40. The graph below gives information from a 2008 report about consumption of energy in the USA since 1980 with projections until 2030.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

The graph below gives information from a 2008 report about consumption of energy in the USA since 1980 with projections until 2030.

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

The line graph illustrates the consumption of various types of fuel in the United States from 1980 to 2030, measured in quadrillion units. It is evident that all fuels have seen an increase in consumption over this period, with petrol and oil being the most consumed.

In 1980, petrol and oil were already leading at around 35 quadrillion units, followed by natural gas at approximately 20 quadrillion units. Coal was consumed at a rate of about 15 quadrillion units while nuclear energy, solar/wind energy, and hydropower were below 10 quadrillion units. Over the next five decades, petrol and oil saw a steady increase reaching close to 50 quadrillion units by 2030.

Natural gas also increased but at a slower pace compared to petrol and oil, reaching just above 30 quadrillion units by 2030. Coal’s consumption remained relatively stable with slight fluctuations but maintained around the initial level of consumption. Nuclear energy saw a modest increase while solar/wind energy experienced significant growth albeit still being one of the least consumed fuels.

In summary, while all fuel types have seen an increase in consumption over the years with varying degrees of growth rates; petrol and oil remain dominant in terms of total consumption volume.

The graph below gives information from a 2008 report about consumption of energy in the USA since 1980 with projections until 2030.

Sample Answer 2

Band 8.5

The provided line graph delineates data on U.S Energy Consumption by Fuel from the year 1980 projected up until 2030. A noticeable trend is that every type of fuel’s usage has escalated over these years albeit at different rates.

Petrol and Oil’s trajectory shows it as the predominant source throughout these years starting from just above thirty-five quadrillions unit mark in 1980 to nearing fifty by projected year 2030. Natural Gas also sees an upward trend but plateaus slightly after mid-2005 before rising again.

Coal’s usage has been fairly consistent throughout these years with minor peaks and troughs but maintaining its position as third most used fuel type after Petrol/Oil and Natural Gas respectively. Nuclear power sees a gradual yet consistent rise over these years whereas Solar/Wind Energy though starts minimal shows promising rise post-2005 indicating shift towards more sustainable options.

Hydropower remains consistently low throughout these fifty years indicating it hasn’t been primary choice for energy generation or perhaps limitations due to geographical constraints or technology haven’t allowed its potential exploitation.

To encapsulate, U.S has seen diversification in its energy sources though Petrol/Oil remains pre-eminent; there is noticeable shift towards more sustainable options like Solar/Wind Energy.