December 01, 2024

IELTS Academic Task 1 – How to Describe a Pie Chart (and score Band 7 or higher)

24 minutes

Are you aiming to pass the IELTS exam? Do you want to walk in with confidence, knowing you’re well-prepared? It’s simple: you could study, you should study, and if you don’t, you might face difficulties.

The resources you have are like a toolbox full of useful tools. But just owning the tools isn’t enough—you need to know how to use them effectively.

Don’t Just Turn Up, Show Them What You Can Do

IELTS examiners aren’t just looking for someone who can recite information. They want to see that you can think for yourself, analyse, and take data—like pie charts and numbers—and turn them into a coherent narrative.

The resources stress this repeatedly: they’re looking for insight. Can you see the bigger picture? Can you identify key trends and significant differences? That’s what sets successful candidates apart.

The Language of Success: Using the Right Tools

The resources also give you the language to express this. They talk about using:

Superlatives: “The largest portion,” “the smallest fraction.” These phrases highlight the most important points.

Fractions and Proportions: Avoid relying too much on percentages. “Three quarters” sounds more refined than “75%.” “Just over half” shows more nuance than “51%.” It’s about demonstrating your understanding of the data, not just reading it.

Comparatives: “Twice as large as,” “nearly three times bigger than.” These phrases show relationships, highlight differences, and make the data come alive.

But remember, accuracy is crucial. The resources are clear about this: don’t misrepresent the information. Be precise, be truthful, and let the data speak for itself.

A Framework for Success: Building a Solid Foundation

The resources also provide a structure to base your response on, like the foundation of a house—it needs to be strong and solid:

Introduction: One sentence, direct and to the point. Paraphrase the title and explain what the pie chart is about. No need for extra detail, just clear, concise language.

Body paragraphs: This is where you showcase your skills. Group similar information, use superlatives, comparatives, and fractions. Tell a logical story that flows.

Summary: Wrap up in one or two sentences. What are the main takeaways? What’s the overall message? The resources offer useful phrases like “overall,” “it is clear that,” and “to summarise.”

The Work Ethic for Success: Practice Makes Perfect

I can give you all the advice in the world, but it won’t matter unless you put in the effort. Success in IELTS, like anything else, requires discipline and practice.

The resources suggest finding pie charts to practise with—whether in newspapers, magazines, online, or in IELTS preparation books. Analyse them, describe them, and write out your responses. And don’t hesitate to get feedback. A teacher, tutor, or a friend who’s good at English can help you identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Conclusion: You Have the Potential to Succeed

Remember, you’ve got the potential to succeed. With the right tools, mindset, and effort, you’ll be well-prepared for the IELTS exam.

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By Ben Worthington

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