Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Comparison of World Forest Distribution and Timber Production by Region: 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.
  • 194 words
  • Pie charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The charts give information about world forests in five different regions.

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

The percentage of world forest in 5 different regions (%)
  • South America: 16%
  • Africa: 27%
  • Asia: 14%
  • Europe: 18%
  • North America: 25%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
South America16
Africa27
Asia14
Europe18
North America25
The percentage of timber in each region (%)
  • South America: 23%
  • Africa: 9%
  • Asia: 18%
  • Europe: 20%
  • North America: 30%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
South America23
Africa9
Asia18
Europe20
North America30

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 8194 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided pie charts illustrate the distribution of global forest cover across five regions and compare this with the corresponding percentage of timber production in those same areas.

Overall, it is evident that there is a significant disparity between forest area and timber output in several regions. Notably, Africa possesses the largest proportion of the world's forests, yet it contributes the least to global timber production, whereas North America and South America show higher timber yields relative to their forest size.

Regarding forest distribution, Africa accounts for the highest share at 27%, followed closely by North America at 25%. Europe and South America hold 18% and 16% of the world's forests respectively, while Asia has the smallest portion at 14%.

In terms of timber production, North America leads the world, contributing 30% of the total, despite having a smaller forest area than Africa. South America also demonstrates a disproportionately high timber output of 23% compared to its 16% forest share. Conversely, Africa's timber production is notably low at only 9%. Europe and Asia contribute 20% and 18% to global timber production, respectively, showing a more balanced ratio between their forest resources and industrial output.

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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.
  • disparity

    a great difference between two or more things

  • proportion

    a part or share of a total amount

  • contribute

    to give something to help achieve a result

  • notably

    in a way that is worthy of attention

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses a previous one

  • balanced

    having different parts in the correct proportions

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While Africa holds the largest share of global forests, North America is the leading producer of timber.

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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