Results of a Survey of Adult Education - Reasons Why Adults Decide to Study
top of page

Survey of Adult Education: Reasons Why Adults Decide to Study and How the Costs of Adult Education Should be Shared - Task 1 Multiple Graphs

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.


The charts below show the results of a survey of adult education. The first chart shows the reasons why adults decide to study. The pie chart shows how people think the costs of adult education should be shared.


Write a report for a university lecturer, describing the information shown below.


Write at least 150 words.

Survey of Adult Education: Reasons Why Adults Decide to Study and How the Costs of Adult Education Should be Shared - Task 1 Multiple Graphs

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 1

The provided visual data delineates the results of a survey of adult education, specifically expounding on the reasons why adults decide to study and their opinions on the distribution of educational costs.


In terms of the overarching trends, it is evident that the primary catalyst for adult education is a genuine interest in the subject matter, closely followed by the pursuit of advanced qualifications. Concurrently, there is a notable sentiment that the financial responsibility for such educational endeavours should predominantly rest with the individuals themselves.


Delving into specifics, 40% of adults are propelled into study by a passion for the subject, whereas 38% engage in learning to acquire further qualifications. This slim margin underscores a dual focus on personal enrichment and professional advancement. Additionally, 22% of adults believe their current employment benefits from continued education, while 20% are motivated by the prospect of enhancing their career trajectory through potential promotions. Another 20% derive pleasure from the learning process itself. Conversely, lesser emphasis is placed on education as a means for occupational transition or social networking, with only 12% and 9% of adults, respectively, citing these as factors.


Regarding the pie chart, it is discerned that 40% of respondents advocate for the individual to bear the majority of educational expenses. In contrast, a slightly smaller proportion, at 35%, opines that employers should contribute significantly, highlighting a belief in shared investment between the workforce and corporate entities. The taxpayer's share is deemed the least at 25%, suggesting a more limited role for public funding in the realm of adult education.


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 2

The provided visual data delineates the outcomes of a survey concerning adult education, focusing specifically on the motivations for study alongside perceptions regarding the fiscal responsibilities associated with such educational pursuits.


An overarching glance at the bar graph and pie chart reveals two prominent trends: a strong inclination towards educational endeavours rooted in personal interest, and a prevailing belief that individuals should primarily finance their adult education. These broad observations indicate a significant alignment of educational engagement with intrinsic motivation and self-funding preferences.


Delving into specifics, the bar graph enumerates several reasons for adults embarking on educational journeys, with 'Interest in subject' commanding the forefront at a substantial 40%. This is closely tailed by the pursuit of qualifications, which claims a 38% share. On the lesser end of the spectrum lies 'To meet people', occupying a modest 9%, suggesting that socialization is not a primary driver for adult education. Other factors such as employment enhancement and personal enrichment through learning hold intermediate positions, each accounting for a fifth of the surveyed population's reasoning.


Transitioning to the pie chart, the allocation of educational costs is depicted with clarity. Individuals are seen as the most significant contributors at 40%, underscoring a trend towards self-investment in educational growth. Employers are perceived as the next responsible entity, bearing 35% of the financial load, while taxpayers are suggested to contribute the remaining 25%, illustrating a collective yet stratified approach to educational expenditure.


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 3

The survey diagrams provided offer a snapshot of the motivations behind adult learning and the prevailing opinions on the financial responsibility for such educational pursuits.


An overarching glance at the survey results indicates a strong inclination towards personal development and qualification attainment as primary motivators for adult education, with a significant portion advocating for individual financial contribution towards course costs.


Delving deeper into the specifics, the bar chart reveals that 40% of the surveyed adults are driven by a keen interest in the subject matter, marginally surpassing the 38% who pursue studies to gain additional qualifications. These two reasons why adults decide to study collectively dominate the chart. Meanwhile, practical considerations such as job enhancement and promotional opportunities motivate around one-fifth of the respondents, each garnering 20% to 22%. Less influential, yet noteworthy, are those seeking career changes and social engagement, together constituting a lesser 17% of the participants' reasons for studying.


From the perspective of financing these educational endeavours, the pie chart illustrates a plurality (40%) favouring self-funding, reflecting a prevailing sentiment that individuals should primarily invest in their own continuous learning. Employers are deemed responsible for a substantial 35% of the costs, suggesting a considerable expectation for corporate investment in workforce development. Taxpayers' contribution is suggested at a lower yet significant threshold of 25%, indicating a societal stake in the pursuit of adult education.


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 4

The provided visual data encapsulates the findings of a survey on adult education, pinpointing the motivations for study and opinions on the fiscal responsibility for course fees.


