The expenses per week of a retired single person and a couple in Australia, for their comfortable lifestyle
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Tables
IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The table below shows the expenses per week of a retired single person and a couple in Australia, for their comfortable lifestyle. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Common Questions for Student Questionnaire Charts
1. Graph Type: Pie charts.
2. Title: Responses of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students to a Questionnaire about a University Library.
3. What are the units of measurement?: Percentage.
4. Who: Undergraduate and postgraduate students.
5. When: Not specified (assumed recent).
6. Where: University library.
7. Topic: The charts compare undergraduate and postgraduate students’ ratings of the range of books and non-print materials in a university library.
Comparison Showing and Trends
- A retired couple spends significantly more than a single person, with the total weekly expenses being $934 for a couple compared to $650 for a single retiree.
- The most significant differences are in housing, where couples spend $284 weekly compared to $160 for a single person, and in clothing, where a couple spends $120 compared to $67 for a single retiree.
- The least expenditure in both cases is on food and shopping, with retirees spending around $35 to $50 per week in these categories.
Sample Answer
The table below compares the weekly expenses of a retired single person and a couple in Australia for a comfortable lifestyle.
Overall, retirees tend to spend more on housing and miscellaneous expenses, with the least spending directed towards food and shopping, reflecting a comfortable lifestyle for both single and couple retirees.
The total weekly expenses for a single retiree amount to $650, whereas a retired couple spends $934 weekly. The biggest disparity is in housing, where a single retiree spends $160, while a couple spends $284. Another notable difference is in clothing, with a retired couple spending $120 compared to $67 by a single retiree.
In terms of other categories, a single person spends $92 on healthcare, $55 on food, and $35 on shopping. A couple’s expenditures in these categories are higher, with $110 on healthcare, $70 on food, and $50 on shopping. However, both groups allocate the least amount on food and shopping.
Top 25 Vocabulary
| Vocabulary | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples | Type |
| Expenditure | The amount of money spent | Spending, outlay | “The couple’s expenditure on housing is considerably higher than the single retiree’s.” | Noun |
| Disparity | A significant difference | Gap, difference | “The disparity in clothing costs is clear between a single person and a couple.” | Noun |
| Allocate | To distribute or assign resources | Assign, allot | “Both retirees allocate most of their funds to housing and miscellaneous costs.” | Verb |
| Miscellaneous | Comprising various items or categories | Diverse, varied | “Miscellaneous expenses account for a large portion of both single and couple retirees’ spending.” | Adjective |
| Shelter | A place to live or stay | Housing, accommodation | “Shelter expenses are notably higher for a couple than for a single retiree.” | Noun |
| Spending | The act of using money for various expenses | Expenditure, outlay | “The couple’s spending on housing is much higher than a single retiree’s.” | Noun |
| Contrast | A comparison in which two things are shown to be different | Comparison, difference | “There is a significant contrast between the clothing expenses of singles and couples.” | Noun |
| Distribute | To give out or assign to various recipients | Allocate, assign | “The retirees distribute most of their income to housing.” | Verb |
| Outlay | The total amount spent on something | Expenditure, cost | “The outlay for healthcare is higher for a couple compared to a single person.” | Noun |
| Expense | The cost of something, especially money spent | Cost, charge | “Their biggest expense is on housing, followed by miscellaneous costs.” | Noun |
| Surplus | An amount that is more than needed or required | Excess, remainder | “The surplus amount from shopping was minimal for both groups.” | Noun |
| Allocation | The action of distributing or assigning something | Distribution, assignment | “The allocation of funds is skewed towards housing and healthcare.” | Noun |
| Proportion | The part or share of something in relation to the whole | Fraction, percentage | “The proportion spent on food is much lower compared to housing.” | Noun |
| Diverse | Showing a lot of variety or differences | Varied, different | “Miscellaneous expenses include diverse categories like entertainment and travel.” | Adjective |
| Allocation | The distribution or assignment of something | Allotment, distribution | “The allocation for healthcare increased for the couple.” | Noun |
| Predominantly | Mostly or primarily | Mainly, chiefly | “Housing costs are predominantly higher for the retired couple.” | Adverb |
| Impact | A significant effect or influence | Effect, influence | “Healthcare expenses have a significant impact on the overall budget.” | Noun |
| Lifestyle | The way in which a person or group lives | Way of life, living | “Both single and couple retirees live a comfortable lifestyle.” | Noun |
| Significant | Important or notable | Considerable, substantial | “The significant difference in spending is seen in the housing costs.” | Adjective |
| Proportional | Corresponding in size or amount to something else | Relative, comparable | “The couple’s proportional spending on food is higher than that of a single retiree.” | Adjective |
| Allocated | Assigned or distributed to specific recipients | Assigned, allotted | “Most of the couple’s funds are allocated to housing and miscellaneous costs.” | Adjective |
| High | Having a large amount or level of something | Elevated, substantial | “The high costs of shelter are reflected in the couple’s expenses.” | Adjective |
| Essential | Absolutely necessary or required | Necessary, vital | “Food and shopping costs are essential but remain low in both groups.” | Adjective |
| Comparatively | In relation to something else | Relatively, proportionally | “The single retiree’s expenses are comparatively lower in housing.” | Adverb |
| Total | The entire amount or sum | Complete, full | “The total expenses of the single retiree are lower than the couple’s.” | Noun |
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