IELTS Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary – Steps To Structure & Tips For Better Interpretation

Students looking to study, live or work in a foreign country must demonstrate their English skills beforehand. For instance, to study a German taught course in Germany, one must produce the required German level certificate. Likewise, the International Language English Testing System (IELTS) is outlined to help students study or migrate abroad for employment purposes. This article shares detailed information about IELTS Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary and tips to crack it. 

The test assesses the student’s ability to communicate effectively in English based on four parameters: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Most students find Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary most challenging. Here, candidates are expected to write a short report based on the visual data, mainly represented as percentages. The examiner will assess the ability of the students to write concise and precise descriptions.

Vocabulary for Pie Chart in IELTS

The pie chart vocabulary for IELTS writing task 1 can be overwhelming for some students. Knowing what it takes to ace the test can help attain a good score in this module. Before anything, candidates must know the marking scheme, which is divided into four parts: 

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Their use of tenses, proper sentence construction, the correct use of punctuations, and simple and compound sentences. 

Task Achievement

The examiner will be checking the information, detail, and overview. It includes highlighting the key features, a definite opinion, and answering all parts of the task. 

Lexical Resource

Here, their range of vocabulary, spellings, proper implementations of collocations, and word formation are determined. 

Coherence & Cohesion

The candidate is marked on the proper usage of linking words, paraphrasing skills, and the use of conjunctions and connectors.  Furthermore, the number of paragraphs is also taken into account. 

Each of these four criteria is marked from a score of 1 to 9. It accounts for 25% of marks in one’s writing test. Hence, to attain a good score in Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary, candidates must use them smartly. Here is a range of vocabulary they can implement: 

Percentage	Fraction
80%	Four-fifths
75%	Three-quarters
70%	Seven in ten
65%	Two thirds
60%	Three-fifths
55%	More than a half
50%	Half
45%	More than two-fifths
35%	More than a third
25%	A quarter
20%	A fifth
15%	Less than a fifth
10%	One in ten
5%	One in twenty
77%	Just over three quarters/ approximately three quarters
49%	Just under a half / nearby a half
32%	Almost a third

Majority/ Minority	Percentage
A vast majority	75-85%
A significant proportion	65-75%
A majority	10-15%
A minimal number	0.05

On the other hand, when describing increases/ decreases, candidates must use these words below: 

• Noun phrase+ Verb + Adverb 

E.g. The price of tomatoes fell very sharply. 

• There+ be+ noun+ in +noun phrase 

E.g. There has been a sharp decrease in the price of leather goods. 

Steps to Structure Your Answer for Pie Chart Questions 

Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to structure one’s answer for pie chart sample band 9.

Step 1: Prepare and choose which points will be written first 

Candidates must choose which points they must mention first. They must identify the most significant and smallest sections of their pie charts and note the time, dates, and measurements accordingly. 

Step 2: Organizing the information into two groups 

The information must be divided into two separate paragraphs. This involves identifying: 

• Major trends 
• Exceptions  
• Major groups 

Step 3: Follow the correct format 

Paraphrase the question. 

• Overview 

Write an overview of the primary groupings 

• Specific details 

Divide it into body paragraphs 1 and 2. 

Step 4: Follow the four-paragraph model 

One can structure the answer by following the four-paragraph model. 

Paragraph 1 

The first paragraph will summarize what the pie chart is about. 

Paragraph 2 

Organize the information into significant trends. 

Paragraph 3

Organize according to groupings. 

Tips for Better Interpretation of Pie Charts Task 1 Vocabulary

Candidates must keep in mind the below-mentioned points while explaining Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary:

• Make comparisons where relevant. 
• Pay attention and write down the time frame correctly. 
• Read the headings and data given on the pie chart carefully. This will give an idea of the main details and write an explanation of the same. 
• Make sure to use appropriate vocabulary. Use transition words to keep the essay flowing. 
• Candidates must not give their personal opinions. 
• Make sure to keep it within 150 words. 
• Read the question carefully to understand what tense you must write in. 

Dealing with Multiple Pie Charts 

Note: Three trends are present in pie charts, namely up, down, and stable. Most students end up panicking when multiple pie charts appear in the IELTS exam. As a result of this, many may end up losing marks. That is why one needs to know the fundamental principles and how to approach them. We have underlined below the same. Along with implementing Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary, candidates must identify the trends in both images. Comparing and contrasting the data is a must here. Next, they must highlight the smallest and largest proportions. Candidates can begin by choosing 2-3 segments which account for the higher percentage in the first pie chart. After that, they can highlight how these are changing in the second pie chart. They must follow the same method while writing about the lower percentages. 

Sample Pie Chart Question & Answers 

In IELTS Writing Task 1, candidates will have to identify a diagram and maybe more than one. One will have twenty minutes to finish this task. It can be: 

• Map 
• Process 
• Table 
• Chart
• Diagram 
• Graph

Sample Question

Tips for IELTS Writing Task 1

To ace Writing Task 1, we have underlined a list of tips that candidates can implement to attain a good score. Nevertheless, usage of Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary is essential, but that is not all. They must follow these tips ardently: 

1. Proper time management 
2. Be conversant with the marking criterion. 
3. Remember to paraphrase the questions. 
4. Writing an overview 
5. Key features 
6. Revise and check for spelling errors or grammatical mistakes 

Paraphrasing

It is one of the essential skills that candidates must hone as it is applicable to reading and writing. This will help boost one’s band score. We have therefore underlined examples for easier understanding: 

Example 1

The question is, “The percentage of the population aged 50 and above in three different states in the USA between 1920 and 2020 is outlined in the graphs below”. One should paraphrase it like this, “The line graphs contrast the proportion of individuals aged 50 and above, as measured over a centenary in three U.S. states”. 

Example 2 

The question asks, “Information about the proportion of car ownership between 2000 and 2005 in the USA is given below”.Candidates must paraphrase in this way. “The spurge in car ownership between 2000 and 2005 in the USA is outlined in the chart”. 

Conclusion

To crack IELTS, candidates must follow a systematic approach toward pie charts. They must be conversant with Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary. Moreover, as writing is one of the most challenging sections in IELTS, candidates require regular and rigorous practice to achieve a firm grip over it. Apart from that, following the tips mentioned ardently will help tackle this section. Visit LeapScholar to crack IELTS and achieve your study abroad dream.