Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a Writing Task 1 Academic pie chart essay example from the IELTS writing task 1 Academic Test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the type of chart or graph can be.
There are so many questions written each year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. It is best practice to learn how to answer each one of the various types of writing task 1 questions, from bar charts, line graphs, maps, process etc.
If you would like to learn how to structure a pie chart essay please click the button below >
Take a look at the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic essay example below >>
*This pie chart question and answer were provided by a student. IELTS Achieve did not design this question*
The chart below shows how much money is spent in the budget on different sectors by the UAE government in 2000.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The diagram describes the comparative statistics of the annual expenditure of ten departments of the government of the United Arab Emirates in 2000. The units were measured in billion AED.
Overall, the Social security sector received the largest amount of budget while the Department of Transportation got the lowest amount of funds.
On the one hand, the receiver of the largest portion of the annual budget of the United Arab Emirates government in 2000 is the Social security sector with 100 billion AED followed by the Health and personal social services and the Education department with 53 billion AED and 38 billion AED respectively. Landing in the fourth spot is the other expenditures and the Debt sector with both 23 billion AED.
On the other hand, the Defense Department had 22 billion AED and trailing behind are the Departments of Law and order and the Housing, heritage and environment sector with 17 billion AED and 15 billion AED correspondingly. The Industry, agriculture and employment department received 13 billion AED and then finally, the Department of Transportation got the least amount of budget with only 9 billion AED.
Word count – 187 / Band score 8
Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by an overview that gives the reader key information.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of paraphrasing, synonyms and some less common words.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences are mainly made up of multiple clauses and have a variety of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
This post will help you to write a successful pie charts essay, there is a model answer for you to compare your work to at the end of the post.
Remember that your essay should have a minimum of 150 words and ideally should be completed in 20 minutes.
The writing task 1 essay structure should be as follows >>
Question
Read the question below carefully, what can you see in the information given?
Step 1 – Write the introduction
Write your own introduction of one or two sentences, paraphrasing the question, using synonyms where you can.
Step 2 – Write an overview
Write the overview – start this paragraph with the word ‘Overall...’ and write one or two sentences which describe the main features of the information presented in the charts.
Step 3 – Write the main body paragraphs
Write two main body paragraphs, going into detail and giving specific information about the charts. Remember to include data to support your findings. For example, look for the highs and lows and any major increases or decreases over time.
Step 4 – Check your work
When you have completed the essay, check it for any errors, spelling or grammar. Then check to see if you have included linking words that connect the information together, making it easy to read. For example, using the word ‘Overall..’ at the beginning of the overview paragraph. You can also use words like – on the one hand, on the other hand, furthermore, however, in addition, finally etc.
Model Answer
To view the model answer for this question please click the button below >>
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
How to Describe Tables in IELTS Writing Task 1
Table questions present numerical data organised in rows and columns. Your task is to identify, compare, and summarise the key features without describing every single number.
Strategy for Table Questions
Scan for patterns: Look for the highest and lowest values, trends over time, and significant differences between categories.
Select key data: You cannot mention every number. Choose the most significant figures that illustrate trends or comparisons.
Group information: Organise your body paragraphs by theme (e.g., countries that increased vs. decreased) rather than going row by row.
Include specific figures: Support your observations with actual numbers from the table.
Useful Language for Tables
Function
Phrases
Highest value
The highest figure was recorded for…, X had the largest proportion at…
Lowest value
The lowest rate was seen in…, X accounted for the smallest share…
Comparison
X was significantly higher than Y…, Compared with X, Y was…
Approximate data
roughly, approximately, just over, just under, around
Common Mistakes
Describing every number in the table instead of selecting key data
Failing to make comparisons between categories
Writing without an overview paragraph
Using imprecise language when exact figures are available
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
