IELTS Writing Pie Chart Task 1: How to Answer
Pie charts are named after their shape, as they look like delicious pies! They contain a circular chart comprising various divisions representing a value.
As a part of IELTS Writing Task 1, you must analyse the chart and respond to the given questions. Here’s how you can go about it.
Analyse the Question
Read the question thoroughly. Understand what each value represents. The question may ask you to summarise the information, write about the main features, or compare the main features.
Here’s an example of the same:
It’s essential to pay attention and directly respond to exactly what’s asked in the question. Try not to go overboard with your answers. Pick 2-3 that stand out when you talk about the main features. Don’t attempt to cover everything.
Identify the Main Features
How do you spot the main features? You can think of the main features as the things that naturally stand out from the graph. It could be a common and consistent trend or pattern, units of measurement, or even the graph's labels.
For instance, if the chart concerns people living in poverty, can you spot which category has the highest and lowest poverty rate? These could easily be your main features!
The main features will differ from one chart to another. Try to keep it simple; don’t get too mathematical. Here are some things you can do:
- Read through the labels and titles carefully.
- Examine the proportions of each division.
- Identify the highest and lowest proportions.
- Check if the chart has a pattern or trend.
- Conduct a quick comparison of the elements.
Structure your Report/Description
Once you have figured out the fundamentals of your chart, structure your essay. Here’s the most classic structure for any writing piece:
- Introduction: Start with a simple paraphrase of your question. You could say, “The chart above depicts the proportion of different categories of families living in poverty in the UK in 2002.”
- Overview: Highlight the main features in the text and write a small description about each of them.
- Dive into the details: Expand the main features and get into the details. Write about the whys, whats, and hows. Quote the percentages in the pie chart to support your information. You can apply this to two paragraphs of the body of your essay.
- Provide comparison: If the question asks you to compare data, this is where you can compare the main elements of the graph. Try to do it sequentially, and try not to take sides. You can use words like “In contrast,” “Similarly,” or “On the other hand” to establish a comparison.
- Conclude: Summarise your deductions from the chart and make any final recommendations, if necessary.
Also Read: IELTS General Writing Task 1
IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie Chart: Sample Questions With Answers
When describing a pie chart, using relevant and varied vocabulary can help you to describe data clearly and accurately. It shows your ability to analyse data effectively and proficiency in the English language. Additionally, vocabulary is a crucial part of lexical resource criteria, which makes up 25% of your IELTS Writing band score.
Here are some important pie chart vocabulary words that will help you nail your essay.
Question & Answer 1
Sample Answer:
The pie charts provide a comprehensive overview of the projections for global production by sector from 2040 to 2060. Remarkably, the service sector dominates both pie charts, holding the highest segment, whereas the agriculture sector remains the smallest in both years.
By observing the pie charts, it can be inferred that the manufacturing sector will rise from 31% in 2040 to 33% in 2060. The service sector will increase by 1% from 40% in 2040 to 41% in 2060. In contrast, agriculture production will decline by 3% from 4% in 2040 to 1% in 2060.
Moreover, the Material and Info-Com Tech sectors will rise from 3% and 15% in 2040 to 4% and 16% in 2060, increasing by 1%, respectively. The energy sector will decline from 7% in 2040 to 5% in 2060.
Overall, no significant changes have been predicted. Though all the sectors have their importance, the service sector has the highest manufacturing projection in 2060.
(157 words)
Question & Answer 2
Sample Answer:
The pie charts illustrate the number of journal articles read weekly by three different groups at an Australian university: all students, PhD students, and junior lecturers. The data is categorised into three segments: 1 to 5 articles, 6 to 11 articles, and 12 or more articles.
By observing the pie charts, it is evident that PhD students read the most, with 80% of them reading more than 12 articles per week. This figure is notably higher than 12% of all students and 24% of junior lecturers who do the same.
Furthermore, junior lecturers show a bit different pattern. A vast majority(75%) read 6 to 11 articles while 24% read more than 12. Interestingly, only 1% of junior lecturers read less than 5 articles per week, compared to 67% of all students and 5% of PhD students.
Overall, It is clear that PhD students read significantly more articles than both junior lecturers and all students
(156 words)
Click here to practise more such questions, along with sample answers.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie Chart Vocabulary
When describing a pie chart, using relevant and varied vocabulary can help you to describe data clearly and accurately. It shows your ability to analyse data effectively and proficiency in the English language. Additionally, vocabulary is a crucial part of lexical resource criteria, which makes up 25% of your IELTS Writing band score.
Here are some important pie chart vocabulary words that will help you nail your essay.
Tips for Describing IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie Chart
In IELTS writing task 1, writing a clear and concise essay is crucial for achieving a high score.
Here are some tips that’ll help you describe the pie chart in a better way:
- Read the question carefully to determine which tense you should use. Make sure to use correct verb tenses to describe the pie chart, as it showcases your grammar skills. For instance, if the chart is given in past tense, then your answer should also be in past tense.
- Study the chart carefully and note down key details like labels, percentages, and categories. Highlight the largest and smallest segments and look for any trends or noticeable changes to support your explanation.
- In body paragraphs, consider comparing two pie charts by focussing on key details. Comparing is quite easier rather than explaining a single pie chart. You can discuss similarities or differences.
- Stick to the word limit of 150 words to avoid being penalised for your answer. Aim to write 155-160 words to stay within range, but ensure your response is relevant and concise.
- Organise your response clearly in 3 parts: Introduction, Body paragraph, and Conclusion for a well-structured answer. This structure ensures your ideas flow logically.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary to describe percentages and proportions, such as "a large proportion," "a minority," etc.
- Manage your time well and aim to finish in the given time limit of 20 minutes. If you're short on time, you can skip less important sections, like those labelled "other."
- Don’t include personal opinions or details not included in the chart. Stick to the data provided to avoid losing marks for irrelevant content.
By following these tips, you'll be better prepared to write a strong and effective description of your IELTS Writing Task 1 pie chart essay.
Read more about IELTS Writing Task: Best Tips To Begin With
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