Band 9: 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.

The table illustrates the monthly spending of an average Australian family in 1991 and 2001.

Overall, total expenditure increased slightly over the ten-year period, from 675 to 715 dollars. Spending on some items, such as electricity and housing, went up, while expenses on clothing and transport went down.

Looking more closely, the biggest category in both years was “other goods and services,” rising from 250 dollars in 1991 to 270 dollars in 2001. Food was the second largest part, with a small increase from 155 to 160 dollars.

Electricity and water showed the most noticeable growth, almost doubling from 75 to 120 dollars. Housing also grew a little, from 95 to 100 dollars. In contrast, money spent on clothing fell from 30 to 20 dollars, and transport dropped from 70 to 45 dollars.

In conclusion, Australian families spent more overall in 2001 than in 1991, with the greatest rise in utility costs, while spending on clothing and transport became less important.