UK Daily Fruit and Vegetable Consumption 2001-2008

Diet and nutrition
Food

The chart below shows the percentage of people who ate five portions of fruits and vegetables per day in the UK from 2001 to 2008.

Annotated response

5 correction notes

The presented graph highlights the proportion of the UK population consuming fruits and vegetables as a routine from 2001 to 2008.

Overall, there was a consistent upward increase across all the demographics, with notable increases for children and men, and a more moderate rise for women in the UK.

First off, children had the lowest percentage, starting at approximately 12% in 2001 and maintaining stability in the numbers until the year 2003, then steadily increasing to around 25% by 2007. Similarly, men experienced a similar trend, starting at about 17% in 2001, remaining unchanged for the next two years, before facing a sudden incline to nearly 27% by the year 2007. However, both groups witnessed a gradual decline in the final year, 2008.

In contrast, women began with the highest percentage in 2001, around 21%. Moreover, this gradually increased to about 34% by the year 2006. But, eventually, the numbers then in the last two years. Despite all of this, remained at the top in the UK by the year 2008.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response groups the demographic trends clearly and correctly identifies 2006 as the peak year for women. However, it confuses portions with frequency in the introduction and presents the overview as a consistent increase despite the later declines. Some approximate figures and the size of the women’s decline also need closer checking.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Achievement

6.5

The response covers the groups and correctly places the women’s peak in 2006. However, the introduction describes eating five times rather than five portions per day, the overview omits the later declines, and the women’s fall from 35% to 30% is understated.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

The response is logically organised with a clear overview, coherent group-by-group progression, and appropriate cohesive devices, though occasional linking such as 'But, eventually' and 'Moreover' is slightly mechanical or misused.

Lexical Resource

7.0

Vocabulary is generally sufficient and flexible for describing trends, but contains some imprecise or awkward expressions such as 'consistent upward increase', 'sudden incline', and 'the population of women'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

A good range of structures is used with frequent error-free sentences and accurate tense control, with only minor lapses such as the awkward 'facing a sudden incline' that do not impede meaning.

More responses with feedback

View all 3 responses (7.0)