This podcast will help you because 

* We review the essentials (and explain why going for Band 9 is a bad idea!) * We cover two essential language components to include * We review some authentic native English speaker material * We cover how to find excellent material to use in your prep * We share a solid model for you to follow in your graph description

Pie charts – Basic guide

In Task 1, the pie chart is one of the most common ways to present information for you to describe. Pie charts are not difficult to understand but it is a good idea to look at possible problems and the important language we must know to describe them well. 

The idea of this lesson is to show how we can describe a pie chart in simple terms. We must also think about some possible problems pie charts present and the language we need to be able to describe them. Remember that in the IELTS exam, when pie charts are included, you will see two or more shown for you to make comparisons between data.

  Pie chart essentials

Two key elements stand out in any pie chart:

* Percentages: the various parts of the “pie” will always be equal to 100%* Comparisons: the chart gives a simple, clear view of the differences between its parts

So, the language we need for our description must include ways to write about figures and especially percentages or proportions as well as how to make comparisons. 

Key language elements 1: percentages

Pie charts always show percentages. This is the case even where the numbers on the chart may not be expressed in percentages. If you look at these two charts they present the same data in two different ways.

Taken from : https://chartio.com/learn/charts/pie-chart-complete-guide/ 

All pie charts present information in percentage terms. To put it simply, the total sum of all the parts will be 100%. But it is    

possible that numbers are shown in different ways. Look at this for example:

The UK continues to be Scotland’s largest market for trade.

Real world examples are a great source  https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/09/manufacturing-leads-top-sector-foreign-direct-investment-united-states

Number and percentage language: variations

It is important to show that you know how to write about numbers and percentages in different ways. This will help to give you a higher grade. The main ways include:

·         Proportion

·         the amount (uncountable)

·         A number (countable)

·         Fractions: a half, a third, a quarter, two-thirds a half/third/quarter etc.

·         Figures: the numbers themselves

At the same time, you have to use language to describe the information in the chart. Numbers are important but not enough. Task 1 is asking you to show your ability to write about numbers and what they ...