Monthly Expenditure of an Average Australian Family in 1991 and 2001 - IELTS Task 1 Table

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The table below shows the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family in 1991 and 2001.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words

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Model Answer 1

The illustration delineates the variations in the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family across a spectrum of categories over the course of a decade, comparing figures from 1991 to those of 2001.

Commencing with an overview, the most salient trend is the moderate escalation in the overall monthly expenditure of an average Australian family, augmenting from AUD 675 to AUD 715, with marked increments in outlays for electricity and water, as well as for non-essential goods and services. Conversely, spending on clothing and transport witnessed a decline during the same period.

Delving into the particulars, the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family on food exhibited a nominal increase from AUD 155 to AUD 160. A more pronounced rise was observed in the utility segment, with expenditures on electricity and water surging from AUD 75 to AUD 120, signaling a heightened emphasis on these essentials. Housing-related expenses experienced a marginal inflation, ascending by a mere AUD 5 to AUD 100 in 2001.

In stark contrast, the apparel and transport categories saw a downturn in their financial allotments. The monthly expenditure of an average Australian family on clothing retracted to AUD 20, down by AUD 10, while transport costs reduced significantly to AUD 45, reflecting a shift in mobility or vehicle ownership trends. Notably, discretionary spending on other goods and services retained its primacy in the budget, albeit with a slight increase to AUD 270.

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Model Answer 2

The provided schematic delivers a comparative analysis of the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family in two distinct epochs, 1991 and 2001, as per the categorization of costs.

An encompassing glance reveals a subtle inflation in the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family over the decade in question, with a discernible uptick in the sectors of utilities and discretionary goods. Contrarily, the domains of attire and transportation experienced a decrement in their financial dedication.

Focusing on the specifics, the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family on nourishment exhibited an incremental growth, marginally rising from AUD 155 to AUD 160. Notably more substantial was the swell in expenses for electricity and water, escalating from AUD 75 to a robust AUD 120, indicative of the escalating costs or increased usage patterns in utilities. The housing outlay remained relatively static with a paltry rise, rounding up to AUD 100.

Contrasting with these modest increases, the allotment for garments experienced a downturn, shrinking to AUD 20 from AUD 30, suggestive of changing fashion consumption or pricing. Similarly, the budget for transport attenuated to AUD 45, a potential indicator of shifts in transportation preferences or efficiencies. The category encompassing other goods and services marginally advanced its claim on the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family, ascending to AUD 270.

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Model Answer 3

The chart in question meticulously details the monetary disbursements made on a monthly basis by an average Australian family, presenting a decade-spanning comparison between 1991 and 2001.

An initial observation of the data indicates that the aggregate monthly expenditure of an average Australian family witnessed a modest ascent, driven primarily by heightened utilities and sundry goods and services costs, with a notable downturn in spending on attire and conveyance.

Examining the detailed figures, the food-related monthly expenditure of an average Australian family saw a negligible increase from AUD 155 to AUD 160, suggesting modest changes in food purchasing habits or price variations. The realm of electricity and water, however, saw a marked jump in the family budget, escalating expenditures from AUD 75 to AUD 120. This leap reflects the rising utility costs or possibly an increased consumption pattern within households.

Intriguingly, the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family on clothing reversed the upward trend, dipping from AUD 30 to AUD 20, potentially indicative of more economical spending habits or an altered valuation of clothing. Transport outlay similarly saw a reduction, with expenses contracting to AUD 45. This could denote an adoption of more cost-effective transport methods or a decrease in transportation needs. Lastly, spending on other goods and services, albeit the heaviest weight on the financial scale, crept up by a mere AUD 20 to AUD 270, maintaining its stance as the most significant non-essential expenditure category.

Model Answer 4

The tabulation provided offers an insight into the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family, contrasting the outlays of 1991 with those a decade later, in 2001.

At a glance, the data indicates a subtle uptick in the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family between the two years, with significant increments noted in utility bills and discretionary purchases, while expenditures for clothing and transportation saw a downturn.

Drilling down into the specifics, the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family on comestibles experienced a mere elevation from AUD 155 to AUD 160. In stark contrast, the cost of utilities underwent a considerable rise, with monthly expenses for electricity and water intensifying from AUD 75 to AUD 120, possibly reflecting the impact of inflating prices or an upsurge in usage.

Concurrently, the sartorial budget contracted, with the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family on clothing dropping to AUD 20 from AUD 30, potentially signifying a shift towards more sustainable clothing habits or the influence of economical pricing strategies. Transport expenditure followed this reductive trend, decreasing to AUD 45, which may signify a turn towards alternative transportation modes or efficiencies. Lastly, the monthly outlay on other goods and services, which encompasses non-essentials, witnessed a modest swell to AUD 270, maintaining its position as the predominant non-essential expense in the family budget.

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