IELTS Writing Topics

Pie Chart

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Pie Chart

The Pie Chart Task 1 category in the IELTS Writing test requires you to analyse and describe data presented in a circular chart. This type of question evaluates your ability to interpret proportions, compare different segments, and summarise key trends.

Pie charts typically represent percentages or ratios, showing the proportions of different categories that make up a whole. The task assesses your ability to organise information, use appropriate IELTS writing vocabulary, and write concisely and accurately within 20 minutes time frame.

Read more: IELTS General Writing Task 1

3 Topics

Tourist Percentage Analysis

Cultural Events Analysis

Household Income Distribution

More about cue cards

When describing a pie chart in IELTS Writing Task 1, you need a strong vocabulary to accurately present data, compare proportions, and highlight key trends. Reviewing an IELTS writing task 1 pie chart sample answer can help you understand how to use these words effectively in context.

Below is the list of useful words and phrases for the pie chart IELTS question.

Category	Vocabulary/Phrases
Introduction	The pie chart illustrates/shows/depicts… The chart provides information about… The given pie chart compares… The diagram gives a breakdown of…
Describing Proportions	A significant portion/A considerable share A minor segment/A negligible amount An identical share/The same fraction The dominant category/The biggest proportion The least significant part/The lowest percentage
Percentage and Fractions	percent a quarter (1/4) Two-fifths (2/5) Two-thirds (2/3) a tenth / one in ten (1/10) a fifth / one in five (1/5) One-fourth of/A fourth of (1/4) One-third of/Approximately a third (1/3) Half of/Nearly half (1/2)
Trends/Changes	Increased/decreased significantly Remained relatively stable Fluctuated slightly There was a slight/moderate/sharp increase/decrease
Comparative Phrases	Compared to… / In comparison to… Twice/three times as much as… The proportion of X is higher than Y… X accounts for a larger/smaller percentage than Y. X is slightly/significantly higher/lower than Y.
Summarising Key Features	Overall, it is clear that… In summary, the majority of… To sum up, the largest/smallest category is… It is noticeable that…

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FAQs

Q. How common are pie charts in IELTS?

Ans. Pie charts appear frequently in the IELTS Writing Task 1, especially in the Academic module. They are used to represent proportions and comparisons in a visual format. You may get a single pie chart or multiple charts to compare data. Understanding how to describe percentages and trends is crucial for scoring well.

Q. Does IELTS expire?

Ans. Yes, IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. After this period, most institutions and organisations do not accept the results. If you need to prove your English proficiency after two years, you will have to retake the test.

Q. How to boost IELTS?

Ans. To improve your IELTS score, practise regularly with sample tests, expand your vocabulary, and enhance your grammar. Focus on time management for each section and seek feedback on your writing and speaking skills. Taking coaching classes or studying with structured materials can also help you achieve a higher band score.

Q. What is a pie chart with an example?

Ans. A pie chart is a circular statistical diagram that represents data in proportional segments. Each section of the chart corresponds to a percentage of the whole. For example, a pie chart showing the distribution of students’ favourite subjects might indicate that 40% prefer Maths, 30% like Science, 20% choose English, and 10% opt for other subjects.

Q. What are the advantages of pie charts?

Ans. Pie charts provide a clear visual representation of proportions, making data easy to understand at a glance. They are useful for comparing parts of a whole and identifying trends quickly. However, they work best with limited categories, as too many segments can make interpretation difficult.