Consumption and production of potatoes in different regions of the world in 2006
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Tables

IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The tables below show the consumption and production of potatoes in different regions of the world in 2006. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main points and make comparisons where relevant.

Common Questions for the Table
1. Graph Type: Tables
2. Title: Consumption and Production of Potatoes in Different Regions (2006)
3. What are the units of measurement?: Million tonnes for production, Kilograms per person for consumption
4. Who: Regions of the world (South and Central America, Africa, North America, Europe, Asia)
5. When: 2006
6. Where: Global regions
7. Topic: Comparison of potato production and per capita consumption in 2006
Comparison Showing and Trends Any change over time (such as an increase or a decrease) is a trend.
Comparison 1 : High Production Regions
- Details:
1. Europe and Asia had the highest production, approximately 130 million tonnes each.
2. Other regions’ production varied between 15 and 25 million tonnes.
Comparison 2 : Consumption Patterns
Details:
1. Europe had the highest per capita consumption at about 96 kg per person.
2. North America followed with just under 60 kg per person.
3. South and Central America, and Asia had moderate consumption (around 25 kg/person).
4. Africa had the lowest consumption at approximately 14 kg per person.
Sample Answer
The given tables illustrate the production of potatoes in a million tonnes and the per capita consumption in kilograms for five regions worldwide in 2006. It is evident that Europe and Asia led in production, while consumption varied widely across regions.
In terms of production, Europe and Asia were at the forefront, producing approximately 130 million tonnes each. The other three regions—South and Central America, Africa, and North America—had significantly lower outputs, ranging from 15 to 25 million tonnes.
Consumption patterns show that Europeans were the largest consumers of potatoes, with an average intake of around 96 kg per person. North Americans followed, with just under 60 kg per person. The consumption in South and Central America and Asia was moderate at about 25 kg per person. Africans consumed the least amount of potatoes, with an average of approximately 14 kg per person in 2006.
Overall, while Europe and Asia were major producers, Europe also led in per capita consumption. North America’s production was notably less than half of its consumption, contrasting with Asia, where production exceeded consumption by a significant margin.
Top 29 Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Type | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples |
Yield |
Noun |
The amount produced |
Output, harvest |
“The yield of potatoes in Europe was the highest in 2006.” |
Outstripped |
Verb |
Surpassed or exceeded |
Exceeded, overtook |
“The production outstripped consumption in most regions.” |
Per capita |
Adjective |
Per person |
Individual, per head |
“Europe had the highest per capita consumption of potatoes.” |
Moderate |
Adjective |
Average or medium |
Reasonable, fair |
“The consumption in Asia was moderate at 25 kg per person.” |
Notably |
Adverb |
In a significant or remarkable way |
Remarkably, significantly |
“North America’s production was notably lower than its consumption.” |
Illustrates |
Verb |
Explains or shows with examples or visuals |
Depicts, Demonstrates |
“The tables illustrate potato production and consumption in 2006.” |
Consumption |
Noun |
The amount of something used or eaten |
Intake, Utilization |
“Europe led in potato consumption per capita.” |
Significantly |
Adverb |
In a noticeable or important way |
Substantially, Remarkably |
“Africa’s consumption was significantly lower than other regions.” |
At the forefront |
Phrase |
Leading or in a prominent position |
Leading, Dominating |
“Europe and Asia were at the forefront of potato production.” |
Varied |
Verb |
Differed in size, amount, or degree |
Fluctuated, Changed |
“Consumption varied widely across the five regions.” |
Outputs |
Noun |
The total amount produced |
Yields, Production |
“The outputs in Africa and North America were lower than in Europe.” |
Range |
Noun |
The extent between two limits |
Span, Scope |
“Production in the smaller regions ranged from 15 to 25 million tonnes.” |
Largest |
Adjective |
Greatest in size or amount |
Greatest, Most |
“Europe was the largest consumer of potatoes.” |
Patterns |
Noun |
Regular or predictable trends |
Trends, Models |
“Consumption patterns in Asia were moderate compared to Europe.” |
Average |
Adjective |
Typical or normal, calculated as a mean |
Median, Standard |
“Africans consumed an average of 14 kg of potatoes per person.” |
Outputs |
Noun |
Results or amounts produced |
Yields, Harvests |
“The outputs of Asia and Europe dominated global production.” |
Contrasting |
Adjective |
Differing strikingly from something else |
Opposing, Differing |
“Asia’s production contrasted sharply with its moderate consumption.” |
Prominent |
Adjective |
Noticeable or important |
Leading, Foremost |
“Europe was a prominent producer and consumer of potatoes.” |
Approximately |
Adverb |
Close to or around a certain figure |
About, Roughly |
“Europe produced approximately 130 million tonnes of potatoes.” |
Significant margin |
Phrase |
A notable or considerable difference |
Considerable gap |
“Production exceeded consumption in Asia by a significant margin.” |
Moderately |
Adverb |
To a medium extent |
Reasonably, Somewhat |
“Asia consumed potatoes moderately compared to Europe.” |
Harvest |
Noun |
The process or period of gathering crops |
Yield, Crop |
“The potato harvest in Africa was the smallest among the regions.” |
Dominated |
Verb |
Took the leading position |
Ruled, Controlled |
“Europe and Asia dominated global potato production in 2006.” |
Exceeded |
Verb |
Surpassed a given amount |
Surpassed, Outdid |
“Production in Asia far exceeded its consumption.” |
Remarkably |
Adverb |
In a way that is striking or worthy of attention |
Strikingly, Notably |
“North America’s low production is remarkably contrasted by its consumption.” |
Regional |
Adjective |
Related to a specific area or region |
Local, Geographical |
“Regional consumption trends varied significantly.” |
Proportions |
Noun |
The relationship between quantities or sizes |
Ratios, Shares |
“The proportions of consumption were highest in Europe and North America.” |
Disparity |
Noun |
A great difference |
Inequality, Gap |
“There was a disparity between Asia’s production and consumption.” |
Steady |
Adjective |
Consistent or unchanging |
Stable, Constant |
“Potato production in smaller regions showed steady trends.” |

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