Band 7+: WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The bar chart shows the percentage of adult male smokers in seven countries along with the world average in 2000 and 2015. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The graph illustrates the percentage of the male population who smoked in seven regions (Armenia, Egypt, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cuba, Mexico, and Australia) alongside the global average, in the years 2000 and 2015.

Overall, the proportion of male smokers decreased in most regions over the 15-year period. Armenia and Bangladesh had the highest percentages, while Mexico and Australia recorded the lowest figures throughout.

In 2000, the highest smoking rate was observed in Armenia, where around 66% of men smoked. Bangladesh followed closely, with about 63%, while Cuba reported approximately 54%. By 2015, all three countries had seen reductions: Armenia to around 52%, Bangladesh to about 39%, and Cuba to just over 50%.

The world average dropped from roughly 44% to 34%. Egypt and Lebanon experienced an increasing number of male smokers, from 35% and 34% in 2000 to just under 50% and about 55% in 2015, respectively. The lowest proportions were recorded in Mexico and Australia, where male smoking rates fell from around 35% and 28% in 2000 to approximately 20% and 18% in 2015.

In summary, smoking among men decreased across all regions, yet remained most prevalent in Armenia and Bangladesh, and least common in Australia and Mexico.