Workforce Distribution and Unemployment Rates in Australia (1998-2003)
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Pie Chart
IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The diagrams below show the categories of workforce in Australia and the unemployment within the three groups. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
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Common Questions for the Pie Chart
1. Graph Type: Pie Chart and Line Graph
2. Title: Workforce Distribution and Unemployment Rates in Australia (1998-2003)
3. What are the units of measurement?: Percentage (%)
4. Who: Australian workforce categorized by native Australians, English-speaking non-natives, and non-English speaking individuals
5. When: 1998 to 2003
6. Where: Australia
7. Topic: Distribution of workforce and unemployment rates among different groups
Comparison Showing and Trends
Comparison 1: Workforce Composition
- Details:
- Native Australians: Comprised just over 75% of the total workforce.
- English-speaking Non-natives: Made up about 10% of the workforce.
- Non-English Speaking Individuals: Accounted for 13% of the total workforce.
Comparison 2: Unemployment Rates (1998-2003)
- Details:
- Non-English Speakers: Started with an unemployment rate of 4% in 1998, decreasing to an all-time low of 1% by 2003.
- Native Australians: Experienced a decrease in unemployment from 4% to 2% over the same period, despite a slight rise in 1999.
- English-speaking Non-natives: Had the highest unemployment rate at 8% in 1998, with a gradual decline to 3% by 2003, although their rate fluctuated in the interim.
Overall Comparison
- Details:
- Despite being the smallest group in terms of workforce percentage, the non-English speaking workers exhibited the lowest unemployment rates by 2003.
- In contrast, English-speaking non-natives faced the highest unemployment, reflecting economic challenges within that group.
Sample Answer
The pie chart and line graph provide an overview of the workforce distribution in Australia and the corresponding unemployment rates among three distinct groups from 1998 to 2003.
According to the pie chart, native Australians comprised slightly over 75% of the workforce, English-speaking non-natives represented around 10%, and non-English-speaking individuals accounted for 13%. This distribution highlights the dominant presence of native Australians in the workforce.
The line graph illustrates the unemployment trends for these groups. Non-English speakers had an initial unemployment rate of 4% in 1998, which steadily decreased to a record low of 1% by 2003. Similarly, native Australians saw their unemployment rates decline from 4% to 2% during this period, although they experienced a minor spike in 1999. In stark contrast, English-speaking non-natives faced the highest unemployment rate of 8% in 1998. Despite a gradual reduction to 3% by 2003, their unemployment rate fluctuated significantly over the years.
Overall, the data indicates that while non-English speaking workers constituted the smallest share of the workforce, they enjoyed the lowest unemployment rates, whereas English-speaking non-natives experienced the highest unemployment throughout the period.
Top 29 Vocabularies
Vocabulary (type) | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples |
Illustrate (verb) | To explain or clarify through visual means | Demonstrate, show | “The graphs illustrate workforce trends in Australia.” |
Composition (noun) | The makeup or arrangement of parts | Structure, configuration | “The workforce composition reveals significant disparities.” |
Unemployment (noun) | The state of being without a job | Joblessness, redundancy | “Unemployment rates varied among different workforce groups.” |
Fluctuate (verb) | To change or vary irregularly | Oscillate, vary | “The unemployment rate fluctuated during the years.” |
Account for (phrase) | To constitute or comprise | Make up, represent | “Non-English speakers account for 13% of the workforce.” |
Overview (noun) | A general summary or outline | Summary, synopsis | “The report provides an overview of employment trends.” |
Distribution (noun) | The way something is shared or spread out | Allocation, dispersion | “The distribution of the workforce is dominated by natives.” |
Corresponding (adj.) | Related to or in agreement with something | Equivalent, matching | “The unemployment rates correspond to different workforce groups.” |
Dominant (adj.) | Having the most influence or prevalence | Leading, prevailing | “Native Australians hold a dominant position in the workforce.” |
Highlight (verb) | To emphasize or draw attention to something | Emphasize, underscore | “The data highlights the disparities in employment rates.” |
Trend (noun) | A general direction in which something changes | Pattern, movement | “The line graph shows unemployment trends over the years.” |
Decline (verb/noun) | To decrease or reduce | Decrease, drop | “The unemployment rate declined over the years.” |
Spike (noun/verb) | A sudden increase in quantity or intensity | Surge, rise | “There was a minor spike in unemployment in 1999.” |
Contrast (noun/verb) | A noticeable difference between things | Difference, distinction | “The data contrasts unemployment trends among groups.” |
Steadily (adv.) | In a consistent and gradual manner | Gradually, progressively | “The unemployment rate steadily decreased over time.” |
Constitute (verb) | To make up or form something | Comprise, compose | “Non-English speakers constitute a small portion of the workforce.” |
Represent (verb) | To stand for or be an example of something | Symbolize, signify | “English-speaking non-natives represent 10% of the workforce.” |
Reduction (noun) | The act of making something smaller or less | Decrease, decline | “There was a significant reduction in unemployment rates.” |
Fluctuation (noun) | Irregular variation or change | Instability, variation | “Employment rates experienced fluctuation throughout the years.” |
Proportion (noun) | The part of a whole | Ratio, percentage | “A small proportion of the workforce comprises non-English speakers.” |
Variation (noun) | A change or difference in something | Shift, deviation | “The variation in unemployment rates was notable.” |
Indicate (verb) | To show or point out | Suggest, demonstrate | “The data indicates an improvement in employment trends.” |
Significant (adj.) | Important or noteworthy | Substantial, considerable | “There was a significant drop in unemployment rates.” |
Period (noun) | A length of time | Timeframe, duration | “The graph covers the period from 1998 to 2003.” |
Accountability (noun) | Responsibility for an outcome | Responsibility, obligation | “The government has accountability for managing unemployment.” |
Demographic (noun) | A particular group within a population | Population segment | “Each demographic faced different employment challenges.” |
Fluctuating (adj.) | Changing irregularly | Varying, oscillating | “Fluctuating trends made employment predictions difficult.” |
Analysis (noun) | A detailed examination of elements | Examination, evaluation | “The analysis of the workforce reveals key trends.” |
Pattern (noun) | A repeated design or sequence | Trend, cycle | “A pattern emerged in unemployment trends.” |
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