Average class size in six countries and compares it with the world average class size in 2006

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Graph

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Question

The graph below shows the average class size in six countries and compares it with the world average class size in 2006. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main points and give comparisons where relevant.

Common Questions for the Bar Graph

1. Graph Type: Column Graph

2.Title: Average Class Size in Six Countries Compared to the World Average (2006)

3.Units of Measurement : Average number of students per class

4.Who: Primary and lower secondary school students

5. When: 2006

6. Where: Six countries and world average

7. Topic: Comparison of average class sizes in primary and lower secondary schools across different nations

Comparison Showing and Trends Any change over time (such as an increase or a decrease) is a trend.

Comparison 1 : Class Sizes in the UK and Denmark

Details:

1. In both the UK and Denmark, the average class size in primary schools (23 and 21 students, respectively) was larger than in lower secondary schools (22 and 19 students, respectively).

2. This trend mirrors the world averages, which showed 26 students in primary and 24 in secondary classes.

Comparison 2: Class Sizes in South Korea and Japan

Details:

1. South Korea exhibited the highest average class size in both primary and secondary education, with nearly 35 students in each

2. Japan’s primary class had an average of 26 students, while the secondary class size was slightly larger at 31 students.

Comparison 3 :Class Sizes in Mexico and Iceland

Details:

1. Mexico had the largest discrepancy between primary and secondary class sizes, with about 20 students in primary compared to over 30 in secondary.

2. In contrast, Iceland had the smallest class sizes, averaging 15 students in primary and 17 in secondary.

Sample Answer

The column graph illustrates the average class sizes in primary and lower secondary schools across six countries in 2006, comparing them to the global averages.

Overall, the UK and Denmark had larger primary class sizes than their secondary counterparts, whereas other countries generally displayed smaller primary classes.

Specifically, the average class sizes in the UK and Denmark were 23 and 21 students in primary, compared to 22 and 19 in secondary. This trend aligns with the world averages of 26 in primary and 24 in secondary. South Korea stood out with the largest class sizes, averaging nearly 35 students in both primary and secondary classes. Japan’s averages were 26 in primary and slightly higher at 31 in secondary.

Interestingly, Mexico had a significant difference, with primary classes averaging about 20 students and secondary classes exceeding 30. Conversely, Iceland had the smallest class sizes of 15 in primary and 17 in secondary, indicating the best teacher-to-student ratio.

Top 29 Vocabularies

Vocabulary	Type	Meaning	Synonyms	Examples
Illustrates	Verb	To explain or make clear by using examples or visuals	Depict, demonstrate, show	“The graph illustrates average class sizes in various countries.”
Discrepancy	Noun	A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts	Difference, inconsistency, variation	“The largest discrepancy was seen in Mexico.”
Average	Adjective	Typical or normal; a calculated central value	Mean, median, standard	“The average class size in Iceland was the smallest.”
Counterpart	Noun	A person or thing that corresponds to or has the same function as another	Equivalent, match, peer	“The primary class size was larger than its secondary counterpart in the UK.”
Ratio	Noun	A relationship between two numbers indicates how many times the first number contains the second	Proportion, relationship, rate	“Iceland had the best teacher-to-student ratio.”
Global	Adjective	Relating to the entire world	Worldwide, international	“The global averages for class sizes were compared in the report.”
Trend	Noun	A general direction in which something is developing	Pattern, tendency	“The trend indicates smaller class sizes in Iceland compared to other countries.”
Align	Verb	To correspond or match with something	Match, conform, agree	“The UK class sizes align closely with the global averages.”
Specifically	Adverb	In a detailed or exact manner	Particularly, precisely	“Specifically, Denmark showed smaller class sizes in secondary schools.”
Stand out	Phrasal Verb	To be noticeably different or prominent	Excel, distinguish	“South Korea stood out with the largest class sizes among the countries.”
Significant	Adjective	Having importance or being notable	Important, noteworthy	“Mexico showed a significant difference between primary and secondary class sizes.”
Exceed	Verb	To go beyond a set limit	Surpass, outdo, overtake	“Mexico’s secondary class sizes exceeded 30 students.”
Conversely	Adverb	Introducing an opposite or contrasting idea	On the other hand, however	“Conversely, Iceland had the smallest class sizes.”
Indicate	Verb	To show, point out, or suggest	Show, reveal, signify	“The data indicates that South Korea had consistently large class sizes.”
Averaging	Verb	Calculating the mean value	Balancing, computing	“South Korea’s class sizes averaged nearly 35 students.”
Comparison	Noun	The act of evaluating similarities and differences	Contrast, evaluation	“The comparison highlights differences in class sizes globally.”
Dominant	Adjective	Having the most influence or importance	Leading, prevailing	“South Korea was dominant in terms of class sizes among the six countries.”
Relatively	Adverb	In comparison to something else	Comparatively, somewhat	“Relatively smaller class sizes were observed in Iceland.”
Observe	Verb	To notice or see	Notice, detect, perceive	“The observed data highlights disparities in class sizes.”
Proportion	Noun	A part or share of the whole	Percentage, fraction	“The proportion of secondary students was higher in Mexico than in primary.”
Correspond	Verb	To match or be equivalent	Relate, agree, align	“Class sizes correspond to the teacher-to-student ratio in each country.”
Fluctuate	Verb	To vary irregularly, especially in amount	Change, oscillate	“Class sizes in Japan fluctuated slightly between primary and secondary levels.”
Contrast	Noun/Verb	A noticeable difference	Difference, disparity	“There is a clear contrast between Iceland and South Korea’s class sizes.”
Highlight	Verb	To draw attention to or emphasize	Emphasize, underline	“The report highlights the differences in teacher-to-student ratios.”
Indication	Noun	A sign or piece of information that suggests something	Sign, signal, evidence	“There is a clear indication that Iceland invests more in education per student.”
Comparative	Adjective	Involving comparison between two or more items	Relative, evaluative	“The comparative analysis shows variations in class sizes across regions.”
Slightly	Adverb	To a small degree or extent	Marginally, a little	“Class sizes in Japan were slightly larger at the secondary level.”
Dominate	Verb	To have a commanding influence	Rule, lead, prevail	“Home Internet access dominated over other locations in the earlier study.”
Ratio	Noun	The quantitative relation between two amounts	Proportion, fraction	“The ratio of students to teachers was smallest in Iceland.”

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