Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender – IELTS Writing Task 1

The candidates for IELTS Academic Writing are often presented with a bar chart like ‘Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender’ on which you will be writing a report.

Such a bar chart also comes with two axes, showing changes and diversifications over a given period. Furthermore, the bar graph has rectangular bars that could be either displayed vertically or horizontally, representing two or more values of data. Elements of the bar chart include the layout, the figures, the contrasts, and the similarities.

Let’s have a look at the bar chart – ‘Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender’ – with three expert-curated sample answers for IELTS band scores ranging from band 7-9.

Question

Structure Breakdown

Band 7 Sample Answer For Writing Task 1 Bar Chart – Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender

The bar chart highlights the percentage of illiteracy rates of males and females in six different regions across the world in the year 2000.

Overall, it is evident that South Asia had the highest illiteracy rate, while the other mentioned developing countries had the lowest.

Considering Latin America (10%) and the Caribbean (11%) there is a minimal difference in illiteracy percentage between men and women. Nevertheless, in East Asia and Oceania, the numbers among men were nearly double that of women, increasing from 9% to 20% in the given year.

Regarding Sub-Saharan African females, they are also seen to have faced challenges, with approximately 48% of them being illiterate; which is a higher percentage compared to the native illiterate men (30%). In contrast, Arab states saw a higher illiteracy rate among men (30%) compared to women (20%). Notably, South Asia exhibited the highest illiteracy rate among all regions, reaching 53% for females in 2000.

(154 Words)

Band 8 Sample Answer For Writing Task 1 Bar Chart – Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender

The given bar chart illustrates the percentages of illiteracy among men and women in six different regions in the year 2000.

An overview is that regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Arab countries, and South Asia exhibited the highest illiteracy rates, while developed nations showcased minimal illiteracy rates. However, across all regions, illiteracy was higher among women than men.

In developed countries, both genders had the lowest illiteracy rates at around 2%. Clearly, this shows a high level of education and literacy in these areas, contributing to the overall social and economic development.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, men and women had similar rates, both approximately 10-12%. However, in South Asia, Arab states, and Sub-Saharan Africa, females had the highest illiteracy rates, ranging from 49% to 55%, while men had rates of around 28-52%. Moreover, East Asia and Oceania had lower illiteracy rates for men compared to women, with men at 9% and women at 20%.

(156 Words)

Band 9 Sample Answer For Writing Task 1 Bar Chart – Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender

The bar chart shows the proportions of illiterate people, categorized by gender, across six global regions of the year 2000.

Overall, women had higher illiteracy rates compared to men across all regions and the illiteracy rates for men specifically varied depending on the region.

Firstly, in developed countries, around 1% of men and 2% of women were unable to read or write. Whereas, in Latin America and the Caribbean 10% of men and 11% of women came under the category of illiterates. To mention, East Asia and Oceania experienced a significant difference, with 20% of women compared to 8% of men lacking literacy skills.

The illiteracy rates peaked in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 48% of women and 30% of men. Similarly in Arab states, the percentage was around 53% for women and 28% for men. To mention, more than half of women and certain men in these regions never received formal education. However, South Asia emerged as the region with the highest illiteracy statistics for both genders, with 55% of females and 34% of males.

(174 Words)

Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers of ‘Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender’

The connectives or transition words, also known as the connectors are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together.

Here is a list of the connectors used in the above sample answers:

• Overall
• Overall it is evident that
• An overview is that
• Considering
• Nevertheless
• Regarding
• In contrast
• However
• Firstly
• To mention
• Similarly

Remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 1 bar chart answers like ‘Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender.’

Useful Links:

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