Information about age, average income per person and population below poverty line in three states in USA
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Table
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IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The table below shows information about age, average income per person and population below poverty line in three states in USA. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
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Common Questions for the Age and Income Table
1. Graph Type: Table
2. Title: Age Distribution, Average Income, and Poverty Rates in California, Utah, and Florida
3. What are the units of measurement?: Percentage (%), average annual income (USD)
4. Who: Residents of California, Utah, and Florida
5. When: Current data (unspecified)
6. Where: United States
7. Topic: Demographic information, income levels, and poverty statistics
Comparison Showing and Trends Any change over time (such as an increase or a decrease) is a trend.
Comparison 1 : Age Distribution
- Details:
- Young Population (Under 18):
- Utah: 28%
- California: 17%
- Florida: 16%
- Elderly Population (Over 60):
- Florida: 23%
- California: 15%
- Utah: 8%
Comparison 2 : Average Income and Poverty Rates
- Details:
- Average Annual Income:
- California: $23,000 (highest)
- Utah: $17,000
- Florida: Not specified but lower than California
- Poverty Rates:
- California: 16% below the poverty line
- Utah: 9% below the poverty line (lowest)
- Florida: Higher poverty rate than Utah but not specified
Overall Comparison
- Details:
1. Florida has the highest proportion of elderly residents (23%) but a lower percentage of young people (16%).
2. Utah has the largest percentage of young people (28%) and the lowest poverty rate (9%).
3. California, while having the highest average income, also has a significant poverty rate (16%).
Sample Answer
The table provides a detailed breakdown of age distribution, average annual income, and poverty rates for three states in the USA: California, Utah, and Florida.
In terms of age demographics, Utah has the highest proportion of residents aged under 18 at 28%, followed by California at 17% and Florida at 16%. Conversely, Florida has the largest share of elderly individuals aged over 60, accounting for 23% of its population, while Utah has the smallest percentage in this category at only 8%. This indicates a notable contrast in the age profiles of these states.
Regarding economic indicators, California boasts the highest average annual income per person at $23,000, despite having 16% of its population living below the poverty line. Utah, with a significantly lower average income of $17,000, has a lower poverty rate of just 9%. While Florida’s average income is not specified, it appears to have a higher proportion of poor residents compared to Utah despite its wealthier demographics in other areas.
Overall, the data illustrates the demographic diversity and economic disparities across California, Utah, and Florida, highlighting how age distribution correlates with income levels and poverty rates
Top 27 Vocabularies
Vocabulary (type) | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples |
Breakdown (noun) | A detailed analysis or categorization | Analysis, classification | “The table provides a breakdown of demographics.” |
Proportion (noun) | A part or share of a whole | Ratio, Percentage | “Utah has the highest proportion of young people.” |
Demographics (noun) | Statistical data about a population | Population statistics | “The demographics reveal significant trends.” |
Disparities (noun) | Differences or inequalities | Gaps, variances | “Economic disparities exist among the states.” |
Correlate (verb) | To show a relationship between two variables | Associate, connect | “The data correlates age distribution with poverty rates.” |
Distribution (noun) |
The way something is shared or spread out |
Allocation, dispersion |
“The table presents the age distribution in three states.” |
Indicator (noun) |
A sign or measure of something |
Signal, measure |
“Income levels serve as key economic indicators.” |
Contrast (noun/verb) |
A difference between things |
Distinction, variation |
“There is a contrast between Utah’s and Florida’s age groups.” |
Conversely (adv.) |
In an opposite manner |
On the other hand, inversely |
“Utah has the youngest population; conversely, Florida has the oldest.” |
Elderly (adj.) |
Referring to old people |
Senior, aged |
“Florida has the largest elderly population.” |
Category (noun) |
A group of things that share similar characteristics |
Classification, type |
“The population is divided into different age categories.” |
Notable (adj.) |
Worthy of attention |
Significant, remarkable |
“There is a notable contrast in income levels.” |
Wealthy (adj.) |
Having a lot of money |
Affluent, rich |
“Despite being wealthy, some residents in Florida live in poverty.” |
Indicate (verb) |
To show or point out |
Suggest, demonstrate |
“The data indicates a correlation between income and age distribution.” |
Annual (adj.) |
Occurring once a year |
Yearly, per annum |
“The average annual income in California is the highest.” |
Percentage (noun) |
A portion of 100 |
Ratio, fraction |
“Utah has the lowest percentage of elderly people.” |
Living below (phrase) |
Existing under a certain standard |
Beneath, under |
“16% of California’s population is living below the poverty line.” |
Despite (preposition) |
In spite of |
Regardless of, even though |
“Despite its high income, California has a significant poverty rate.” |
Boast (verb) |
To have or possess something impressive |
Possess, feature |
“California boasts the highest average income.” |
Economic (adj.) |
Related to finance and money |
Financial, fiscal |
“The table highlights economic differences among states.” |
State (noun) |
A political or geographic region |
Territory, region |
“Each state has a unique demographic composition.” |
Profile (noun) |
A description or analysis of characteristics |
Overview, summary |
“The age profile of Utah is distinct from that of Florida.” |
Significantly (adv.) |
In a noticeable or important way |
Considerably, substantially |
“Utah’s income is significantly lower than California’s.” |
Appear (verb) |
To seem or look like |
Seem, look |
“Florida appears to have a higher poverty rate than Utah.” |
Diversity (noun) |
A range of different elements |
Variety, mixture |
“The demographic diversity among states is evident.” |
Population (noun) |
The total number of people in a certain area |
Inhabitants, residents |
“Florida’s population has a high proportion of elderly individuals.” |
Correlates with (phrase) |
Has a connection to something |
Relates to, links to |
“Age distribution correlates with income levels.” |
Composition (noun) |
The makeup or structure of something |
Structure, arrangement |
“The population composition differs across the states.” |
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