Band 8+: The charts below show the results of a survey on happiness ratings for married and unmarried people in the US, and the effect of children on the overall ratings of married couples. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The two bar charts illustrate a survey carried out in the US comparing happiness levels between married and unmarried individuals, as well as analyzing how children affect the general levels of happiness among married couples.

At the first glance, regardless of age, married people consistently report higher happiness levels than their unmarried counterparts. Besides, the presence of children has a minimal influence on the happiness levels of married couples.

As can be seen in the first chart, those aged 18 to 29 report the highest level of happiness, at 45%, followed closely by those aged 30 to 49 and 65+, both at 44%. In contrast, the figures for unmarried individuals in the 18-64 age group only stand at about 21-22% happiness, while the proportion of the happiness of the older group is slightly higher, at 34%.

According to the second chart, those with children under 18 report the highest level of happiness, at 44%, closely followed by couples without children at 43%. Meanwhile, couples with children aged 18 or older report slightly lower happiness levels, at 41%.