Band 8+: WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The bar chart below shows current health expenditure totals as percentages of GDP* for various European countries for the years 2002, 2007 and 2012. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 150 words. * GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is the total value of goods that are made and services that are provided in a country.

The bar chart compares the percentage of GDP spent on health in various European countries in 2002, 2007, and 2012.

Overall, most countries experienced a gradual increase in health expenditure over the period. Belgium and Denmark consistently recorded some of the highest proportions, while Estonia spent the least in all three years.

In 2002, Belgium, Denmark, and France all spent relatively high percentages of their GDP on health, each reaching around similar levels. Estonia, by contrast, reported the lowest figure, significantly lower than other nations. By 2007, France saw a noticeable rise, becoming one of the highest spenders in that year, while Luxembourg’s expenditure remained almost the same as in 2002.

In 2012, Denmark’s spending increased further, reaching the highest point among the countries shown. Luxembourg experienced a slight decrease after 2007. Meanwhile, the Netherlands showed a small decline over the ten-year period. Norway remained stable between 2002 and 2007, followed by a slight rise in 2012. Spain’s expenditure showed almost no significant change across all three years.