Band 7+: The table below shows the monthly expenditure of an average Australian family in 1991 and 2001. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The table illustrates the spending patterns of an average Australian household between 1991 and 2001.

Overall, while the spending figures on electricity and water, transport demonstrated noticeable changes, expenditure on food, clothing, and housing showed a small change in ten years. Notably, other goods and services were the two biggest items of expenditure.

In detail, the expenditure was approximately identical, with $155 and $160 in 1991 and 2001 respectively. Likewise, housing accounted for similar patterns for both years, with $95 and $100 accordingly. Similarly, the total spending on clothing noticed a small change, which fell from $30 to $20 throughout the period.

In contrast, the amount of monthly spending on electricity and water was just $75 in 1991, but it increased significantly, reaching $120 in 2001. Conversely, transport showed a decreasing trend; while the total amount of expenditure was $70 for transport in 1991, it dropped to $45 by 2001. Interestingly, other goods and services maintained the highest spending among all expenditures for both years. Notably, the total expenditure was slightly higher in 2001, with $715 compared to $675 in 1991.