IELTS Graph # 306 – Population size, birth and death rates of England and Wales

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1/ Graph Writing – Line Graph:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The line graph below shows the population size, birth and death rates of England and Wales from 1700 to 2000.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

Model Answer 1:
The line graph illustrates the population size, and the birth and death rates per 1,000 people in England and Wales between 1700 and 2000.

As is obvious, over the three centuries, there was a dramatic increase in population alongside a long-term decline in both birth and death rates. Notably, after about 1950, the birth rate rebounded, whereas the death rate stabilised at a relatively low level.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the population in England and Wales was very small, around 2.5 million, and it rose to approximately 10 million by 1750. However, by 1800 it fell back to near its original size, before embarking on a steep upward trajectory. From then on, growth was exponential, and by the year 2000, the population had reached around 50 million.

In terms of demographic rates in England and Wales, the birth rate began at about 30 per 1,000 people in 1700 and climbed to roughly 40 by 1750. The death rate followed a similar upward trend during this first half-century, nearing 38 per 1,000. After 1750, both rates declined gradually, reaching just over 20 by around 1950. From 1950 to 2000, the birth rate rose again, reaching about 34 per 1,000, while the death rate remained relatively constant at around 20. Therefore, England and Wales experienced a profound demographic shift in a sustained population boom, underpinned by rising fertility and low mortality rates.

Model Answer 2:
The line graph gives data on the birth rate, death rate and total population of England and Wales over the span of three centuries, from 1700 to 2000. As a general trend, the population in England and Wales increased overwhelmingly after the 19th century, and the death rate declined, while the birth rate after 1950 increased.

As the diagram suggests, the population of England and Wales at the beginning of the 18th century was only 3 million, which went as high as 10 million in 50 years. During the next 50 years, the population noticeably declined and reached just over 3 million again at the beginning of the 19th century. However, a rapid population growth could be observed, and it soared in the following centuries before reaching 50 million in 2000.

The birth rate, childbirth per 1000 people, in England and Wales was 30 in the year 1700, which grew to 40 after 50 years. The death rate, number of deaths per 1000 people, followed a similar trend and reached almost 38 in 1750. Afterwards, both the birth and death rates sank steadily and reached just over 20 in 1950, with some fluctuations in the preceding decades. After that, the birth rate sharply increased and skyrocketed while the death rate stabilised. In 2000, the birth rate in the UK and Wales was as high as 34, while the death rate was 20.