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“The line graph shows general government gross debt as a percentage of GDP in four countries from 2000 to 2020.”

Compare how public debt burdens rose across Japan, the US, the UK and Germany over two decades.

Task 1 · Academic·20 min·≥ 150 words·📚 Practice prompt

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Government gross debt as a share of GDP, four countries, 2000–2020Government gross debt as a share of GDP, four countries, 2000–2020% of GDP05010015020025030020002005201020152020JapanUSAUKGermanyieltsprep.site
The line graph below shows general government gross debt, expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product, in four countries between 2000 and 2020.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.
🧠 5-step plan

How to crack it

Open if you want a structure to follow

  1. 1

    Read the question twice.

    Underline every keyword. The instruction word ("agree", "discuss") decides your structure. Get this wrong and you cap at 5.

  2. 2

    Plan for 5 minutes.

    Two body paragraphs. One main idea each. Pick examples BEFORE you write the intro.

  3. 3

    Write your intro last in your head.

    Once you know the conclusion, the intro writes itself. Paraphrase the question, don’t copy it.

  4. 4

    Aim for 270–290 words.

    Less = task incomplete. More = grammar errors. Stay in the pocket.

  5. 5

    Leave 3 minutes to proofread.

    Hunt articles ("a/an/the"), subject-verb agreement, and "make/do" mix-ups. They’re your usual suspects.

⚠️ Examiner watch-outs

What loses you the band

The four traps this question sets

  • ⚠️

    Off-topic intro

    Paraphrase the question. Don’t broaden it.

  • ⚠️

    Conclusion that just repeats

    Add one new reason. Or a recommendation.

  • ⚠️

    "Make a damage"

    Collocation slip. Use "cause damage".

  • ⚠️

    "Furthermore. Moreover."

    Pick one. Both = robotic.

Model answer

8

Model answer

Band 8 · 179 words

The line graph illustrates government gross debt as a percentage of GDP in Japan, the USA, the UK and Germany between 2000 and 202…

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