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Proportion of Different Categories of Families Living in Poverty in the UK in 2002 - Task 1 Pie Chart

Updated: Jul 28

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.


The pie chart below shows the proportion of different categories of families living in poverty in the UK in 2002.


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


Write at least 150 words.

Proportion of Different Categories of Families Living in Poverty in the UK in 2002 - Task 1 Pie Chart

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Model Answer 1

The pie chart delineates the distribution of various family groupings subsisting below the poverty threshold within the United Kingdom during the year 2002. It offers a stark portrayal of economic adversity, segmented by household composition.


In an overarching glance, it is evident that single parents and single individuals without children represent the bulk of poverty, jointly constituting half of all households enduring financial privation. These demographics underscore a significant societal challenge regarding the support of non-traditional family structures in the face of economic duress.


Drilling down into the specifics, single parents emerged as the most economically disadvantaged group, with 26% grappling with poverty. Similarly, individuals without progeny were not far behind, with 24% living under the poverty line, highlighting a prevalent financial vulnerability amongst those without familial support structures. This suggests a heightened economic strain on households with a sole breadwinner or those individuals without dependents.


In contrast, couples exhibited a dichotomy in economic wellbeing based on the presence of children. Couples nurturing offspring saw 15% living in poverty, a figure 6% higher than childless couples. Notably, the elder demographic showcased a semblance of economic resilience; merely 7% of single aged individuals and 5% of aged couples were impoverished. This could reflect the influence of pensions or established wealth accumulated over time.


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Model Answer 2

The provided illustration delineates the proportions of various household types existing below the poverty threshold in the UK during the year 2002.


An overarching examination of the chart reveals two predominant groups disproportionately affected by poverty: single parents and individuals without children, accounting for more than a quarter and nearly a quarter of the poverty-stricken population, respectively. In contrast, aged citizens, whether single or in couples, seem to be less impacted by severe financial constraints.


Delving into specifics, the single parent demographic leads the chart, with 26% living in poverty, indicating a significant challenge faced by this group. The next substantial section is constituted by single individuals devoid of offspring, representing 24% of the impoverished. This data suggests a pronounced vulnerability among those without the economic buffer of a dual-income household or the support of a partner.


On the other hand, couples with children and those without children present a stark contrast in their experiences of poverty. While 15% of couples with children face financial hardship, the figure falls to below 10% for childless couples. This disparity may reflect the additional financial pressure exerted by child-rearing responsibilities. Moreover, the data points to an interesting trend wherein all households combined exhibit a 14% poverty rate, which suggests that while families with children may struggle more, they do not constitute the majority of poverty cases.


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Model Answer 3

The provided pie chart offers a detailed account of the proportions of different categories of families living in poverty in the UK in the year 2002, unveiling the varied economic challenges faced by each demographic.


At first glance, it is apparent that single-parent households and childless singles are the most afflicted by poverty, together accounting for a striking half of the total impoverished families. This observation suggests a heightened vulnerability among these groups, meriting further consideration for targeted socio-economic support.


Delving deeper into the data, the plight of single parents is particularly pronounced, with more than a quarter of such households ensnared in financial hardship. Close behind are the singles devoid of children, who comprise nearly a quarter of the poverty statistics, underscoring the economic susceptibility of individuals without the buffer of a familial network.


Meanwhile, familial units with offspring suffer more financially compared to those without, with 15% of such couples facing economic strife versus 9% among child-free couples. Intriguingly, the aged population appears more insulated from financial woes, with only 7% of single aged individuals and an even lower 5% of aged couples experiencing poverty. This reflects perhaps the benefits of social security systems or the accumulation of assets over a lifetime.


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Model Answer 4

The pie chart in question offers a breakdown of the different categories of families living in poverty in the UK for the year 2002.


In an overarching summary, the chart presents a stark depiction of poverty distribution among varying household types. The most striking feature is the pronounced vulnerability of single-parent families and single individuals without dependents, who collectively form the majority of those living in impoverishment.


The detail reveals that a significant 26% of single parents were ensnared in the grips of poverty, the largest share among all groups. This substantial figure underscores the economic hardships facing single-parent families. Close behind, individuals without children constituted 24% of the poverty-stricken population, highlighting the economic risks for those lacking familial support structures.


Conversely, couples with offspring accounted for 15% of the poverty demographic, suggesting the additional financial burden of child-rearing. Interestingly, couples without children, single aged persons, and aged couples together represented a smaller fraction of the poverty pie, each with less than a tenth of the total. This indicates a relatively better economic standing for these groups compared to their counterparts.


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