Employment of students from four countries in the UK after their first courses in 2001
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Table
IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The table below shows the employment of students from four countries in the UK after their first courses in 2001.
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Common questions for the table
1. Graph Type: Table
2. Title: Employment of Students from Four Countries in the UK after First Degree Courses in 2001
3. What are the units of measurement?: Percentage (%)
4. Who: First degree graduates from four European countries
5. When: 2001
6. Where: UK
7. Topic: Employment status of graduates from four countries after completing their first courses
Process Showing and Trends
Comparison 1 : Employment in Scotland and England
- Details:
1. Scotland had the highest employment rate at 66.4%, with 43.6% in permanent positions.
2. England had a slightly lower employment rate at 58.3%, with 33% in permanent roles.
Comparison 2 : Employment in Wales and Northern Ireland
- Details:
1. Wales had 45.3% employment, with 30% in permanent roles.
2. Northern Ireland had the lowest employment rate but the highest proportion going for overseas jobs.
Sample Answer
The given table shows the employment status of first-degree graduates from four European countries-Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—after completing their courses in 2001.
It is evident that Scottish graduates had the highest overall employment rate at 66.4%, with 43.6% securing permanent jobs, 20.2% in temporary positions, and only 2.6% working overseas. English graduates had a similar trend, with 58.3% finding employment, comprising 33% in permanent roles, 23% in temporary jobs, and 2.9% in international employment.
Wales had a lower total employment rate at 45.3%, with 30% of graduates in permanent positions, 12.4% in temporary work, and 2.9% in overseas jobs. Northern Ireland had the lowest employment rate among the four, but it had the highest proportion of graduates taking overseas employment at 3.7%.
Overall, Scotland led in total graduate employment, while Northern Ireland showed a unique pattern with more students seeking opportunities abroad despite its lower overall employment rate.
Top 26 Vocabularies
Vocabulary | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples | Type |
Employment |
The state of having a paid job |
Work, occupation |
“The employment status of graduates varied across the four countries.” |
Noun |
Permanent |
Lasting or intended to last indefinitely |
Steady, long-term |
“Most graduates aimed for permanent jobs after graduation.” |
Adjective |
Temporary |
Lasting for a limited period |
Short-term, interim |
“20.2% of Scottish graduates were in temporary positions.” |
Adjective |
Overseas |
In or to a foreign country |
Abroad, international |
“Northern Ireland had the highest percentage of graduates in overseas employment.” |
Adjective |
Proportion |
A part or share of the whole |
Share, percentage |
“A significant proportion of graduates from England took temporary jobs.” |
Noun |
Graduate |
A person who has completed a degree |
Degree holder, alumnus |
“The employment rate among graduates varied.” |
Noun |
Status |
The condition or position of something |
Condition, state |
“The employment status of graduates was analyzed.” |
Noun |
Secure |
To obtain something with certainty |
Obtain, acquire |
“Many graduates secured permanent jobs after university.” |
Verb |
Trend |
A general pattern or tendency |
Pattern, movement |
“A similar trend was observed in England and Scotland.” |
Noun |
Comprise |
To consist of or be made up of |
Include, contain |
“58.3% of graduates found jobs, comprising 33% in permanent roles.” |
Verb |
Statistic |
A numerical fact or piece of data |
Figure, data |
“The statistics showed varying employment rates.” |
Noun |
Rate |
A measure of frequency or proportion |
Ratio, percentage |
“Scotland had the highest employment rate.” |
Noun |
Opportunity |
A chance for success |
Prospect, possibility |
“Graduates sought better opportunities overseas.” |
Noun |
Vary |
To differ or change |
Fluctuate, differ |
“Employment rates varied across the four countries.” |
Verb |
Stability |
The state of being steady and unchanging |
Security, firmness |
“Permanent jobs offer stability for graduates.” |
Noun |
Alternative |
A different option or choice |
Substitute, option |
“Some graduates chose an alternative career path.” |
Noun |
Preference |
A greater liking for one option over others |
Choice, inclination |
“Many graduates showed a preference for overseas jobs.” |
Noun |
Demonstrate |
To show or illustrate something |
Exhibit, indicate |
“The data demonstrates a clear gap in employment rates.” |
Verb |
Sector |
A specific area of employment or industry |
Field, domain |
“The private sector absorbed most of the graduates.” |
Noun |
Proportionate |
Corresponding in size or amount |
Balanced, relative |
“A proportionate number of graduates worked abroad.” |
Adjective |
Significant |
Sufficiently important or notable |
Considerable, meaningful |
“There was a significant increase in temporary jobs.” |
Adjective |
Fluctuation |
Irregular rising and falling movement |
Variation, shift |
“Employment rates showed fluctuations over time.” |
Noun |
Transition |
The process of changing from one state to another |
Shift, progression |
“Graduates faced a transition from university to work.” |
Noun |
Preference |
A greater liking for one alternative over another |
Favoritism, bias |
“Some students had a preference for international jobs.” |
Noun |
Distinct |
Clearly different or unique |
Separate, unique |
“Northern Ireland had a distinct employment pattern.” |
Adjective |
Allocation |
The process of distributing something |
Distribution, assignment |
“The allocation of jobs was uneven across countries.” |
Noun |
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