Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Comparison of different kinds of energy production in France 1995-2005

The chart below shows a comparison of different kinds of energy production in France in 1995 and 2005.

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

Energy production in France 1995 (%)
  • Coal: 29.8%
  • Other: 4.9%
  • Nuclear: 6.4%
  • Petro: 29.27%
  • Gas: 29.63%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Coal29.8
Other4.9
Nuclear6.4
Petro29.27
Gas29.63
Energy production in France 2005 (%)
  • Coal: 30.93%
  • Other: 9.1%
  • Nuclear: 10.1%
  • Petro: 19.55%
  • Gas: 30.31%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Coal30.93
Other9.1
Nuclear10.1
Petro19.55
Gas30.31

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.

Band 8 sample answer

The two pie charts illustrate the distribution of various energy production methods in France during 1995 and 2005. Overall, it is evident that the energy landscape shifted notably, with petroleum becoming less dominant while other sources, particularly nuclear and 'other' categories, gained prominence.

In 1995, energy production was relatively balanced between coal (29.80%), gas (29.63%), and petroleum (29.27%). Nuclear energy accounted for 6.40%, while other sources made up the smallest portion at 4.90%. By 2005, the proportions had changed. Coal remained the leading source, increasing slightly to 30.93%, followed closely by gas, which also rose to 30.31%.

Conversely, the share of petroleum dropped sharply from 29.27% in 1995 to 19.55% in 2005. Meanwhile, nuclear energy production saw a marked increase, reaching 10.10% by the end of the period. Similarly, the 'other' category nearly doubled its contribution, rising from 4.90% to 9.10%. In summary, the decade was characterised by a move away from petroleum-based energy towards a more diversified mix, with coal and gas maintaining their status as the primary energy sources in France.

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

How to write about pie charts

distribution
the way in which something is shared or spread
prominence
the state of being important or widely known
proportion
a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation
sharply
in a sudden and very noticeable way
diversified
made more varied or different in nature
characterised
marked by a particular feature or quality

Write your own report and get a band

Take a timed Academic writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Practise IELTS Academic writing

On your phone? Get the BandLadder app.

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While coal, gas, nuclear, and other sources saw increases in their share of energy production, petroleum experienced a significant decline over the decade.

How long should an IELTS Task 1 answer be?

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 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.

More pie charts