Question: The chart shows male and female fitness memberships between 1970 and 2000. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 8+ Sample Answer:
(Intro & Overview) The bar chart compares the numbers of male and female fitness members over a period of 30 years. It can be seen on the chart that both male and female membership increased overall despite some fluctuations, but dropped significantly at the end of the period. The male figure was generally above that of women but this was not consistent.
(Detail 1) Turning to the detail, the number of women joining fitness grew relatively steadily from its starting point of 1000 to reach 2800 female members in 1995, despite witnessing dips in 1980 and 1990. Similarly, the figures for men initially witnessed a boom, jumping from 2000 to 4000 in the first 5 years. This was followed by a significant dip of 1800 in 1985, dropping below the level of women (at 2800). Subsequently, male membership made a dramatic recovery to hit a peak of 5000 in 1995. At the end of the period the number of both male and female memberships fell to 1000 and 2000 respectively.
(Detail 2 / final comparison) It is clear male membership was more erratic than female. Although the peaks of male membership in 1975 and 1995 far exceeded those of women, the lows in 1985-1990 and 2000 dropped it below female membership. (201 words)
Words: Student essay, corrected & upgraded by Nick Kemp, former IELTS examiner.
Image: Cambridge