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Japan's Population by Age Groups Starting in 1960 - IELTS Task 1 Line Graph Band 9 Sample Report

Updated: Jul 4

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.


The chart below shows the Japan’s population by age groups starting in 1960 and including a forecast to 2040.


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


Write at least 150 words.

Task 1 Line Graph Band 9 Sample Report (The chart shows the Japan’s population by age groups starting in 1960 and including a forecast to 2040.)

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Sample Report 1

The line graph delineates the percentage distribution across three distinct age groups in Japan from 1960 through to a projected timeline ending in 2040.


Overall, the demographic breakdown reveals a consistent dominance of the middle age group (25-64 years), a steady decline in the youngest cohort (0-14 years), and a notable rise in the proportion of the elderly population (65 years and older).


Throughout the historical and forecasted periods, the middle age group has formed and is anticipated to continue forming the bulk of the population. Beginning at 65% in 1960, this segment experienced minor fluctuations up until 1990, followed by a gradual decline projected to continue until 2030. The proportion is expected to slightly recover post-2030, maintaining its position as the largest age group despite a downward trend. In contrast, the youngest age group, despite starting strong, has been on a persistent decline. From a substantial share in the early decades, it is projected to stabilize at a minimal 10% by the end of the timeline.


Conversely, the elderly population segment, which initially accounted for the smallest share, has demonstrated a significant and continuous increase over time. Surpassing the youngest age group in 2005, this trend is expected to escalate, reaching a striking 35% by 2040. This shift underscores a growing demographic trend towards an aging population in Japan.


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Sample Report 2

The chart illustrates the shifts in population percentages within three distinct age brackets in Japan, spanning from 1960 with projections extending to 2040.


In summary, the demographic landscape shows a sustained prevalence of the middle-aged group (25-64 years), a gradual reduction in the youngest segment (0-14 years), and a significant rise in the elderly cohort (65 years and older).


Predominantly, the age group of 25 to 64 years has maintained and is expected to maintain the majority share of Japan’s demographic composition. Initiating at 65% in 1960, this category experienced slight fluctuations until 1990, with a predicted steady decline until 2030, followed by a minor rebound. Despite this, it remains the most substantial demographic segment. In contrast, the youngest group, initially well-represented, has been witnessing a continual decrease, forecasted to settle at around 10% by 2040.


On the contrary, the segment representing individuals aged 65 and over, which started as the smallest group, has seen a marked and consistent increase over the decades. This group eclipsed the youngest age group in 2005 and is projected to grow to encompass 35% of the population by 2040. This evolving pattern highlights a significant demographic shift toward an increasingly aged population in Japan.



Sample Report 3

The line graph provides information about the percentage of three age groups over 80 years, from 1960 to 2040.


Overall, the age range of 25 to 64 has historically and is expected to continue to represent the largest proportion of the Japanese population. The proportion of people aged 0 to 14 is anticipated to continue declining, but the percentage of people 65 and older has been increasing and is forecasted to do so for the duration of the projection period.


The age range of 25 to 64 has consistently held the largest percentage of the overall Japanese population, and it is predicted that this trend will continue through the end of the projected period. This group made up 65% of the population in 1960. From then, there was a brief period of ups and downs until 1990, and then a predicted gradual descent to 55% in 2030, when it is estimated to resume an increasing trend. However, with the exception of the first decade (1960–1970), the youngest age group (0–14) continued to decline during the whole time and was anticipated to have the lowest proportion, or 10% of the total Japanese population, by the end of the period.


On the other hand, even though the age group of 65 and over had the smallest percentage of the population at the beginning of the period, it increased with time. It crossed the 0-14 age range in 2005, and it was predicted to grow to 35% by 2040.


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