Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Proportions of degrees granted in four fields at National University 1990-2010

The charts below show degrees granted in different fields at the National University in the years 1990, 2000, 2010.

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

1990
  • Medicine: 25
  • Law: 15
  • Business: 30
  • Computer Science: 30
View the data
CategoryValue
Medicine25
Law15
Business30
Computer Science30
2000
  • Medicine: 30
  • Law: 10
  • Business: 20
  • Computer Science: 40
View the data
CategoryValue
Medicine30
Law10
Business20
Computer Science40
2010
  • Medicine: 25
  • Law: 15
  • Business: 15
  • Computer Science: 45
View the data
CategoryValue
Medicine25
Law15
Business15
Computer Science45

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 three pie charts illustrate the distribution of degrees awarded across four academic disciplines at the National University in 1990, 2000, and 2010. Overall, it is evident that Computer Science saw a consistent upward trend in popularity, whereas the other three subjects experienced fluctuations or declines in their proportions over the two decades.

In 1990, Computer Science and Business were the most popular subjects, each accounting for 30% of degrees. Medicine followed at 25%, while Law represented the smallest share at 15%. By 2000, the proportion of Computer Science degrees had risen significantly to 40%, and Medicine also grew to 30%. Conversely, the shares for Business and Law fell to 20% and 10%, respectively.

By 2010, Computer Science continued its growth, reaching a peak of 45% of all degrees granted. In contrast, the share of degrees in Business halved from its 1990 level to 15%. Medicine returned to its 1990 figure of 25%, while Law recovered slightly to 15%, matching its initial proportion from two decades earlier. Overall, the data highlights a clear shift in academic focus toward technology-related fields at the university.

183 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 out
upward trend
a general direction in which something is developing
fluctuations
irregular rising and falling in number or amount
proportion
a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation
conversely
introducing a statement that reverses a previous one
peak
the highest point or level of something

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Over the twenty-year period, Computer Science became the most popular field of study, while Business and Law experienced overall declines in their respective shares of degrees granted.

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