Band 9: The chart below gives information about how families in one country spent their weekly income in 1968 and in 2018. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The bar chart compares the average weekly spending by families in a specific country for the years 1968 and 2018. Overall, over this fifty-year span, there are marked changes in spending patterns, especially in housing and transport, alongside a notable reduction in food expenses.

In 1968, the largest share of weekly income was devoted to food, making up 35% of total spending. Housing followed with a 22% share, while transport accounted for 15%. Spending on clothing and footwear was lower, at 7%, and household goods and personal goods made up 6% and 8%, respectively. Leisure activities received the smallest portion, with only 5% of income allocated to this area.

By 2018, family spending patterns had shifted significantly. Housing became the largest expenditure, representing 40% of weekly income, an increase of 18 percentage points from 1968. Transport spending also rose to 30%, reflecting changes in lifestyle or commuting needs. In contrast, food expenses dropped sharply to 10%. Spending on clothing and footwear, household goods, and personal goods remained relatively stable, each taking up between 5% and 10% of income. Leisure spending, however, remained steady at 15%, indicating a consistent value placed on recreation despite the other changes.