Academic Writing Task 1 · pie chart

Reasons for students choosing to study at Dorrifod University by age: 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.
  • 191 words
  • Pie charts
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The graphs below show the different reasons for two groups of students to choose Dorrifod University.

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

Age 18-24 (%)
  • Close to home: 36%
  • Reputation of teaching staff: 2%
  • Facilities on campus: 14%
  • Course offered: 35%
  • Opportunity to study abroad as part of course: 9%
  • Related to industry: 4%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Close to home36
Reputation of teaching staff2
Facilities on campus14
Course offered35
Opportunity to study abroad as part of course9
Related to industry4
Age 25 and over (%)
  • Close to home: 39%
  • Reputation of teaching staff: 12%
  • Facilities on campus: 2%
  • Course offered: 24%
  • Opportunity to study abroad as part of course: 3%
  • Related to industry: 20%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Close to home39
Reputation of teaching staff12
Facilities on campus2
Course offered24
Opportunity to study abroad as part of course3
Related to industry20

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 8191 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The two pie charts illustrate the factors influencing students aged 18-24 and those aged 25 and over when selecting Dorrifod University. Overall, it is clear that being close to home is the most significant factor for both demographics, although the secondary priorities differ considerably between the two groups.

For the 18-24 age group, the most influential factors are proximity to home and the course offered, accounting for 36% and 35% respectively. Facilities on campus also play a notable role at 14%, followed by the opportunity to study abroad at 9%. In contrast, industry links and the reputation of teaching staff are relatively minor considerations for younger students, at 4% and 2% respectively.

Regarding students aged 25 and over, proximity to home remains the leading reason at 39%. However, the importance of the course offered drops to 24%, while the relevance to industry becomes a major factor, rising to 20%. The reputation of teaching staff is also significantly more important for this older group at 12%, compared to just 2% for the younger cohort. Conversely, campus facilities and study abroad opportunities are less prioritised by older students, at 2% and 3% respectively.

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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.
  • demographics

    statistical data relating to the population and groups

  • prioritise

    to treat something as being more important

  • notable

    worthy of attention or striking in size

  • cohort

    a group of people with a shared characteristic

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses a previous one

  • account for

    to make up a specific portion of something

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

While proximity to home is the primary motivator for both age groups, younger students prioritise course content, whereas older students place significantly more importance on industry links.

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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