The overview of the data reveals a predominant inclination towards self-improvement and personal interest as primary motivators for adult learning. Moreover, there's a notable consensus suggesting that individuals should bear the lion's share of educational expenses.


Delving into specifics, 40% of respondents cited a fascination with the subject matter as their chief incentive, closely followed by 38% who pursued studies to acquire formal qualifications. Other motivational factors such as job enhancement, career advancement opportunities, and a passion for learning itself clustered around the 20% mark. Less influential were the desires to facilitate a career switch and to socialize, garnering 12% and 9% respectively.


The fiscal aspect of adult education, as shown in the pie chart, reveals a societal expectation that individuals should self-fund 40% of their educational pursuits. Employers are viewed as the next significant contributors, with a 35% share, while the taxpayer's slice is quantified at 25%, indicating a more subsidiary role in financing adult education.



Model Answer 5

The provided visual data delineates the findings of a survey focused on adult education, specifically highlighting the impetuses for study and opinions on fiscal responsibility for course fees.


It is evident from the survey that the predominant catalysts for adults engaging in educational pursuits are a keen interest in their chosen subjects, followed closely by the pursuit of academic credentials. These two factors notably surpass other motivational elements. Additionally, when it comes to financing these educational endeavours, the consensus leans towards personal investment, with a significant segment of respondents advocating for individual payment of course costs.


Delving into the specifics, an impressive 40% of adults are driven by their passion for the subject matter, which stands as the most compelling reason to embark on further education. This is marginally more influential than the 38% whose objective is to acquire qualifications. Thereafter, a uniform distribution is observed, with 20% of adults either seeking to augment their chances for promotion, simply enjoying the educational process, or finding current job enhancement through continued learning. A smaller segment, constituting 12%, views education as a stepping stone to career transition, while a modest 9% value the social aspect of meeting new individuals.


In terms of educational expenses, the largest group, forming 40% of the survey participants, holds the view that individuals should shoulder the costs themselves. This is juxtaposed with the 35% who see employers as the rightful bearers of this financial load. The minority, comprising 25%, proposes that such costs be underwritten by taxpayers. These figures clearly indicate a preference for private and corporate funding over public expenditure in adult education.



Model Answer 6

The illustration presents findings from an inquiry into adult learning, highlighting the motivations behind their educational pursuits and perspectives on the fiscal responsibility for such endeavours.


Commencing with an overview, the most prominent motive for adult education, as depicted by the bar chart, is a profound interest in specific subjects, capturing the attention of 40% of the participants. Following closely, the pursuit of qualifications motivates a substantial 38%. The pie chart complements these findings by indicating a prevailing sentiment that individuals themselves should bear the brunt of educational expenses, with 40% advocating for this approach.


Delving deeper, the bar chart reveals that a fifth of the surveyed adults find academic engagement beneficial to their current professional roles and equally so for the enhancement of their prospects for promotion. The joy of learning resonates with the same proportion of individuals. Notably, a smaller yet significant portion of 12% views education as a pathway to career transition, while social expansion motives are least cited, at 9%.


The pie chart further elucidates financial perspectives, showcasing that a notable 35% of respondents believe employers should contribute to educational funding. Conversely, a quarter of the surveyed populace opines that taxpayers should shoulder the costs associated with adult education.



Model Answer 7

The elucidation of the figures provided reveals the outcomes of a survey on adult education, with the initial illustration delineating the reasons why adults embark on study endeavours, while the circular graph delineates the public's perceptions regarding the financial responsibility of adult education.


In overview, the bar chart indicates a predominant inclination towards educational pursuits sparked by a genuine interest in the subject matter, alongside aspirations to attain additional qualifications. Conversely, the pie chart suggests a prevailing belief that individuals themselves should shoulder the largest segment of educational expenses.


Delving into specifics, a notable 40% of adults reported that a deep-seated enthusiasm for the subject catalyzes their decision to pursue further education. This is closely followed by 38% who are driven by the ambition to secure qualifications. Employment-related motivations are also significant, with 22% pursuing studies to bolster their current job performance and 20% seeking to enhance their promotional prospects. Study as a pursuit of personal gratification resonates with another 20%, highlighting the joy of learning as a motivational factor. A minority, 12%, view education as a conduit to career transition, whereas socializing emerges as the least compelling reason, endorsed by a mere 9%.


On the fiscal front, the consensus leans towards a 40% contribution by the learners themselves, reflecting a robust sentiment for personal investment in education. Employers are deemed the next viable contributors at 35%, suggesting a role in co-investment in workforce development. Taxpayers are considered the least responsible, with only a quarter of the opinion suggesting their involvement in financing adult education.


Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

bottom of page