Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Proportions of energy produced in a country from 1983 to 2003

The pie charts indicate changes in the proportions of energy produced in a country from 1983 to 2003.

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

Energy production in 1983 (%)

Hydropower: 4%
Oil: 42%
Nuclear power: 20%
Coal: 23%
Natural gas: 11%

View the data

Category	Value (%)
Hydropower	4
Oil	42
Nuclear power	20
Coal	23
Natural gas	11

Energy production in 2003 (%)

Hydropower: 4%
Oil: 38%
Nuclear power: 24%
Coal: 13%
Natural gas: 21%

View the data

Category	Value (%)
Hydropower	4
Oil	38
Nuclear power	24
Coal	13
Natural gas	21

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 shifts in the percentage of energy generated from five distinct sources in a specific country between 1983 and 2003.

Overall, oil remained the dominant energy source, despite a slight decrease in its share. Conversely, natural gas and nuclear power became increasingly important, while coal production fell significantly. Hydropower remained the least significant contributor, maintaining a stable proportion throughout the two decades.

In 1983, oil accounted for the largest share of energy production at 42%, followed by coal at 23% and nuclear power at 20%. Natural gas and hydropower contributed 11% and 4% respectively. By 2003, oil production had decreased to 38%, yet it still held the largest share. The most dramatic change occurred in natural gas, which nearly doubled its contribution from 11% to 21%. Similarly, nuclear power increased its share from 20% to 24%.

In contrast, coal production saw a sharp decline, dropping from 23% in 1983 to 13% in 2003. Meanwhile, the proportion of energy derived from hydropower remained unchanged at 4% over the twenty-year period, continuing to be the smallest source of energy production.

182 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.

dominant: the most important or powerful source of energy
dramatic: a sudden and very noticeable change in value
decline: a gradual and continuous decrease in a number
proportion: a part or share in relation to whole
conversely: introducing a statement that reverses the previous idea
stable: not likely to change or fluctuate over time

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While oil remained the primary energy source throughout the period, natural gas and nuclear power saw significant growth, whereas coal production experienced a notable decline.

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.