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Average Salaries Earned by People with Different Levels of Education - IELTS Task 1 Bar Graph Band 9 Sample

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.


The graph below shows the average salaries earned by people with different levels of education.


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.


Write at least 150 words.

Average Salaries Earned by People with Different Levels of Education - IELTS Task 1 Bar Graph Band 9 Sample Report

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Sample Answer 1

The bar graph illustrates the average salaries earned by people with different levels of education, comparing four distinct educational qualifications: High School Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D.


In general, the chart reveals a positive correlation between the level of education attained and the average annual earnings. The higher the educational qualification, the greater the salary individuals receive. Notably, people with advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D. earn more than those with just a high school education or a Bachelor’s degree.


Moving into specifics, individuals with only a high school diploma earn approximately $30,000 annually, which is the lowest among all the educational levels presented. In comparison, holders of a Bachelor’s degree receive a noticeably higher income, about $43,000 per year. This represents a 31% increase over the earnings of those with only a high school education, underscoring the financial advantage of higher education.


Those with a Master’s degree experience an additional increase, earning roughly $49,000 annually. This shows a $6,000 increment compared to Bachelor’s degree holders. At the top of the educational spectrum, Ph.D. holders command the highest average salary, about $50,000 a year. While this is only slightly above what Master’s degree holders earn, it is considerably higher than the wages of those with lesser educational qualifications, clearly highlighting the value of advanced degrees in securing higher income levels.


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Sample Answer 2

The given bar chart demonstrates the average salaries earned by people with different levels of education, including individuals with a High School Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D.


As an overall pattern, the graph reveals that higher educational qualifications are directly linked to increased salaries, with individuals who hold postgraduate or doctoral degrees earning considerably more than those with lower educational achievements. The data clearly shows that as educational attainment progresses, the corresponding income levels rise steadily.


Diving into specifics, individuals holding only a high school diploma receive the lowest average annual salary, around $30,000. In contrast, Bachelor’s degree holders earn approximately $43,000 annually, representing a $13,000 increase over their less-educated counterparts. This rise highlights the value of undergraduate education in boosting earning potential.


Continuing this trend, employees with a Master’s degree experience a further increment in income, with an average yearly salary of roughly $49,000. The final jump occurs for Ph.D. holders, whose annual earnings surpass the $50,000 mark. Notably, the salary difference between Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates is more substantial than the gap between Master’s and Ph.D. holders. However, both groups earn over $20,000 more than those with only a high school diploma. These figures emphasize that the average salaries earned by people with different levels of education increase progressively with higher qualifications, though the increments become smaller as the education level rises from postgraduate to doctoral.



Sample Answer 3

The bar graph presents information about the average salaries earned by people with different levels of education, specifically focusing on individuals with a High School Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D.


Overall, the data highlights a consistent upward trend in earnings as educational qualifications advance. Higher academic achievement is clearly associated with increased average income, with Ph.D. holders positioned at the top of the salary range, while high school graduates receive the lowest pay.


In greater detail, individuals with only a high school diploma earn the least, with their average annual salary hovering around the $30,000 mark. Bachelor’s degree recipients experience a considerable boost in income, securing approximately $43,000 each year. This notable increase demonstrates the added financial benefit of attaining a degree beyond high school.


The trend continues to rise with those holding a Master’s degree, whose yearly earnings reach roughly $49,000. The difference in salary between a Master’s degree holder and someone with a Bachelor’s degree reflects the importance of further education. At the pinnacle of the chart, professionals with a Ph.D. earn around $50,000 annually, slightly more than Master’s graduates. While the gap between Ph.D. and Master’s degree holders is not as pronounced, both groups earn substantially more than individuals with lower educational qualifications. This clear progression illustrates the significant impact of higher education on the financial opportunities available to individuals.



Sample Answer 4

The bar graph illustrates the average salaries earned by people with different levels of education, covering four academic categories: High School Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and Ph.D.


Broadly speaking, the graph indicates that higher academic achievements correspond to increased salaries. Individuals with advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., tend to secure the highest annual earnings, while those with only a high school diploma receive the lowest income.


Focusing on specific figures, high school graduates earn around $30,000 annually, the smallest salary among the categories shown. Earning potential rises significantly for Bachelor’s degree holders, whose annual pay averages approximately $43,000, showing a noticeable difference from those with only secondary education.


As educational levels increase, salaries climb further. Master’s degree holders enjoy a yearly income of nearly $49,000, marking a clear advantage over their undergraduate counterparts. Those with a Ph.D. receive the highest pay, with an average annual salary surpassing $50,000. Interestingly, although the salary jump from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s degree is considerable, the increase from a Master’s degree to a Ph.D. is relatively modest. Despite this, individuals with postgraduate qualifications earn substantially more than those with only a high school diploma. The data confirms that the average salaries earned by people with different levels of education grow steadily with each higher qualification, though the increments narrow between postgraduate degrees.


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