Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Main methods of transport for university travel in 2004 and 2009: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 pie chart question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about pie charts.
  • 186 words
  • Pie charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The charts show the main methods of transport for people traveling to one university in 2004 and 2009.

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

Main methods of transport in 2004 (%)
  • Car: 51%
  • Bicycle: 9%
  • Bus: 33%
  • Train: 3%
  • Walking: 4%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Car51
Bicycle9
Bus33
Train3
Walking4
Main methods of transport in 2009 (%)
  • Car: 28%
  • Bicycle: 16%
  • Bus: 46%
  • Train: 4%
  • Walking: 6%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Car28
Bicycle16
Bus46
Train4
Walking6

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.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8186 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The two pie charts compare the primary modes of transport used by individuals to travel to a specific university in 2004 and 2009. Overall, it is evident that while driving was the most popular method at the start of the period, bus travel became the dominant choice by 2009, likely influenced by the introduction of new infrastructure.

In 2004, over half of the university commuters (51%) travelled by car. This was followed by bus travel at 33%, while bicycles, walking, and trains accounted for smaller proportions of 9%, 4%, and 3% respectively. By 2009, the reliance on cars had dropped significantly to 28%. Conversely, the proportion of people using the bus increased to 46%, making it the most common method of transport.

Regarding the other modes, bicycle usage saw a notable rise, nearly doubling from 9% in 2004 to 16% in 2009. Walking and train travel also experienced slight growth, rising to 6% and 4% respectively. These changes suggest that the implementation of car parking charges in 2006 and the new bus stop in 2008 were key factors in altering travel habits among the university population.

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Pie charts

How to write about pie charts: tips and vocabulary

  • →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.
  • proportion

    a part or share of a total amount

  • dominant

    having the most influence or being most common

  • corresponding

    related to or connected with something else

  • notable

    worthy of attention or striking in nature

  • reliance

    dependence on or trust in someone or something

  • shift

    a slight change in position, direction, or tendency

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The charts illustrate a significant shift in transport preferences over the five-year period, marked by a substantial decline in car usage and a corresponding rise in bus travel.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

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 is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

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.

Keep practising

More pie charts

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