Band 7+: Task 1: The chart below shows information about changes in average house prices in five different cities between 1990 and 2002 compared with the average house prices in 1989. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The given bar chart illustrates the comparison of prices in average house in five major cities – New York, Tokyo, London, Frankfurt, and Madrid from 1990 to 2002 compared to 1989. The units are measured in percent.

Overall, between 1990 and 1995 the prices were lower than in 1989, while 1996-2002 shows the exact opposite. Notably, Tokyo is the only city which showed low prices during the periods.

Madrid and Frankfurt experienced a slight rise of prices compared to 1989, just under 5 percent. Other cities, however, showed decrease: New York was roughly minus 5 percent, while Tokyo and London were relatively same, slightly below minus 5 percent.

In terms of changes in prices, 1996-2002 shows an upward trend. Almost every city experienced a growth in prices except Tokyo, which became approximately minus 5 percent and Frankfurt, which was just over zero. London had by far the most expensive houses, accounted for above 10 percent.