Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Proportions of degrees granted in four fields at National University 1990-2010: 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.
  • 183 words
  • Pie charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The charts below show degrees granted in different fields at the National University in the years 1990, 2000, 2010.

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

1990
  • Medicine: 25
  • Law: 15
  • Business: 30
  • Computer Science: 30
View the data
CategoryValue
Medicine25
Law15
Business30
Computer Science30
2000
  • Medicine: 30
  • Law: 10
  • Business: 20
  • Computer Science: 40
View the data
CategoryValue
Medicine30
Law10
Business20
Computer Science40
2010
  • Medicine: 25
  • Law: 15
  • Business: 15
  • Computer Science: 45
View the data
CategoryValue
Medicine25
Law15
Business15
Computer Science45

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 8183 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The three pie charts illustrate the distribution of degrees awarded across four academic disciplines at the National University in 1990, 2000, and 2010. Overall, it is evident that Computer Science saw a consistent upward trend in popularity, whereas the other three subjects experienced fluctuations or declines in their proportions over the two decades.

In 1990, Computer Science and Business were the most popular subjects, each accounting for 30% of degrees. Medicine followed at 25%, while Law represented the smallest share at 15%. By 2000, the proportion of Computer Science degrees had risen significantly to 40%, and Medicine also grew to 30%. Conversely, the shares for Business and Law fell to 20% and 10%, respectively.

By 2010, Computer Science continued its growth, reaching a peak of 45% of all degrees granted. In contrast, the share of degrees in Business halved from its 1990 level to 15%. Medicine returned to its 1990 figure of 25%, while Law recovered slightly to 15%, matching its initial proportion from two decades earlier. Overall, the data highlights a clear shift in academic focus toward technology-related fields at the university.

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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.
  • distribution

    the way in which something is shared out

  • upward trend

    a general direction in which something is developing

  • fluctuations

    irregular rising and falling in number or amount

  • proportion

    a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses a previous one

  • peak

    the highest point or level of something

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

Over the twenty-year period, Computer Science became the most popular field of study, while Business and Law experienced overall declines in their respective shares of degrees granted.

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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