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IELTS Writing Task 1: Pie Chart

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Updated on Mar 08, 2024, 10:52

IELTS Writing Task 1 encompasses different types of visual data, including a pie chart. Pie charts are easy to analyse; most of you would have learned about them in school! 

 

However, writing a description/report that meets IELTS Writing standards is challenging. That’s where we come in. 
 

On this page, we’ll explore various strategies that can be used to solve IELTS Writing Pie Chart question types and provide you with samples for better understanding. 

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1. IELTS Writing Pie Chart Task 1: Sample Answer

You can quickly climb the learning curve by practising regularly and referring to sample answers! 


 

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2. IELTS Writing Pie Chart Task 1: How to Answer

Pie charts contain a circular chart comprising various divisions representing a value. 

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1.

IELTS Writing Pie Chart Task 1: Sample Answer

You can quickly climb the learning curve by practising regularly and referring to sample answers! 
 

Pro tip: Remember, IELTS hates memorised answers. Try only to take inspiration from our samples and practice writing it yourself. 
 

Let’s see a sample answer for Pie Chart Task 1.

 

  • The charts show projections for global production by sector in 2040 and 2060.
  • Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.



 


 

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 the 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.

2.

IELTS Writing Pie Chart Task 1: How to Answer

Pie charts are named after their shape, as they look like a delicious pie! These charts 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: 

 

  • The pie chart shows the proportion of different categories of families living in poverty in the UK in 2002.
  • Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.


 

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 stands out when you talk about 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. 

 

Below is a sample for your better understanding!

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FAQs

Q. How to analyse a pie chart?

A. The best way to analyse a pie chart is as follows: 

  • Analyse the key elements, such as the highest and lowest proportions 
  • Look for patterns. Is there a common trend? 
  • Pay attention to the label and numbers mentioned.
Q. How should I structure my essay for a Task 1 Pie Chart Question?

A. You should ideally divide the essay into 3 parts, introduction, body and conclusion. Here’s how to go about it.

  • Introduction: Paraphrase the given question 
  • Body: Highlight the main features of the text, and highlight descriptions of each text
  • Conclusion: summarise and make any final recommendations, if necessary 
Q. Do I need to include all the data from the pie chart in my essay?

A. No, you don't need to include every detail from the chart. In fact, it is recommended that you don’t cover each and every detail from the chart as it may unnecessarily expand your answers. Focus on the most significant trends and comparisons, and use those to support your analysis. But, make sure you’re covering all the important points.

Q. How long should my essay be for a Task 1 Pie Chart Question?

A. Typically, IELTS writing task 2 questions should be 250-300 words long. The question will specify the required word count. You must make sure that your answer is not shorter than the given minimum word limit, or you may lose marks. However, you can freely exceed the word count if necessary. Try not to make your essay too lengthy. 

Q. What kind of vocabulary should I use in my essay for Task 1 Pie Chart Questions?

A. Here are some useful words to use in Pie Chart questions of writing task 2: 

  • Proportion 
  • Percentage
  • Trend 
  • Distribution
  • Comparison