This glossary can help you prepare for the IELTS writing tasks related to the Birth and death rates of Society.
birth and death rate
noun phrase
Birth rate (or crude birth rate): The annual number of births per 1,000 total population.
Death rate (or crude death rate): The annual number of deaths per 1,000 total population.
Example: The graph shows changes in the birth and death rates in New Zealand since 1901.
century
noun
A period of one hundred years.
Example: The large gap between the two levels will be reversed in the later part of this century.
consistently
adverb
In every case or on every occasion; invariably.
Example: The birth rate has been consistently higher than the death rate.
fluctuate
verb
Rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.
Example: The rate has fluctuated between 65 and 50 thousand.
forecast
verb
Predict or estimate (a future event or trend).
Example: The graph shows changes in the birth and death rates in New Zealand since 1901, and forecasts trends tip until 2101.
level off
verb
To approach or reach a steady rate, volume, or amount.
Example: The rate will probably level off at around 60,000, before dropping slightly in 2101.
overtake
verb
Catch up with and pass while travelling in the same direction.
Example: The death rate will probably overtake the birth rate.
peak
noun
A projecting pointed part or shape.
Example: It stood at 20,000 at the start of this period and increased to a peak of 66,000 in 1961.
probably
adverb
Almost certainly; as far as one knows or can tell.
Example: The death rate will probably overtake the birth rate.
rapid
adjective
Happening in a short time or at a great rate.
Example: This increase is expected to be more rapid between 2021 and 2051.
reverse
verb
Move backwards.
Example: The large gap between the two levels will be reversed in the later part of this century.
slightly
adverb
To a small degree; not considerably.
Example: The rate will probably level off at around 60,000, before dropping slightly in 2101.
steadily
adverb
In a regular and even manner.
Example: The death rate started below 10,000 and has increased steadily until the present time.
trends
noun
A general direction in which something is developing or changing.
Example: The graph shows changes in the birth and death rates in New Zealand since 1901, and forecasts trends tip until 2101.