The graph provides information about the literacy rates of 15 year olds in four European countries over a period of nine years. There are two clear trends visible. Only one country, Denmark, experienced a slight fall in poor literacy levels, as numbers dropped marginally from around 17 per cent in 2000 to 15 per cent in 2009. This minor dip nevertheless gave Denmark the lowest percentage overall by the end of the period shown.

Conversely, in the majority of countries the proportion of children with low literacy levels increased, the biggest rise being evident in Austria. This country had the highest number of children with weak literacy throughout the period, except in the year 2000 where, at 15 per cent, the numbers were approximately 2 per cent lower than those in Denmark. However, by 2003 Austrian numbers had reached just over 20 per cent and rose again more steeply to a high of around 27 per cent in 2009. Ireland and Sweden both saw steady upward trends in their totals, beginning with around 11 per cent and 13 per cent respectively and ending at a similar percentage of 17 per cent.

Therefore, with the exception or Derunark, the percentage of 15 year olds with literacy problems generally went up. The difference between the countries was relatively low in 2000, ranging from around 11 per cent to 17 per cent, but this difference grew and by 2009 spanned from approximately 15 per cent to over 27 per cent.

Examiner Highlights - Word Use

1. Say provides information - do not use any other words like illustrates, represents, etc unless you are sure that they are appropriate.
2. Over a period - you do not always have to use the years.
3. Two Clear Trends - this is a simple way of presenting an overview. You do not have to go too much into detail
4. Marginally - is another good alternative for slightly - but as always be careful where you use it.
5. Nevertheless - Learn to use this words correctly. Most test takers use this word incorrectly
6. Using low and increased - The low literacy levels increased means - perfect use of double negatives here.
7. Weak Literacy - Instead of using low-literacy
8. Rose again, but more steeply - When you are talking about two increases one after another.
9. Correct use of the word similar - be careful in using this word.
10. Relatively low - when something is low, but not very low, but not very high either.
11. Spanned - when talking about a range of figures.

Examiner Comments

The response depicts very tight control over word use and language. Many words are used precisely. The most important part is there is not over use or incorrect use of words which is a common problem with many test takers who want to impress the examiners.

It is important to note that using regular words correctly will give candidates a better score than using big words and going wrong.