IELTS Academic Writing · Practice test
Growing older: IELTS Academic Writing practice test
A line graph of ageing populations with projections to 2050, then a two-part essay on the fall in science students.
- Academic
- Task 1 · Task 2
- 60 minutes
- Challenging
Writing Task 1 · 20 minutes · 150 words
Line graph: Population
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph below shows the percentage of the population aged 65 and over in three countries from 1980 to 2020, together with projections to 2050.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
- Japan
- Italy
- Brazil
Figures from 2030 onwards are projections.
Line graph: Population aged 65 and over, 1980–2050 (values: Percentage of the population) - Japan: 1980: 9%; 1990: 12%; 2000: 17%; 2010: 23%; 2020: 29%; 2030: 32%; 2040: 35%; 2050: 38% - Italy: 1980: 13%; 1990: 15%; 2000: 18%; 2010: 20%; 2020: 23%; 2030: 27%; 2040: 32%; 2050: 34% - Brazil: 1980: 4%; 1990: 5%; 2000: 6%; 2010: 7%; 2020: 10%; 2030: 14%; 2040: 19%; 2050: 24% Note: Figures from 2030 onwards are projections.
Writing Task 2 · 40 minutes · 250 words
Two-part question: Education
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries, fewer students are choosing to study science subjects at university.
Why is this happening? What could be done to encourage more students to study science?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.