Band 7+: 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 illustrates the proportion of GDP allocated to healthcare in various European countries in the years 2002, 2007, and 2012.

Overall, while most countries saw an increase in expenditure on healthcare, others either remained stable or slightly declined, with Switzerland consistently recording the highest percentage.

Switzerland accounted for the largest share over the year span, at 11%. France followed the list, rising from just 10% in 2002 to approximately 11% in 2007. In contrast, Lithuania and Poland exhibited almost the least proportion of spending on healthcare, with 5% and 6%, respectively, but still rose in 2012.

Estonia had the lowest value of GDP, with only 3% being recorded in 2002, 2007, and 2012, whereas the remaining nations showed a positive trend, with the sharpest increases occurring between 2007 and 2012. However, the exceptions are present. For instance, Luxembourg and the Netherlands had a slight decline, though their healthcare spending remained below 8%.