Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Comparison of energy capacity proportions in 2015 and 2040

The pie charts below compare the proportion of energy capacity in gigawatts (GW) in 2015 with the predictions for 2040.

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

Energy capacity in 2015 (%)

Fossil fuels: 64%
Other renewables: 23%
Solar: 2%
Nuclear: 6%
Wind: 5%

View the data

Category	Value (%)
Fossil fuels	64
Other renewables	23
Solar	2
Nuclear	6
Wind	5

Energy capacity in 2040 (%)

Fossil fuels: 44%
Other renewables: 21%
Solar: 18%
Nuclear: 5%
Wind: 12%

View the data

Category	Value (%)
Fossil fuels	44
Other renewables	21
Solar	18
Nuclear	5
Wind	12

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 pie charts illustrate the distribution of energy capacity in gigawatts (GW) in 2015 and provide projections for 2040. Overall, the total energy capacity is expected to rise from 6.688 GW in 2015 to 11.678 GW by 2040. A notable shift in the energy mix is anticipated, with a move away from fossil fuels towards renewable sources, particularly solar and wind power.

In 2015, fossil fuels accounted for the vast majority of energy capacity at 64%. Other renewables followed at 23%, while nuclear, wind, and solar energy made up smaller portions of 6%, 5%, and 2% respectively. By 2040, the proportion of fossil fuels is predicted to drop to 44%. Despite this decrease, it remains the largest single category.

Conversely, the share of solar energy is forecast to experience the most dramatic growth, surging from 2% in 2015 to 18% in 2040. Similarly, wind energy capacity is expected to more than double, rising from 5% to 12%. Meanwhile, the contribution of other renewables is projected to decline slightly to 21%, and nuclear energy is expected to see a marginal decrease to 5% of the total capacity.

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

How to write about 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.

accounted for: constituted a specific proportion of a total amount
projections: estimates of future values based on current data
surging: increasing very rapidly in a short period
marginal: a very small or insignificant change or amount
distribution: the way in which something is shared out
anticipated: expected to happen or occur in the future

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While fossil fuels are predicted to remain the dominant energy source, their share is expected to decline significantly by 2040, whereas solar and wind energy are projected to see substantial growth.

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.