Describing tables
Example 1
Spending list 1991 2001
Australian Dollar Per Month
Food 155 160
Electricity and Water 75 120
Clothing 30 20
Housing 95 100
Transport 70 45
Other goods and services* 250 270
Total 675 715
*Other goods and services: non-essential goods and services
The table shows changes in the spending patterns of an average Australian household between 1991 and 2001. In general, Australian household spending in 2001 was higher than in 1991.The amount of monthly spending on electricity and water increased over the 10-year period from $75 to $120. At the same time, the amount of money spent on food and housing rose only slightly from $155 to $160 and $95 to $100 respectively.
However, there was a decrease in expenditure on the other two items. Australians spent one third less on clothing, which fell from $30 to $20. Similarly, expenditure on transport dropped from $70 in 1991 to $45 in 2001. It seems that food and “other goods and services” were the two biggest items of expenditure. (125 words)