6. IELTS Writing task 1. Percentages of the Canadian workforce

The bar chart shows the percentages of the Canadian workforce in five major industries in 1850 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

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Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

The provided bar chart meticulously illustrates the percentage distribution of the Canadian workforce across five key industries—manufacturing, services, agriculture/fishing, construction, and energy/water—in the years 1980 and 2020.

In 2020, the services sector emerged as the dominant employer, capturing a significant share of the workforce, while the agriculture/fishing and energy/water sectors had notably low percentages. In contrast, in 1980, the manufacturing sector was the largest employer by a considerable margin.

Specifically, in 1980, the manufacturing industry accounted for 36 percent of employment, services for 33 percent, and agriculture/fishing for 22 percent. In comparison, the construction and energy/water sectors provided only 5 percent and 3 percent of jobs, respectively.

By 2020, the services sector had expanded dramatically, employing 81 percent of the workforce. Meanwhile, the manufacturing and construction sectors accommodated 9 percent and 8 percent of workers, respectively. Notably, the agriculture/fishing and energy/water sectors each employed just 1 percent of the workforce.

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List of vocabulary used:

1. Meticulously – with great attention to detail; very carefully and precisely.
2. Percentagewise – relating to or expressed as a percentage (often better replaced by “percentage” for clarity).
3. Distribution – the way in which something is shared out or spread over an area or among a group.
4. Workforce – the people engaged in or available for work, either in a country, company, or industry.
5. Prominent – important, famous, or easily noticeable.
6. Sector – an area or portion of the economy; a distinct part of an economic system, such as services, agriculture, or manufacturing.
7. Predominant – the strongest or main element; having control or power over others.
8. Significant – sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy.
9. Notably – in a way that is worthy of attention; especially.
10. Percents/Percentages – a part or portion of 100; a way of expressing numbers as a fraction of 100.
11. Conversely – introducing a statement or idea which reverses one that has just been made or referred to.
12. Considerable – notably large in size, amount, or extent.
13. Delving – to research or examine deeply; investigate.
14. Accounted for – to make up or form a part of something; to be responsible for.
15. Dramatically – in a way that relates to drama or exaggerated behavior; significantly or strikingly.
16. Accommodated – to provide or make space for something or someone; to help or assist by providing what is needed.
17. Notably – used to emphasize an important or significant point or detail.

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IELTS AC WRITING TASK 1

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