Band 9: The bar chart provides information about how families in a country in both 1968 and in 2018. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisions where relevant.

The bar chart compares how families in a particular country allocated their weekly income across eight categories in 1968 and 2018.

Overall, spending patterns changed considerably over the 50-year period. While food accounted for by far the largest proportion of household expenditure in 1968, leisure became the dominant category in 2018. In general, families spent less on basic necessities and more on services and lifestyle-related items.

In 1968, food represented approximately 35% of total weekly spending, making it the most significant expense. However, this figure fell dramatically to around 15% in 2018. By contrast, expenditure on leisure more than doubled, rising from just under 10% to slightly above 20%, becoming the largest category in the later year.

Housing costs increased notably, from about 10% in 1968 to roughly 18% in 2018. Similarly, transport spending grew from around 8% to about 14%. On the other hand, several categories experienced declines. Spending on clothing and footwear dropped from approximately 10% to around 5%, while fuel and power decreased slightly. Personal goods also saw a reduction.

In summary, the chart illustrates a clear shift away from essential goods towards housing, transport, and especially leisure activities.