The figures below compare the number of internet users in several European nations as well as the prevalence of online shopping in these countries.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Given are two figures providing a comparison of internet use in five European countries (namely Switzerland, Germany, France, Spain and the UK ) in 1995 and 2004, as well as the popularity of internet shopping in these countries.
Overall, all countries saw rapid increase in terms of internet usage. While Britain had by far the highest number of internet users in all three years, Spain had the fewest. Despite this, Spain was almost the top country regarding internet shopping.
From 16 million in 1995, the number of British users climbed steadily to 22 million in 2000, before soaring to staggering 41 million in 2004. In spite of having only 2 million internet users, Spain occupied almost 30% of the online shopping market in Europe, which was close to that of the UK.
Second in terms of internet use was Germany. This country saw a threefold increase during the period in question, from 5 million people in 1995 to 14 million in 2000 and 15 million in 2004. A similar increase took place in France. Switzerland accounted for only around 10% for all online shoppers, half of the figures for Germany and France.
194 words
IELTS Book p. 86