Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 1)

The table shows savings as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in three time periods, 1990, 2000 and 2008 in seven countries.

In 1990 Singaporean's savings where the greatest at 43.6%. South Korea and China also had high percentages at 37.7% and 35.6% respectively whilst the USA had the lowest percentage at 15.3%. The savings of the remaining 3 countries ranged between 20 and 25%.

In the year 2000, Singaporeans saved the most at 46.9%. Once again China and South Korea followed with 37.3% and 33.6% respectively. Even though Americans saved 2.4% more in 2000 they still saved the least. Indians saved 0.8% more whilst Germans saved less (5.1%) as did Italians (0.2%).

In 2008 China’s savings as a percentage of GDP was over 50% with Singapore a little less. India saved 10% more this year and Germany 6%. Italians and South Koreans saved slightly less.

To conclude, China and Singapore’s savings were high in 2008 in relation to their GDP, whilst the United States had the smallest percentage. Germany and India had an increase in savings as part of their GDP while Italy and South Korea’s percentages were reduced.

Question taken from Focusing on IELTS Academic Practice Tests p.92