Writing Task 1: Pie Chart & Table: IELTS Academic 9990 (IELTS Academic)
Syllabus W.task1 · Strand 3 Writing
- Questions
- 10
- Total marks
- 40
- Tier mix
- 10 Core
0 of 10 questions completed
Syllabus coverage
- W.task1 10 questions completed
Pie-chart questions present proportions of a whole (often two or more pies for comparison across time or category), while table questions present a grid of numerical data across several variables; both require the same objective report format as other Task 1 tasks. With a pie chart, the priority is identifying the largest and smallest segments and any clear shift in proportions between charts; with a table, the priority is identifying which rows or columns show the most striking figures, since a table rarely warrants describing every cell.
Because both formats present more data than can be reported in full within the word count, selecting and grouping the most reportable features, rather than translating the whole chart or table into prose, is the examiner’s central expectation. Fraction and percentage language (“just over a third,” “more than double”) should be used precisely and only where the underlying data supports the claim.
Question 1
The pie charts below show the sources of electricity generation in the country of Bellmoor in 2005 and in 2025.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
| Source | 2005 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | 42% | 9% |
| Natural gas | 28% | 22% |
| Nuclear | 14% | 16% |
| Hydropower | 10% | 11% |
| Wind and solar | 3% | 35% |
| Other renewables | 3% | 7% |
Source: Bellmoor National Energy Agency, 2025.
Question 2
The pie chart below shows how the average household in the city of Port Ashwell spent its monthly income in 2024.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
| Spending category | Share of monthly income |
|---|---|
| Housing | 34% |
| Food | 18% |
| Transport | 12% |
| Education | 8% |
| Utilities | 9% |
| Healthcare | 7% |
| Leisure | 6% |
| Savings | 4% |
| Other | 2% |
Source: Port Ashwell City Household Survey, 2024.
Question 3
The table below shows average tourist spending per visitor, by category, in three countries in 2024.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
| Category (USD) | Corvale | Lindmere | Sarova |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 420 | 610 | 350 |
| Food and drink | 180 | 240 | 210 |
| Shopping | 260 | 190 | 410 |
| Transport | 90 | 130 | 70 |
| Entertainment | 60 | 110 | 90 |
| Total per visitor | 1,010 | 1,280 | 1,130 |
Source: Regional Tourism Board, 2024.
Question 4
The pie chart below shows the composition of household waste collected in the town of Greenhollow in 2023.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
| Waste category | Share of total waste |
|---|---|
| Organic and food waste | 38% |
| Paper and cardboard | 21% |
| Plastic | 17% |
| Glass | 9% |
| Metal | 6% |
| Textiles | 5% |
| Other | 4% |
Source: Greenhollow Municipal Waste Report, 2023.
Question 5
The table below shows the number of adults enrolled in local government-run fitness programmes in the city of Dunmore, by age group, in 2010 and 2025.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
| Age group | 2010 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 18-29 | 1,200 | 2,850 |
| 30-44 | 2,100 | 3,600 |
| 45-59 | 1,800 | 2,400 |
| 60-74 | 900 | 3,100 |
| 75+ | 200 | 950 |
| Total | 6,200 | 12,900 |
Source: Dunmore City Council Fitness Programme Records, 2025.
Question 6
The table below shows the percentage of the population using the internet, and the average annual income (in US dollars), in five countries in 2024.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
| Country | Internet users (% of population) | Average annual income (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Vantoria | 92 | 48,300 |
| Kelmar | 78 | 31,600 |
| Bruska | 54 | 19,850 |
| Oestland | 41 | 12,400 |
| Tarnby | 23 | 7,900 |
Question 7
The pie chart below shows how Cranmoor Textiles, a clothing manufacturer, allocated its annual operating budget across six departments in 2023.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
| Department | Share of annual budget |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 38% |
| Logistics | 22% |
| Marketing | 15% |
| Research and development | 12% |
| Administration | 9% |
| Staff training | 4% |
Question 8
The two pie charts below show the main methods that workers in the town of Denford used to travel to work in 2000 and in 2024.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
2000
| Method of travel | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Car | 46% |
| Bus | 24% |
| Walking | 15% |
| Bicycle | 9% |
| Train | 6% |
2024
| Method of travel | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Car | 31% |
| Bus | 18% |
| Walking | 12% |
| Bicycle | 24% |
| Train | 15% |
Question 9
The table below shows the annual output of three crops grown in the Kaldwick region, in thousands of tonnes, in 2005, 2015 and 2025.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
| Crop | 2005 | 2015 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | 420 | 380 | 310 |
| Soybeans | 150 | 260 | 410 |
| Barley | 210 | 195 | 170 |
Question 10
The pie chart below shows the breakdown of total water consumption by sector in the country of Vaymouth in 2024.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
| Sector | Share of total water use |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | 47% |
| Industry | 29% |
| Domestic/household | 18% |
| Commercial | 4% |
| Other | 2% |