IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Dependent Population Bar Chart (Band 9 Sample)
This Academic Task 1 asks you to describe a bar chart comparing the percentage of dependents — children under 15 and people over 65 — in six regions in 2000 and as projected for 2050. A band-9 response gives an overview of the main trend, then reports the key figures using projection language and clear comparisons. Below is a model answer of roughly 190 words, followed by why it scores 9 on all four criteria.
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01 · The task
The bar chart below shows the percentage of the population who were dependents (children under 15 and adults over 65) in six regions in 2000, together with projected figures for 2050. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
02 · Band 9 sample answer
190 words · Band 9The bar chart compares the percentage of the population classed as dependents — the young and the elderly — across six regions in the year 2000 and as projected for 2050.
Overall, the dependency ratio is expected to climb in almost every region over the period, with Korea and Japan seeing the steepest increases. India stands out as the sole exception, being the only region where the proportion of dependents is projected to fall.
In 2000, India had the highest proportion of dependents, at 38%, followed by Indonesia, China and Japan, all around 35%. Korea had the lowest figure, at just 20%, with the world average sitting at 25%. By 2050, however, this picture is set to change dramatically.
The most striking rises are projected for Korea and Japan, whose figures are expected to more than double and rise by half respectively, reaching 43% and 50% — the highest of any region. The world average is also forecast to jump from 25% to 42%. India, by contrast, is the only region bucking the trend, with its dependency ratio predicted to decline from 38% to 30%.
03 · Why this scores Band 9
The response covers all six regions across both years, opens with an overview that captures the headline (a near-universal rise, with India the exception), and then reports the key figures with comparisons. It correctly treats the 2050 data as a projection and highlights the standout changes rather than listing every value.
The report is logically split — overview, then the 2000 baseline, then the 2050 projections — which suits a two-period comparison. Cohesion is smooth and varied — "followed by...", "By 2050, however...", "The most striking rises...", "India, by contrast, is the only region bucking the trend".
Data and projection vocabulary is precise and varied — "the dependency ratio", "is expected to climb", "the steepest increases", "more than double", "rise by half", "is forecast to jump", "bucking the trend" — describing projected change with far more range than "will increase".
04 · Useful collocations for this task
Tap a phrase to see what it means and how to use it. Natural collocations like these lift your Lexical Resource score.
05 · Frequently asked questions
How do I handle a chart with projected (future) data?
Use projection language for the future year — "is projected to", "is expected to", "is forecast to", "is set to" — while keeping the past/present data in the past or present. This model treats 2000 as fact and 2050 as a forecast, which is exactly right.
Which figures should I include?
The highest and lowest in each year and the most striking changes — here Korea and Japan's big rises and India's unusual fall. Selecting standout features rather than listing all twelve values is what earns Task Achievement.
How do I make comparisons rather than just listing?
Rank the regions ("India had the highest... Korea the lowest") and flag exceptions ("India, by contrast, is the only region bucking the trend"). Comparison and contrast, not a value-by-value recital, define a band-9 report.
How long should a Task 1 answer be?
At least 150 words; a band-9 answer is usually 170–200. This model is 190 words, enough for an overview and the key comparisons across both years. Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1.
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