TASK 1:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 10/3/2025
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 8/3/2025)
Question: The tables below give information about salaries for graduates and non-graduates in the UK between 2000 and 2010.
ANSWER:
The first table presents the average salaries of British graduates and non-graduates across all age groups from 2000 to 2010, while the second table breaks this data down into five specific age groups over the same timeframe.
Overall, graduates earned more than non-graduates, both in terms of the average and within each age category. Additionally, salaries for both groups generally increased until middle age, then declined towards retirement age.
In terms of average earnings, graduates made around £29,900 during this period, significantly higher than the £17,800 average for non-graduates.
Looking at the detailed breakdown, graduates aged 22 earned the least at £15,800, roughly half of what those aged 32 and 42 received at £31,500 and £32,800, respectively. The highest earners were 52-year-old graduates, pulling in £33,900, while those aged 62 saw a notable drop to £23,100. Furthermore, 22-year-old non-graduates earned £14,500, while those aged 32 and 42 both brought in £19,100. Non-graduates aged 52 were paid £18,200, surpassing the 62-year-olds by about £3,000.
(167 words)
