The graph below shows the percentage of female members of parliament in five European countries, from 2000 to 2012
The statistical information provided indicates
the proportion of female MPs in five major European nations over a twelve-year period starting in 2000. Overall, there was a general upward trend in the percentage of women elected.
Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the graph is the dramatic rise that took place in Italy. At the beginning of the period, a mere 2.5% of MPs in this country were women; however, by the end of the period, this figure had increased tenfold. Notably, the major surge occurred during a four-year period between 2004 and 2008.
Another key feature is that during the whole period in question there was, rather surprisingly, comparatively smaller changes in the percentages in the UK and Germany. Furthermore, although the latter country had the highest proportion of female MPs at the start of this period, twelve years later, it had been overtaken by Belgium, where just under 40% of the elected politicians were female.
Interestingly, in Spain, after a notable rise of roughly 10% during the first four years of the period, the percentage of female representatives in parliament levelled off for the remaining eight years of the period under discussion.
the proportion of = the number or amount of a group or part of something when compared to the whole
noteworthy = interesting, significant
a mere (we also use 'merely') = only
increase tenfold (twofold, threefold etc) = to increase by ten times
notably = in particular
the major surge = the big increase
in question = the period we are discussing
notable = worthy of attention or notice; remarkable; noteworthy
female representatives in parliament = female MPs
If there is an overall trend that you can see, include it in the introduction e.g. Overall, there was a general upward trend in the percentage of women elected. If the trend is 'downward' then use: Overall, there was a general upward trend in...
Note how the past perfect has been used - this is a good way to increase your grammatical range e.g. ...by the end of the period, this figure had increased tenfold. We have a YouTube video showing you how to do this: Improve your grammatical range in IELTS Writing Task 1
