Information about the Rates of Unemployment – IELTS Writing Task 1

Besides different types of graphs and diagrams, you might be given a combination graph in IELTS Writing Task 1, like in the topic ‘Information About the Rates of Unemployment’ on which you have to write a report. Therefore, you have to be prepared for such questions, and the best way is to practice IELTS Writing Task 1 multiple graphs.

Let’s have a look at the given combination charts, ‘Information About the Rates of Unemployment’, with three expert-curated sample answers for different IELTS band scores ranging from band 7-9.

Question for 'Information about the Rates of Unemployment'

Structure Breakdown for 'Information about the Rates of Unemployment'

Band 7 Sample Answer for IELTS Combination Charts – Information About the Rates of Unemployment

The graph shows unemployment levels in three countries from 1991 to 2005, while the table gives the proportion of men and women in these countries who worked in 1991.

Overall, in Germany, the rate of unemployment rose while there was a downward trend in the other two countries.

In 1991, Spain had the highest unemployment rate at 13% increasing markedly to 18%( 1993-1995), then falling steadily to 9% in 2005. In contrast, unemployment was low in Germany, starting at 4% but climbing gradually to 9% in 1997, dipping to 6% in 2001 and increasing to a high of 11% in 2005. Italy’s unemployment rate fluctuated less than the others, starting and finishing at 8% over this period and reaching a maximum of 12% from 1997 to 1999.

In 1991, just over half the female population in Germany (54.4%) was working compared with more than three-quarters of the men. However, in Spain, about a third of the women were working, and a third of the men were not. Italy’s employment rate among men in that year was similar to Germany’s, but not as many female workers were employed (37.8%).

 (190 Words)

Band 8 Sample Answer for IELTS Combination Charts – Information About the Rates of Unemployment

The line graph and table illustrate employment and unemployment rates in Germany, Spain, and Italy from 1991 to 2005.

Overall, in the table, it is evident that more men were employed, with Italian men having the highest employment rate. Whereas, in the line graph, Spanish unemployment decreased steadily, while Germany saw an increase, and Italy had some fluctuations.

Regarding the line graph, Germany’s unemployment rate started at 4%, rose to about 10% in 1997, dropped to 7% in 2001, and then peaked at 12% in 2005. With Spain’s unemployment rate, the percentage went up from 14% to 18% between 1991 and 1996, then sharply decreased to below 8% by 2005.

Considering the table, in 1991, Italian men had the highest employment rate at 77.1%, followed by Germany at 76.5%, and Spain at 66.2%. Among women, German females had the highest employment rate at 54.4%, followed by Italian women at 37.8%, and over a third of Spanish women were employed.

(164 Words)

Band 9 Sample Answer for IELTS Combination Charts – Information About the Rates of Unemployment

The line graph highlights the unemployment levels in Italy, Germany, and Spain from 1991 to 2005, while the table presents employment data for men and women in these countries in 1991.

Overall, Spain consistently had the highest unemployment rate among the mentioned countries over the period. Additionally, Spain had the lowest employment level in 1991 among the nations mentioned.

In the line graph, by 1991, Spain had the highest unemployment rate at 13%, which increased to 18% between 1993 and 1995, before dropping to 9% in 2005. Regarding Italy, unemployment remained relatively steady, starting at 8% in 1991, peaking at 12% between 1997 and 1999, and then gradually decreasing back to 8% by 2005. Conversely, Germany started at 4% in 1991, gradually increasing to 9% by 1997, and exceeding 10% after the year 2004.

Considering the table, in 1991, men had higher rates of unemployment than women in all three countries. Moreover, Italy had the highest proportion of employed men at 77.1%, while Germany had the highest proportion of employed women at 54.4%. To mention, Germany had the highest overall employment rate when considering both male and female percentages.

(191 Words)

Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers of ‘Information About the Rates of Unemployment’

To help you bring coherence to your writing and get points for the IELTS Writing Task 2 – ‘Information About the Rates of Unemployment’, check out the list of IELTS Writing Task 1 connectors used in the sample responses provided above. 

