IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Describe a Pie Chart

IELTS Writing Task 1 pie chart guide with band 7–9 sample answer. Learn how to compare proportions and write a strong overview.

Overview

Pie charts in IELTS Writing Task 1 display proportional data — usually percentages. Tasks often present two pie charts for comparison (e.g., the same country at two different times, or two different countries). The challenge is to describe proportions accurately, write a meaningful overview, and make relevant comparisons without simply listing every segment.

Sample Question

IELTS Task 1 Practice Question

The two pie charts below show the distribution of household expenditure in the UK in 1990 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. [Data: 1990 – Housing 28%, Food 24%, Transport 14%, Clothing 12%, Entertainment 10%, Other 12%. 2020 – Housing 35%, Food 18%, Transport 16%, Clothing 8%, Entertainment 15%, Other 8%]

Band 7–9 Sample Answer

Band 8 Level

The pie charts compare how households in the UK allocated their spending across six categories in 1990 and 2020. Overall, housing dominated expenditure in both years and its share grew considerably, while food spending declined significantly. Entertainment saw the most notable proportional increase among smaller categories. In 1990, housing accounted for the largest share at 28%, followed by food at 24%. Together, these two categories consumed over half of household budgets. Transport and other expenses each represented 14% and 12% respectively, while clothing took 12% and entertainment the smallest share at just 10%. By 2020, the housing proportion had risen markedly to 35%, reflecting decades of property price inflation. Food, conversely, fell to 18% — likely due to greater efficiency in food production and changing consumption habits. Entertainment grew considerably from 10% to 15%, while clothing decreased from 12% to 8%, suggesting a shift in consumer priorities towards digital leisure. Transport remained relatively stable at 16%. In summary, UK households in 2020 devoted substantially more of their income to housing and entertainment compared with 1990, while food and clothing absorbed smaller proportions. (Word count: 183)

Expert Tips for This Topic

Use proportion vocabulary: "accounted for", "represented", "comprised", "the largest/smallest share".

Identify the two or three most significant changes and lead with them in your overview.

Avoid listing every segment in sequence — group similar changes or compare contrasting ones.

Round percentages in your descriptions when exact figures would interrupt flow: "approximately a third".

Speculate briefly on causes only when you are confident — "likely due to" is safer than "because".

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