Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Comparison of Electricity Generation Sources in Germany and France in 2009: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 pie chart question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about pie charts.
  • 173 words
  • Pie charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The pie charts show the electricity generated in Germany and France from all sources and renewables in the year 2009.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Germany Electricity Generation, 2009 (All Types) (%)
  • Conventional Thermal: 59.6%
  • Renewables: 17.4%
  • Nuclear: 23%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Conventional Thermal59.6
Renewables17.4
Nuclear23
Germany Electricity Generation, 2009 (Renewables) (%)
  • Biomass: 39.3%
  • Hydroelectric: 17.7%
  • Solar: 6.1%
  • Geothermal: 0%
  • Wind: 36.9%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Biomass39.3
Hydroelectric17.7
Solar6.1
Geothermal0
Wind36.9
France Electricity Generation, 2009 (All Types) (%)
  • Nuclear: 76%
  • Conventional Thermal: 10.3%
  • Renewables: 13.7%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Nuclear76
Conventional Thermal10.3
Renewables13.7
France Electricity Generation, 2009 (Renewables) (%)
  • Hydroelectric: 80.5%
  • Solar: 0.9%
  • Geothermal: 0%
  • Wind: 10.5%
  • Biomass: 8.1%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Hydroelectric80.5
Solar0.9
Geothermal0
Wind10.5
Biomass8.1

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8173 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided pie charts illustrate the breakdown of electricity generation in Germany and France during 2009, comparing total sources and the specific composition of renewable energy. Germany produced 560 billion kWh, while France generated 510 billion kWh.

In terms of total electricity generation, Germany was primarily dependent on conventional thermal sources, which accounted for 59.6% of its output, followed by nuclear power at 23.0% and renewables at 17.4%. Conversely, France exhibited a starkly different profile, with nuclear energy dominating at 76.0%. Conventional thermal and renewable sources played minor roles in France, contributing only 10.3% and 13.7% respectively.

Regarding renewable energy, the two countries utilised different primary sources. Germany’s renewable sector was relatively balanced, led by biomass at 39.3% and wind at 36.9%, with hydroelectric power making up 17.7% and solar 6.1%. In contrast, France’s renewable generation was overwhelmingly reliant on hydroelectric power, which comprised 80.5% of the total. Wind and biomass accounted for 10.5% and 8.1% respectively, while solar energy contributed a negligible 0.9%. Geothermal energy was non-existent in both nations in 2009.

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Pie charts

How to write about pie charts: tips and vocabulary

  • →Name the largest and smallest shares in the overview.
  • →Use proportion language: a quarter, just under half, the majority.
  • →With two pies, compare the same slice across both.
  • dominated

    constituted the largest and most significant portion

  • starkly

    in a way that is very obvious and different

  • accounted for

    made up a specific percentage of the total

  • negligible

    so small or unimportant as to be ignored

  • breakdown

    a detailed analysis or categorization of data

  • reliant on

    dependent on a particular source for supply

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While Germany relied heavily on conventional thermal power, France's electricity production was dominated by nuclear energy, with both nations showing distinct preferences within their renewable energy sectors.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

How do I describe pie charts?+

Name the largest and smallest shares in the overview. Use proportion language: a quarter, just under half, the majority. With two pies, compare the same slice across both.

Keep practising

More pie charts

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