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The figure shows demographic trends in Scotland.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
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Sample Answer 1
The chart illustrates the demographic trends in Scotland, displaying data on birth rates, death rates, and population growth from 1940 to 2010, with a projection for the year 2020.
Overall, birth rates and population growth have shown a continuous downward trend throughout the decades, while death rates initially decreased before leveling off. Notably, the population growth rate experienced a rapid decline, eventually reaching zero growth around the 2000s. A minor rise in mortality is forecasted for 2020, contrasting with the sustained decline in birth rates.
In detail, the birth rate was approximately 2.5% in 1940, marking its peak. However, it witnessed a significant drop over the following five years, with the decline continuing, albeit more gradually, across subsequent decades. The rate fluctuated during the 1960s and 70s, followed by a slight peak in 2000, although still lower than earlier decades. The forecast indicates that the birth rate will decrease further to about 0.5% by 2020.
Regarding population growth, the highest point was recorded in the 1950s, with the rate following a downward trend from that point. It steadily declined over the years, eventually reaching zero growth around 2000. Meanwhile, the death rate consistently dropped between 1940 and the 1950s and remained stable from the 1970s onwards. Interestingly, while the mortality rate was fairly consistent, it is expected to rise marginally beyond 0.5% in 2020.
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Sample Answer 2
The provided chart outlines the demographic trends in Scotland, showcasing the variations in birth rates, death rates, and population growth from 1940 to 2010, with a forecast extending to 2020.
Overall, the diagram reveals that both birth and population growth rates steadily declined across the decades, with growth approaching zero by the early 2000s. Meanwhile, the death rate dropped initially and then stabilized, but it is expected to increase slightly by 2020, surpassing the birth rate.
At the start of the period, the birth rate was around 2.5%, significantly higher than the mortality rate, which stood at approximately 1.5%. The population growth rate was initially under 1% but surged in the 1950s, reaching a peak of 1.5% before declining steadily. By the turn of the century, population growth had fallen to zero, with no further rise predicted.
In contrast, the death rate experienced a sharp drop, reaching just under 0.5% by the 1960s. It then remained mostly stable over the following decades. Interestingly, the birth rate fluctuated moderately through the 1960s and 70s but continued on a downward trend, showing a slight increase around 2000 before decreasing again. Forecasts indicate that the death rate will surpass the birth rate around 2018, with both stabilizing below 1% by 2020, marking a shift in the demographic trends in Scotland.
Sample Answer 3
The provided chart illustrates the demographic trends in Scotland, presenting shifts in birth rates, population growth, and death rates over a seventy-year period, spanning from 1940 to 2010, with a forecast for 2020.
In general, the chart reveals a significant decline in both birth and population growth rates over the decades, while the death rate experienced a more stable trend after an initial decline. Population growth reached zero around the 2000s, and while the birth rate continues to drop, a slight increase in mortality is projected for 2020.
In greater detail, the birth rate was at its highest in 1940, close to 2.5%, but saw a sharp reduction within the first five years. This downward trend persisted, with the rate experiencing minor fluctuations during the 1960s and 70s before leveling off in subsequent years. A modest rebound occurred around 2000, but the trend continued downward, with a prediction that the birth rate will fall to approximately 0.5% by 2020.
The population growth rate followed a similar path, peaking in the 1950s but steadily declining thereafter. By the early 2000s, growth reached zero, and no increase is anticipated for 2020. Conversely, the death rate decreased notably between 1940 and 1950, after which it remained relatively constant. However, by 2020, it is expected to rise slightly, surpassing the previously stable levels. The demographic trends in Scotland, thus, suggest a continuous decline in birth and growth rates, with only the death rate showing signs of an upward shift in the projection.
Sample Answer 4
The provided line graph illustrates the demographic trends in Scotland, tracking the birth rate, death rate, and population growth rate over the period from 1940 to 2010, with projections extending to 2020.
From a broad perspective, the chart shows a downward trend in both birth and population growth rates, with growth reaching zero by the 2000s. Although the death rate initially decreased, it remained steady for several decades and is expected to rise slightly in 2020, overtaking the birth rate.
At the beginning of the period, the birth rate stood significantly higher than the other two indicators, peaking around 2.5% in 1940. However, it witnessed a steep drop in the following years, fluctuating slightly through the 1960s and 70s before gradually tapering off. Around 2000, there was a minor rise, though it is predicted to fall to approximately 0.5% by 2020.
The population growth rate, in contrast, remained modest in the early 1940s, increasing steadily to reach its peak around the mid-1950s. However, it began a consistent decline thereafter, eventually hitting zero growth in the early 2000s. Meanwhile, the death rate experienced a rapid fall between 1940 and 1960, stabilizing just below 0.5% until the early 2000s. Forecasts indicate a slight increase in mortality by 2020, surpassing the birth rate and reflecting notable shifts in the demographic trends in Scotland over the decades.
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