Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Main methods of transport for university travel in 2004 and 2009

The charts show the main methods of transport for people traveling to one university in 2004 and 2009.

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

Main methods of transport in 2004 (%)

Car: 51%
Bicycle: 9%
Bus: 33%
Train: 3%
Walking: 4%

View the data

Category	Value (%)
Car	51
Bicycle	9
Bus	33
Train	3
Walking	4

Main methods of transport in 2009 (%)

Car: 28%
Bicycle: 16%
Bus: 46%
Train: 4%
Walking: 6%

View the data

Category	Value (%)
Car	28
Bicycle	16
Bus	46
Train	4
Walking	6

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 compare the primary modes of transport used by individuals to travel to a specific university in 2004 and 2009. Overall, it is evident that while driving was the most popular method at the start of the period, bus travel became the dominant choice by 2009, likely influenced by the introduction of new infrastructure.

In 2004, over half of the university commuters (51%) travelled by car. This was followed by bus travel at 33%, while bicycles, walking, and trains accounted for smaller proportions of 9%, 4%, and 3% respectively. By 2009, the reliance on cars had dropped significantly to 28%. Conversely, the proportion of people using the bus increased to 46%, making it the most common method of transport.

Regarding the other modes, bicycle usage saw a notable rise, nearly doubling from 9% in 2004 to 16% in 2009. Walking and train travel also experienced slight growth, rising to 6% and 4% respectively. These changes suggest that the implementation of car parking charges in 2006 and the new bus stop in 2008 were key factors in altering travel habits among the university population.

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.

proportion: a part or share of a total amount
dominant: having the most influence or being most common
corresponding: related to or connected with something else
notable: worthy of attention or striking in nature
reliance: dependence on or trust in someone or something
shift: a slight change in position, direction, or tendency

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The charts illustrate a significant shift in transport preferences over the five-year period, marked by a substantial decline in car usage and a corresponding rise in bus travel.

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.