IELTS Writing Task 1: Pie Charts with a Table

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Pie Charts with a table Lesson: Model answer with an exercise.

In this lesson, we are going to look at pie charts again, this time with a small table including a model answer. You can see the last lesson about pie charts here.

The structure always remains the same with writing task 1 which is an introduction, overview and 2 body paragraphs grouping the data.

No conclusion is needed and no opinions are given. Note that this is dynamic data because it is dealing with two time periods, before and after.

Static and Dynamic data

Static data means that the chart or graph displays one period of time. Dynamic data shows two or more periods of time. It also shows how trends change over a period of time.

Different language will be used for static charts and dynamic charts. So for example, you cant use the language of trends for a static chart because the data doesn’t change over time. Always make sure that you first analyse the chart or graph to see if it is one time period or if the data is changing over time.

If you use trend language for a static chart you will lose marks for grammar.

Structure:

  1. Paraphrase the task question

  2. Write a general overview of the main features (no statistics or detail here)

  3. Body paragraph 1: write in detail about feature 1 logically

  4. Body paragraph 2: write in detail about feature 2 logically

With IELTS Pie Charts you have to compare and contrast the information. Pick out the key features of the graph or chart and write about those.

The task

This pie chart is reproduced from the Cambridge 11 IELTS book which you can find on amazon. I advise using official IELTS material from either ielts.org, the British council or Cambridge IELTS books.

The table below shows the numbers of visitors to Ashdown Museum during the year before and the year after it was refurbished. The charts show the result of surveys asking visitors how satisfied they were with their visit, during the same two periods.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The introduction

The first thing I have to do here is to paraphrase the question which is the introduction. I have highlighted the words and sentences that were paraphrased below in green.

Original task question
The table below shows the numbers of visitors to Ashdown Museum during the year before and the year after it was refurbished. The charts show the result of surveys asking visitors how satisfied they were with their visit, during the same two periods.

Paraphrased version
The table illustrates the proportion of people who visited Ashdown museum in the year before and the year after refurbishment. Visitors were surveyed about their satisfaction during their visit. The pie charts indicate the result of the surveys in the same two periods.

I didn’t paraphrase the word ‘table’ or ‘chart’ which can’t be changed, and I also kept the phrase ‘the year before and year after..’ and  ‘the result of the surveys’  Show = indicate/illustrates. You do not have to paraphrase every single word in the introduction.

The Overview

Here is where we need to take the key information and summarise the main features of the table and charts. Do not write any statistics here or go into too much detail. I will go into more detail in the body paragraphs.

Overall, In the year after refurbishment visitor numbers had increased considerably, which indicated that they were much happier about their visit. Prior to the renovation, a larger number of people expressed dissatisfaction with their visit.

Body Paragraphs

Now it is time to group the data and go into more detail about statistics and trends. In main body one, I will write about the year before refurbishment and main body two will give detail about the year after refurbishment. Grouping the data is important in this part of writing task 1.

In the year before renovations total visitor numbers stood at 74, 000. Less than a fifth of those were very satisfied with their time at the museum. On the same note, just under a third of visitors indicated that they were satisfied. In contrast, two-fifths of total visitors showed they were dissatisfied and accounted for 40% of visits. One in ten people said they had been very dissatisfied before renovations were made to the museum. A small minority did not respond to the survey before or after the renovation work.

With regards to the year after work was carried out, there were an extra 18,000 visitors totalling 92,000. In addition, the charts show a considerable change in the number of people who claimed they were happy with their visit to the museum. The number of people who were satisfied jumped by 10%. Likewise, the number of very satisfied visitors increased to almost two fifths. In comparison to the year prior to refurbishment dissatisfaction levels saw a sharp decline and dropped from two fifths to less than a fifth. Very dissatisfied visitors had halved.

Note on word count: This is actually far too long but I have done this for example purposes to show how to paraphrase statistics and demonstrate the grammar that is needed. The model answer at the end has a reduced word count.

