show similar trends (Example: highest/lowest, increasing/decreasing, stable) in the same paragraph. This helps the examiner follow your logic easily and boosts your Coherence and Cohesion score.
Ans. Yes, but it’s not mandatory. If you write a summary sentence at the end that restates the main trends using different words, it can improve cohesion. Avoid giving opinions or explanations, as it is only for Task 2.
Ans. Use a variety of verbs for trends (example: rose, dropped, soared, declined), adverbs/adjectives (example: slightly, steadily, significantly), and comparative language (example: more than, less than, compared to). Avoid repeating basic words like increase and decrease too often.
Ans. No. IELTS assesses summarising skills, so focus on key trends, notable highs and lows, and overall comparisons. Mentioning every detail can waste time and lower your score for Task Achievement.
Ans. Yes, the tense is still important if the chart shows years and there is no future data. Use the past tense if the data is from the past (example: 1998, 2000). Only use the present simple if no period is mentioned. Using the wrong tense is a common grammar mistake in Task 1.
We hope this blog on preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2 was helpful and gave you useful tips to improve your writing skills. You can also follow the IELTS Preparation page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs on mastering the IELTS exam.
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