• Overall
• In contrast
• However
• Whereas
• Considering 
• Regarding
• To mention
• Moreover

Tips to Write a Band 9 Answer for Information about the Rates of Unemployment – IELTS Writing Task 1

The combination graphs, also known as multiple graphs in the IELTS Writing Task 1 require you to explain more than one diagram or graph and also describe how they are similar or different. 

Here are very specific tips to help you write a Band 9 IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 answer for a combination graph (IELTS Writing Task 1 line graph + table), ‘Information about the Rates of Unemployment’:

• Understand the graph types and their purpose: The combination graph, Information about the Rates of Unemployment, contains a line graph and an IELTS table graph. Understanding what each represents is crucial. For example, the line graph may show the unemployment rate over time (e.g., from 2000 to 2020), while the table graph displays the percentage of workforce by gender for three countries. Before writing, take time to identify the units, timeframes, and categories shown in each graph. This understanding allows you to make logical comparisons and connections in your essay, which is key to a high band score.
• Write a clear overview: You can create a separate overview paragraph or combine with the introductory paragraph with relevant linking words. It is essential for achieving a Band 7 or higher in Task Achievement. In this section, you should summarize the most noticeable features without using specific data or numbers. Look for overall trends, such as a general rise or fall in unemployment, any peaks or lows, and striking contrasts between groups or time periods. 
• Avoid getting into detailed descriptions: The goal is to give the examiner a snapshot of what the data reveals in broad terms. Therefore, avoid adding extra, unnecessary details, as it might affect your writing band score.
• Group data logically in the body paragraphs: Organizing your body paragraphs logically is crucial. A common and effective method is to dedicate one paragraph to describing the line graph and another to the table graph. However, if there is a strong connection between the two (e.g., rising unemployment over time and differences by age), you can structure your essay thematically instead of by graph type. Always group related data together instead of describing each year or category in isolation. It shows your ability to compare and summarize information effectively.
• Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures: To score highly for Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy, you must use a variety of IELTS vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Replace basic words like “increased” and “decreased” with synonyms such as ‘rose sharply,’ ‘declined steadily’, or ‘experienced a slight dip’. Use linking words like ‘while’, ‘whereas’, and ‘in contrast’ to show relationships between data. Vary your sentence types by using compound and complex structures, and include passive voice when appropriate to add formality and variety.
• Be accurate with data reporting: Precision is key when writing about numbers. Always include the correct figures, units (e.g., percentage), and time periods. Misreporting even a small figure can affect your score. Do not speculate or explain reasons behind the data, as IELTS Writing Task 1 is about describing the visual information, not interpreting it.
• Paraphrase the question in the introduction: Avoid copying the task prompt word-for-word. Instead, paraphrase it using synonyms and a slightly altered sentence structure. For instance, if the task says, ‘The graphs show information about unemployment trends and rates by age group’, you could write, ‘The line and bar charts provide data on how unemployment figures have changed over time and vary among different age groups’. This shows lexical variety and fulfills the Task Achievement criterion effectively from the start.
• Maintain formal academic tone: The IELTS Academic Task 1 response must be formal and objective. Avoid informal phrases like ‘you can see’ or ‘it looks like’ and never include personal opinions or assumptions such as ‘I think the rate went up because…’. Stick to factual descriptions only. Use academic connectors like ‘in contrast’, ‘moreover’, and ‘subsequently’ to enhance coherence.

To conclude, remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 1 Combination charts answers like ‘Information About the Rates of Unemployment.’

If you are preparing for the IELTS Writing exam, we would recommend you practice tasks like the above-given IELTS Writing questions regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at cracking the writing tasks for IELTS within the dedicated timeframe. You can also enroll in our IELTS online classes to get your hands on the latest IELTS writing questions or participate in our free IELTS online webinars to learn how to write them directly from the IELTS experts!

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