Grammar for this task.

In the body paragraphs, I have highlighted in red the past simple tense which is the main grammar needed here because the pie charts indicate two points in the past.

I also used the passive in some places .. ‘ renovations were made to the museum’ / ‘ work was carried out’

Another grammar point is the use of defining relative clauses in the body paragraphs in blue:

  • The charts show a considerable change in the number of people who claimed they were happy with their visit…
  • The number of people who were satisfied jumped by 10%

Paraphrasing statistics and fractions

In writing task 1 especially with charts, it is very important to paraphrase fractions and percentages because you have to vary the language here.

 

  • Less than a fifth – 15%
  • Just under a third – 30%
  • Two fifths – 40%
  • One in ten – 10%
  • More than a third – 35%
  • From two fifths to less than a fifth – From 40% to 15%
  • Halved – dropped by half
  • a small minority – around 5% to 10% (approximation)

You also need to use phrases to show approximation and proportion such as:

  • Just over
  • Just under
  • Less than
  • More than
  • Approximately
  • Around
  • A large number of… (70%)
  • A significant proportion of …  (80%)
  • A small minority of…  (5 to 10%)
  • An insignificant amount of..  (2%)

Key point: you will notice I have used the words renovated and refurbished, these are synonyms as I didn’t want to keep repeating the same word.

Model answer with exercise

The table below shows the numbers of visitors to Ashdown Museum during the year before and the year after it was refurbished. The charts show the result of surveys asking visitors how satisfied they were with their visit, during the same two periods.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

 

surveyed /  the proportion of  /  indicate

The table illustrates _____________ people who visited Ashdown museum in the year before and after refurbishment. Visitors were  ___________  about their satisfaction levels during their visit. The pie charts _________ the result of the surveys in the same two periods.

Prior to /  increased considerably  /  a larger number of

Overall, in the year after refurbishment visitor numbers had _______________, which indicated they were much happier about their visit. __________ the renovation, ________________  people expressed dissatisfaction with their visit.

   accounted for / A small minority /  just under a third / Less than a fifth

In the year before renovations, total visitor numbers stood at 74,000. ______________ of those were very satisfied with their time at the museum. On the same note ________________ of visitors indicated that they were pleased. In contrast, two-fifths of total visitors showed they were dissatisfied and ______________ 40% of visits. _______________ did not respond to the survey.

dropped by / two-fifths  / accounting for / a considerable increase /

Regarding the year after refurbishment, visitor numbers increased to 92,000 and the pie charts show _________________ in those who were satisfied with their visit, ____________ more than a third (35%). Likewise, very satisfied visitors increased to almost ________ (40%). Dissatisfied visitor numbers ___________ 25%.

Model Answer

The table illustrates the proportion of people who visited Ashdown museum in the year before and after refurbishment. Visitors were surveyed about their satisfaction levels during their visit. The pie charts indicate the result of the surveys in the same two periods.

Overall, In the year after refurbishment visitor numbers had increased considerably, which indicated they were much happier about their visit. Prior to the renovation, a larger number of people expressed dissatisfaction with their visit.

In the year before renovations, total visitor numbers stood at 74,000. Less than a fifth of those were very satisfied with their time at the museum. On the same note just under a third of visitors indicated that they were pleased. In contrast, two-fifths of total visitors showed they were dissatisfied and accounted for 40% of visits. A small minority did not respond to the survey.

Regarding the year after refurbishment, visitor numbers increased to 92,000 and the pie charts show a considerable increase in those who were satisfied with their visit, accounting for more than a third (35%). Likewise, very satisfied visitors increased to almost two fifths (40%). Dissatisfied visitor numbers dropped by 25%.

191 words

Note on word count: I advise aiming for around 170 to 190 words for task 1 academic. The minimum word count for writing task 1 is 150 words.

If you include too much detail you could lose marks. Don’t go over 200 words in task 1 academic it is not necessary.

Any questions? leave a comment below.

Don`t copy text!