Potato Consumption and Production by Region in 2006

The tables below provide information about the consumption and production of potatoes in five parts of the world in 2006.

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Annotated response

6 correction notes

Showing 6 correction notes.

The given compare five different regions in terms of their production and consumption of potatoes in 2006.

Overall, , while the lowest production was observed in . Regarding average potato consumption, Europe recorded the highest figures, in contrast to Africa, where consumption was the lowest.

Asia led potato production with slightly over 131 million tonnes, closely followed by Europe with 126.3 million tonnes. North America produced significantly less, at approximately 25 million tonnes. had similar production , ranging from 15.6 to 16.4 million tonnes.

In terms of consumption, the average European consumed slightly over 96 kg of potatoes, the highest among the five regions. North Americans consumed roughly 58 kg per person, more than double the consumption in , where figures ranged from 23.6 to 26 kg. Finally, African consumption was the lowest, with an average of just 14.1 kg per person.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.5

The strongest aspect is the response's accurate data selection, clear overview, and controlled, error-free language with well-managed comparisons. The main limitation is the misreading of the combined South and Central America category, which the response treats as two separate regions, creating minor unsupported detail.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Achievement

7.0

The response covers both tables, gives a clear overview of highest and lowest producers and consumers, and reports most figures accurately, but it incorrectly splits the single South and Central America category into two regions, introducing minor inaccurate data.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Information is organised logically with a clear overview, well-managed paragraphing, and effective linking of comparisons, showing logical progression throughout.

Lexical Resource

8.0

The response uses a flexible range of topic-appropriate vocabulary, including precise comparative and quantifying expressions such as 'closely followed by' and 'more than double', with only very occasional imprecision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.0

A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control, including complex comparative and relative constructions, and errors are rare and non-impeding.