Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Survey results on MBA motivations and employer hiring preferences: 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.
  • 191 words
  • Pie charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The charts show survey results concerning why MBA graduates chose their degrees and employers' reasons for hiring them.

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

Reasons for Doing MBA (%)
  • Better Job Opportunities: 65%
  • Personal Development: 12%
  • Ability to Help Others: 8%
  • Ability to Do Job Better: 15%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Better Job Opportunities65
Personal Development12
Ability to Help Others8
Ability to Do Job Better15
What Employers Value Most (%)
  • Personality: 25%
  • Presentation/ Appearance: 20%
  • Previous Experience (Connections): 20%
  • Qualifications: 10%
  • Previous Experience (Knowledge): 25%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Personality25
Presentation/ Appearance20
Previous Experience (Connections)20
Qualifications10
Previous Experience (Knowledge)25

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 8191 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The two pie charts illustrate the primary motivations for individuals undertaking an MBA degree and the key factors that employers consider when recruiting staff. Overall, it is evident that while the vast majority of students are driven by career advancement, employers value a diverse range of attributes, with no single factor dominating the hiring process.

Regarding the reasons for pursuing an MBA, the most significant driver is the desire for better job opportunities, which accounts for 65% of respondents. This is followed by the ability to do a job better at 15%, personal development at 12%, and the ability to help others at 8%. It is clear that the pursuit of an MBA is overwhelmingly motivated by professional gain.

In contrast, the criteria employers value most are more evenly distributed. Personality and previous experience (knowledge) are the most sought-after traits, each representing 25% of the total. Presentation and appearance, along with previous experience (connections), are equally valued at 20% each. Interestingly, formal qualifications are the least important factor for employers, cited by only 10% of respondents, suggesting that practical attributes and personal qualities often outweigh academic credentials in the recruitment process.

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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.
  • account for

    to make up a specific portion or percentage

  • overwhelmingly

    to a very great degree or extent

  • in contrast

    used to show a difference between two things

  • evenly distributed

    spread out in a balanced or equal way

  • outweigh

    to be greater or more significant than something

  • primary

    the most important or main reason or factor

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While students primarily pursue an MBA to improve their career prospects, employers prioritise a balanced mix of personality, experience, and appearance when hiring.

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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