Main Reasons for University Education and Support from Employers
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The chart below shows the main reasons for university education among people of different age groups, based on a survey conducted in 2008, and the percentages of students who got support from their employers in this year.
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 graphs illustrate the primary motivations for individuals from various age groups to pursue higher education and the proportion of students receiving support from their employers. This data was obtained from a survey conducted in 2008.
Overall, younger students tended to pursue university education primarily to advance their careers, whereas older individuals were more motivated by personal interest. Furthermore, younger students received more substantial employer support, either through time off or financial assistance, compared to their older counterparts.
In more detail, the first chart shows that 80% of students under the age of 26 attended university to further their careers, with only a small portion, about 10%, citing personal interest as their motivation. Similarly, 70% of students aged 26 to 29 pursued university studies for career reasons, while only 10% were motivated by interest. Students aged 30 to 39 also leaned towards career progression, though the proportion citing interest increased slightly. The 40-49 age group was split evenly, with half of the students pursuing education for career development and the other half for personal enrichment. For individuals over 49, the trend shifted significantly, with 70% citing personal interest as the primary reason.
The second graph highlights that employer support was more prevalent among younger students. Over 60% of students under 26 received some form of support, followed closely by those aged 26 to 29. In contrast, students aged 30 and above experienced a steady decline in employer assistance, with only around 30-40% receiving support, indicating a decreasing trend as age increased.
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Sample Answer 2
The charts depict the main reasons for university education among different age groups and the percentage of students who benefited from employer support during 2008. The data reflect distinct trends in motivation across age categories and variations in employer assistance.
In general, younger students were predominantly driven by career ambitions when attending university, whereas personal interest emerged as a more significant factor among older learners. Additionally, younger individuals received greater backing from employers in the form of time off or financial aid compared to those in older age brackets.
Focusing on the first chart, students under 26 years of age showed a clear preference for university education as a career-building step, with the vast majority identifying career advancement as their primary motivation. A similar pattern was evident in the 26-29 age group, though the percentage pursuing education for personal interest remained minimal. The 30-39 age range still leaned towards career-driven motivations, but a higher proportion of students cited personal interest compared to younger groups. Meanwhile, the 40-49 group presented an even split, with equal emphasis on career and interest-based motivations. Notably, students over 49 exhibited a marked shift, with personal interest becoming the dominant reason for pursuing higher education.
Turning to the second chart, employer support varied substantially by age. More than half of students under 26 received some form of assistance, and this trend remained relatively strong among those aged 26-29. However, as age increased, employer support steadily declined, with students over 49 receiving significantly less backing compared to younger counterparts.
Sample Answer 3
The graphs provide insights into the main reasons for university education across different age groups and show the extent to which students in these groups received support from their employers in 2008.
Overall, younger individuals predominantly pursued higher education for career-related purposes, while older students appeared to prioritize personal interest. Additionally, employer support, which included benefits like fee assistance or time off, was more prevalent among younger learners, with a gradual decrease in support for older students.
In more detail, the first chart highlights that students below the age of 30 were overwhelmingly motivated by career progression, with only a minority indicating personal interest as their reason for enrolling in university. However, as the students' age increased, the motivation shifted slightly. Among individuals aged 40 to 49, the purpose of university education was evenly divided between professional growth and personal interest. Meanwhile, the most senior group—those over 49—largely pursued education out of personal interest, marking a complete reversal from the younger age categories.
The second graph reflects a declining trend in employer support with increasing age. The highest proportion of support was given to students aged under 26, followed closely by the 26-29 age group. Conversely, fewer students from the 30-49 age range benefited from employer assistance. Among those over 49, the percentage of students receiving support dropped significantly, indicating a much lower level of workplace backing for older learners.
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