Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Survey results regarding factors that contribute to happiness across age groups

The charts below show the results of a survey about what people of different age groups say makes them most happy.

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

people under 30

Doing hobbies: 22
Other factors: 14
Achievement at work: 31
Travelling: 15
Having a good appearance: 18

View the data

Category	Value
Doing hobbies	22
Other factors	14
Achievement at work	31
Travelling	15
Having a good appearance	18

people over 30

Doing hobbies: 24
Other factors: 10
Achievement at work: 32
Being with family: 14
Financial security: 20

View the data

Category	Value
Doing hobbies	24
Other factors	10
Achievement at work	32
Being with family	14
Financial security	20

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 illustrate the primary factors contributing to happiness among individuals under 30 and those over 30. Overall, it is evident that professional achievement is the most significant driver of happiness for both demographics, although the secondary factors vary considerably between the two groups.

For people under 30, achievement at work is the leading factor, accounting for 31% of the total. This is followed by doing hobbies at 22% and having a good appearance at 18%. Travelling and other factors represent smaller proportions, at 15% and 14% respectively. It is notable that this age group places a higher value on physical appearance and travel compared to their older counterparts.

In contrast, for those over 30, achievement at work remains the most prominent factor, rising slightly to 32%. Doing hobbies also remains a key contributor, increasing to 24%. A significant shift is observed in the importance of financial security, which accounts for 20% of happiness for this group, a category not present in the younger demographic. Conversely, being with family makes up 14% of the total, while other factors decline to 10%. Overall, the data highlights a transition from lifestyle-oriented happiness to a greater focus on stability and family as individuals mature.

203 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.

demographics: statistical data relating to the population and groups
prominent: important, noticeable, or standing out from the rest
counterparts: people or things that have the same function
proportion: a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation
shift: a slight change in position, direction, or tendency
illustrate: to provide pictures or data to explain something

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Achievement at work is the primary source of happiness for both age groups, while priorities regarding personal life and security shift significantly as people age.

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.