Methods of disposing of dangerous waste in three different countries
The pie charts below show how dangerous waste products are dealt with in three countries.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
- Recycling: 69%
- Underground: 22%
- Incineration: 9%
View the data
| Category | Value (%) |
|---|---|
| Recycling | 69 |
| Underground | 22 |
| Incineration | 9 |
- Underground: 55%
- Recycling: 25%
- Incineration: 20%
View the data
| Category | Value (%) |
|---|---|
| Underground | 55 |
| Recycling | 25 |
| Incineration | 20 |
- Incineration: 82%
- Underground: 8%
- Chemical treatment: 8%
- Recycling: 2%
View the data
| Category | Value (%) |
|---|---|
| Incineration | 82 |
| Underground | 8 |
| Chemical treatment | 8 |
| Recycling | 2 |
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 provided pie charts illustrate the varying methods used to manage dangerous waste products in the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Overall, it is clear that each country has a distinct approach to waste disposal, with little consistency across the three regions.
In the Republic of Korea, recycling is the primary method of waste management, accounting for a significant 69% of the total. The remaining waste is disposed of either underground (22%) or through incineration (9%). Conversely, Sweden adopts a different strategy, where the majority of hazardous waste, 55%, is buried underground. Recycling and incineration play secondary roles in Sweden, representing 25% and 20% of the total respectively.
The United Kingdom presents a stark contrast to the other two nations, as it relies predominantly on incineration, which handles 82% of its dangerous waste. The remaining 18% is distributed between underground disposal (8%), chemical treatment (8%), and a minimal 2% allocated to recycling. While the Republic of Korea and Sweden show some balance between recycling and other methods, the United Kingdom's heavy dependence on burning waste distinguishes it significantly from its counterparts.
184 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.
- predominantly
- for the most part or mainly
- stark contrast
- a very clear and obvious difference
- allocated
- distributed for a particular purpose
- account for
- to make up a specific proportion of
- counterparts
- people or things that correspond to another
- minimal
- the smallest amount or degree possible
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Frequently asked questions
What should the overview say?
The three nations employ vastly different strategies for managing hazardous waste, with the Republic of Korea prioritising recycling while the United Kingdom relies heavily on incineration.
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.
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