The number of magazines sold in 5 different countries in 2005 and 2015. A prediction for 2025 is also given
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Graph

IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The graph below shows the number of magazines sold in 5 different countries in 2005 and 2015. A prediction for 2025 is also given. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main points and make comparisons where relevant.

Common Questions for the Bar Graph
1. Graph Type: Bar Graph
2. Title: Magazine Sales in Five Countries (2005, 2015, and Prediction for 2025)
3. What are the units of measurement?: Number of magazines sold
4. Who: Readers in France, the UK, the US, Italy, and Spain
5. When: 2005, 2015, and projected for 2025
6. Where: Five countries (France, UK, US, Italy, and Spain)
7. Topic: Magazine sales trends and predictions
Comparison Showing and Trends
Comparison 1: Decline in Magazine Sales (France and UK)
- Details:
- France sold the most magazines, declining from 40,000 (2005) to 37,500 (2015), with a predicted fall to 35,000 by 2025.
2. The UK followed a similar trend, dropping from 22,000 in 2005 to an expected 18,000 in 2025.
Comparison 2 : Mixed Trends and Predictions (US, Italy, Spain)
- Details:
- The US, with the second-highest sales in 2005 (30,000), is projected to fall to 25,000 by 2025.
2. Italy saw an increase from 15,000 (2005) to 20,000 (2015) but is predicted to plummet drastically to just 1,000 by 2025.
3. Spain had the lowest sales at 5,000 in 2005, showing a slight rise in 2015, but sales are expected to revert to 5,000 by 2025.
Sample Answer
The bar graph illustrates the number of magazines sold in five countries—France, the UK, the US, Italy, and Spain—in 2005 and 2015, along with a prediction for 2025.
Overall, magazine sales in France consistently remained the highest, while Spain had the lowest sales, a trend expected to continue through 2025.
France sold 40,000 magazines in 2005, decreasing slightly to 37,500 in 2015, with a further decline to 35,000 anticipated by 2025. Similarly, the UK saw a steady decline from 22,000 in 2005 to a projected 18,000 in 2025.
In contrast, the US, which sold the second-highest number of magazines in 2005 at 30,000, experienced a rise in 2015 but is predicted to fall to 25,000 by 2025. Italy, after an increase from 15,000 in 2005 to 20,000 in 2015, is expected to see a sharp drop to only 1,000 by 2025. Meanwhile, Spain, starting at 5,000 in 2005, showed a slight increase in 2015, but sales are expected to return to 5,000 by 2025.
Top 28 Vocabularies
Vocabulary | Type | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples |
Projection |
Noun |
An estimate or forecast of future trends |
Prediction, Forecast |
Sales projections for 2025 indicate a decline in all countries. |
Fluctuation |
Noun |
Irregular rising and falling in amount |
Variation, Instability |
Italy showed significant fluctuations in magazine sales. |
Consistent |
Adjective |
Unchanging over time |
Steady, Uniform |
France exhibited a consistent decline in sales. |
Ardent |
Adjective |
Enthusiastic or passionate |
Eager, Devoted |
The French were ardent readers of magazines. |
Plummet |
Verb |
To fall or drop steeply |
Decline sharply, Tumble |
Italy’s sales are predicted to plummet to 1,000 by 2025. |
Illustrates |
Verb |
Explains or shows clearly with visuals or data |
Depicts, Represents, Portrays |
“The bar graph illustrates magazine sales trends.” |
Anticipated |
Verb |
Expected or predicted |
Forecasted, Predicted, Projected |
“A further decline is anticipated by 2025.” |
Decline |
Noun |
A gradual decrease |
Reduction, Downturn, Fall |
“France showed a steady decline in sales over the years.” |
Trend |
Noun |
A general direction in which something is developing |
Pattern, Movement, Tendency |
“The trend of declining sales continues through 2025.” |
Steady |
Adjective |
Regular and consistent |
Stable, Unchanging, Fixed |
“The UK experienced a steady decline in magazine sales.” |
Predicted |
Verb |
Foreseen or estimated in advance |
Forecasted, Expected, Anticipated |
“Sales are predicted to fall by 2025.” |
Contrast |
Noun |
A difference or comparison between two things |
Distinction, Variation, Disparity |
“The contrast between France and Spain’s sales is notable.” |
Sharp |
Adjective |
Sudden and intense |
Drastic, Abrupt, Significant |
“Italy is expected to see a sharp drop in sales.” |
Declining |
Verb |
Becoming smaller, fewer, or less |
Decreasing, Falling, Reducing |
“Sales in the US are steadily declining.” |
Peak |
Noun |
The highest point |
Summit, Zenith, Maximum |
“The US reached its peak sales in 2015.” |
Projected |
Verb |
Estimated or expected to happen |
Predicted, Forecasted, Estimated |
“The sales are projected to drop further by 2025.” |
Marginal |
Adjective |
Small or minimal in effect |
Slight, Insignificant, Minor |
“Spain’s sales showed marginal improvement in 2015.” |
Significant |
Adjective |
Noticeably important |
Substantial, Notable, Meaningful |
“Italy showed a significant increase in 2015 before declining.” |
Stable |
Adjective |
Not likely to change |
Consistent, Steady, Secure |
“France displayed a relatively stable trend compared to others.” |
Recorded |
Verb |
Documented or noted |
Logged, Registered, Captured |
“France recorded the highest sales in all three years.” |
Plunge |
Verb |
To fall dramatically |
Drop, Tumble, Decline sharply |
“Magazine sales in Italy are expected to plunge by 2025.” |
Slightly |
Adverb |
A small degree or amount |
Marginally, Somewhat, A bit |
“Sales in Spain slightly increased in 2015.” |
Hovering |
Verb |
Staying near a particular level |
Lingering, Remaining, Staying |
“Sales hovered around 5,000 in Spain.” |
Global |
Adjective |
Relating to the entire world |
Worldwide, International, Universal |
“Global magazine sales trends vary by region.” |
Reflect |
Verb |
To show or represent something |
Indicate, Exhibit, Demonstrate |
“These figures reflect differences in consumer preferences.” |
Drastic |
Adjective |
Severe and sudden |
Extreme, Radical, Significant |
“A drastic fall in sales is predicted for Italy.” |
Retain |
Verb |
To keep or maintain |
Preserve, Hold, Keep |
“France retained its position as the leading market.” |
Representing |
Verb |
Acting as a symbol of something |
Symbolizing, Signifying, Depicting |
“Each bar represents magazine sales for a specific year.” |

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