Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Survey results regarding the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Bowen Island

The pie charts below show the most common advantages and disadvantages of Bowen Island, according to a survey of visitors.

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

Most common disadvantages (%)

weather: 15%
high cost of living: 50%
entertainment: 25%
food quality: 10%

View the data

Category	Value (%)
weather	15
high cost of living	50
entertainment	25
food quality	10

Most common advantages (%)

the people: 42%
the scenery: 35%
good accommodation: 11%
culture: 12%

View the data

Category	Value (%)
the people	42
the scenery	35
good accommodation	11
culture	12

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 survey results concerning the most common advantages and disadvantages experienced by visitors to Bowen Island. Overall, it is clear that financial concerns dominate the negative aspects, whereas social and environmental factors are the most appreciated features of the island.

Regarding the disadvantages, the high cost of living is by far the most significant issue, accounting for exactly half of the responses at 50%. Entertainment options follow at 25%, while weather-related complaints and food quality issues represent smaller proportions of the total, at 15% and 10% respectively.

In terms of the advantages, the local people are the most frequently mentioned positive aspect, comprising 42% of the survey responses. The scenery is also highly valued, cited by 35% of visitors. In contrast, culture and good accommodation are considered less significant advantages, accounting for 12% and 11% of the total respectively. In summary, the data highlights a clear divide between the economic challenges faced by tourists and the high regard they hold for the island's natural beauty and its inhabitants.

173 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.

account for: to make up a specific proportion of something
comprising: consisting of or made up of specific parts
dominate: to be the most important or largest part
proportion: a part or share of a whole amount
cited: mentioned as a reason or an example
in contrast: used to show a difference between two things

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While the high cost of living is the primary drawback for visitors to Bowen Island, the local people and scenery are cited as the most significant advantages.

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.