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IELTS
 JOURNAL 
 
15 
29.
The introduction 
of 
DVDs led to a decline 
of
20% 
in 
video sales. 
30.
The figures show a drop 
of
5% 
in
student numbers.
31.
The health service program spent a total 
of 
$2.5 billion on staffing 
in 
April 2002. 
32.
The survey hopes to track trends 
in 
consumer spending. 
33.
In 2009, the rate of unemployment fell 
by 
2% (from 10% to 8%). 
34.
He won the election 
with 
52% of the vote. 
35.
Unemployment reached its highest level 
in 
the year 2008 
at 
10%. 
36.
In 
2002, the cost of an average house in the UK was around £130,000. 
In 
2007, the 
average house price had risen 
to 
almost £190,000, but it fell back 
to 
just under 
£150,000 
in 
2008. 
37.
Japan 
with 
two gold medals and a silver one stood ahead of the US 
with 
one gold and 
one bronze medal 
in 
1968. 

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IELTS
 JOURNAL 
 
16 
Describing numbers, percentages & fractions 
In some graphs, esp. tables, there are some especial numbers, fractions e.g. 1/3 (one third) and percentages e.g. 
50%. Look at the following table which shows a number in different years, 1990-1995: 
A. You could describe the table using 
numbers
, 
fractions
 or 
percentages
: 
1990 
1995 
1,200 
1,800 
1.
The number went up by 
600 
from 1,200 to 1,800. 
(Number)
2.
The number went up by 
one third 
from 1,200 to 1,800.