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1970 and 2000, and the marital status of adult Americans in two of the years 
 
 

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IELTS
 JOURNAL 
 
38 
Sample Answer 
The first bar chart shows changes in the number of marriages and divorces in the 
USA, and the second chart shows figures for the marital status of American adults in 
1970 and 2000. 
It is clear that there was a fall in the number of marriages in the USA between 1970 
and 2000. The majority of adult Americans were married in both years, but the 
proportion of single adults was higher in 2000. 
In 1970, there were 2.5 million marriages in the USA and 1 million divorces. The 
marriage rate remained stable in 1980, but fell to 2 million by the year 2000. In 
contrast, the divorce rate peaked in 1980, at nearly 1.5 million divorces, before 
falling back to 1 million at the end of the period. 
Around 70% of American adults were married in 1970, but this figure dropped to just 
under 60% by 2000. At the same time, the proportion of unmarried people and 
divorcees rose by about 10% in total. The proportion of widowed Americans was 
slightly lower in 2000. 
(174 Words) 
 

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IELTS
 JOURNAL 
 
39 
Describing Processes 
Occasionally, you will have to describe a process in the test instead of a graph. Although 
this type of diagram is less common to see in the test, it is still important to have an 
understanding of how to tackle this should it arise. 
While describing a process, explain the sequence of stages or actions and use words like 
firstly, secondly, thirdly, then, next, after that, in addition, otherwise, at the same time, 
concurrently, simultaneously and finally. These words help you show the sequence of 
actions more accurately. Try to describe every stage of the process one by one.
Connect the stages by using linking words that mentioned earlier, words like firstly, then, 
etc. Mention whether or not there are stages that are being performed at the same time. 
You should also notice alternative stages. For example, either stage A or B is performed first 
or at the same time. The main task here is to describe all the stages.
Wherever possible, try to make comparisons to make your writing flow more naturally. Use 
the present simple tense and its passive form. For example, the ID card is inserted into the 
machine. Remember that there is no need to write an overall view paragraph. You just 
need to write an introduction and two body paragraphs. There is no rule in dividing the 
paragraphs, and everyone can do it differently.

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