Number of Marriages and Divorces in the UK from 1950 to 2000

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Line Graph
20:00

IELTS Writing Task 1 Question

The diagram below shows the number of marriages and divorces in the UK between 1950 and 2000

Common questions for the line graph

1. Graph Type: Line Graph

2. Title: Number of Marriages and Divorces in the UK from 1950 to 2000

3. What are the units of measurement?: Number of marriages and divorces (in thousands)

4. Who: The population of the UK

5. When: From 1950 to 2000

6. Where: United Kingdom

7. Topic: Marriages, remarriages, and divorces in the UK

Process Showing and Trends

Comparison 1 : Number of Marriages (1950–2000)

  • Details:

1.  The number of first marriages peaked at 430,000 in 1980 before dropping back to 350,000 by 2000.

2.  The number of second marriages fluctuated between 90,000 and 120,000 over the period.

3.  The total number of marriages followed a similar trend to first marriages, reflecting the fluctuations in first and second marriages.

 

Comparison 2 : Divorce Rates (1950–2000)

  • Details:

1.  Divorce rates were relatively stable at around 15,000 to 20,000 between 1950 and 1980.

2.  After 1980, divorce rates increased dramatically, reaching around 300,000 by 2000.

Sample Answer

The given line graph shows the number of marriages and divorces in the UK from 1950 to 2000, highlighting distinct trends over the 50-year period.

In 1950, approximately 350,000 first marriages were recorded, which increased gradually to a peak of 430,000 in 1980. Afterwards, the number of first marriages decreased slightly, returning to the 350,000 mark by 2000. The total number of marriages mirrored this trend, as it was the combined total of first and second marriages, the latter fluctuating between 90,000 and 120,000 during this period.

Divorce rates showed a significant shift. Between 1950 and 1980, divorces increased slightly from 15,000 to 20,000. However, after 1980, divorce rates soared exponentially, reaching approximately 300,000 by 2000.

Overall, the data suggests that while the number of marriages peaked in 1980, divorce rates saw a dramatic rise from that point onward, marking a clear trend of increased marital instability in the latter part of the 20th century.

Top 27 Vocabularies

 

Vocabulary  Meaning Synonyms Examples Type

Solemnized

To perform a formal ceremony for marriage

Conducted, performed

“Approximately 350,000 first marriages were solemnized in 1950.”

Verb

Fluctuate

To change frequently in an irregular way

Vary, oscillate

“The number of second marriages fluctuated between 90,000 and 120,000.”

Verb

Exponentially

In a rapidly increasing manner

Drastically, steeply

“Divorce rates increased exponentially after 1980.”

Adverb

Peak

To reach the highest point

Climax, culminate

“The number of first marriages peaked at 430,000 in 1980.”

Verb/Noun

Upswing

A significant increase or improvement

Rise, increase

“The divorce rate saw a sharp upswing after 1980.”

Noun

Trend

A general direction in which something is changing

Pattern, tendency

“The graph highlights distinct trends over 50 years.”

Noun

Gradually

In a slow and steady manner

Progressively, steadily

“The number of marriages increased gradually until 1980.”

Adverb

Slightly

By a small amount

Marginally, minimally

“Marriages declined slightly after 1980.”

Adverb

Fluctuation

Irregular variation or change

Instability, variation

“Second marriages showed some fluctuation over time.”

Noun

Recorded

Documented or registered officially

Logged, noted

“350,000 first marriages were recorded in 1950.”

Verb

Mirrored

To closely resemble or reflect

Reflected, paralleled

“The total number of marriages mirrored the trend of first marriages.”

Verb

Soar

To rise rapidly

Surge, escalate

“Divorce rates soared exponentially after 1980.”

Verb

Dramatic

Sudden and striking

Significant, drastic

“Divorce rates saw a dramatic rise in the late 20th century.”

Adjective

Marked

Clearly noticeable or evident

Pronounced, distinct

“A marked increase in divorces occurred after 1980.”

Adjective

Decline

A gradual decrease

Drop, reduction

“Marriages saw a slight decline after reaching a peak in 1980.”

Noun/Verb

Instability

Lack of stability or consistency

Volatility, uncertainty

“The rise in divorces suggests increased marital instability.”

Noun

Approximately

Close to but not exactly

Roughly, about

“Approximately 350,000 first marriages were recorded in 1950.”

Adverb

Surpass

To exceed or go beyond

Outnumber, exceed

“The number of divorces eventually surpassed previous levels.”

Verb

Significant

Important or noteworthy

Considerable, substantial

“Divorce rates saw a significant increase after 1980.”

Adjective

Culminate

To reach a climax or highest point

Peak, conclude

“Marriages culminated at 430,000 before declining again.”

Verb

Notable

Worthy of attention or remarkable

Remarkable, noteworthy

“The most notable trend was the rise in divorce rates.”

Adjective

Stabilize

To become steady or consistent

Steady, balance

“Marriage rates stabilized at around 350,000 by 2000.”

Verb

Contrast

A difference between two things

Difference, variation

“There was a clear contrast between marriage and divorce trends.”

Noun

Accelerate

To increase speed or rate

Speed up, escalate

“The divorce rate accelerated significantly after 1980.”

Verb

Proportion

A part or fraction of a whole

Percentage, ratio

“A higher proportion of marriages ended in divorce over time.”

Noun

Prevail

To be dominant or widespread

Dominate, persist

“Marriages prevailed as the more common outcome until 1980.”

Verb

Outpace

To surpass or grow faster than something else

Exceed, overtake

“The rise in divorces began to outpace the number of marriages.”

Verb
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