Students who want to study, live or work in another country must show their English skills. Here, we explain the International Language English Testing System (IELTS) for students to use when they want to study or move overseas for job purposes. This article gives deep knowledge about IELTS Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary and methods to tackle it.
In IELTS, a pie chart is like a circle graph. It gets divided into slices to show one part of the whole data, usually in percentages. This type of graph can be found often in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 to show data visually.
The test evaluates how well the student can communicate in English, looking at four aspects: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Many students discover task 1 pie chart vocabulary as the most difficult part. In this area of study (Writing Task 1), candidates must write a brief report about data shown on a pie chart often represented in percentages. The examiner will evaluate how well the students can write short and accurate descriptions.
PIE Chart Vocabulary in IELTS
A pie chart, which resembles a round graph, presents data in parts of a whole. Every part or slice stands for a distinct category or portion, and the size of each slice signifies the proportion it takes up about everything together. This type of chart is usually utilized when displaying percentages or proportions.
In IELTS Writing Task 1, there could be a request for you to depict and contrast one or multiple pie charts within a report that has a minimum word count of 150 words. The period given for task 1 is 40 minutes.
The vocabulary of the pie chart for IELTS writing task 1 might be too much for some students. Understanding what it takes to get a good score in this module can assist you in achieving that. Candidates must begin by learning about the marking scheme which is divided into four parts:
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This includes the understanding of tenses, sentence structure, correct punctuation, and simple & compound sentences.
Task Achievement
The examiner will verify the information, detail, and overview. This involves emphasizing the main features, a clear opinion, and a response to every part of the task.
Lexical Resource
In this place, we identify their vocabulary range, spellings, correct use of collocations, and word formation.
Coherence & Cohesion
The candidate’s performance is assessed based on their ability to correctly use linking words, paraphrasing skills, and the usage of conjunctions and connectors. Additionally, the number of paragraphs is also considered.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie Chart Vocabulary
In IELTS Writing Task 1, it is very important that when you talk about pie charts, your language should be varied and precise to communicate the information. This also shows how well you know English. Here are some key vocabulary words and expressions for describing and analyzing pie charts more effectively. It covers different types of vocabulary that can be used:
Percentages to Fractions
| Percentage | Fraction |
| 80% | Four-fifths |
| 75% | Three-quarters |
| 70% | Seven in ten |
| 65% | Two thirds |
| 60% | Three-fifths |
| 55% | More than a half |
| 50% | Half |
| 45% | More than two-fifths |
| 35% | More than a third |
| 25% | A quarter |
| 20% | A fifth |
| 15% | Less than a fifth |
| 10% | One in ten |
| 5% | One in twenty |
| 77% | Just over three quarters/ approximately three quarters |
| 49% | Just under a half / nearby a half |
| 32% | Almost a third |
Percentages with Similar Phrases
| Majority/ Minority | Percentage |
| A vast majority | 75-85% |
| A significant proportion | 65-75% |
| A majority | 10-15% |
| A minimal number | 0.05 |
Steps to Structure Your Answer for Pie Chart Questions
Writing Task 1 of IELTS describes visual information in a report format. This task checks your skill to understand and explain data shown in different ways like pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, or tables. When it comes to a pie chart, you need to summarise and compare the information depicted in the chart.
Here is a thorough and systematic process to structure your response for the pie chart vocabulary band 9 score.
Step 1: Prepare and choose which points will be written first
Candidates must choose which points they must mention first. This includes:
- Select and deliver features of the chart. Examine the diagram of the pie chart to comprehend what it is revealing. Write about synonyms or related terms under the IELTS pie chart diagram.
- You need to find out the most important and smallest pieces of their pie charts. Comprehend what information these data are showing, and look at percentages.
- Note down the time, dates, and measurements associated with each segment.
- The aim is to sum up all the details provided by the pie chart before proceeding to step 2.
Step 2: Organising the information into two groups
The information must be divided into two separate paragraphs. This involves identifying:
- Major trends
- Exceptions
- Major groups
- Group Information
- Other similar ideas
Through grouping data, you can report main features and make suitable comparisons. This assists with getting ready for IELTS writing task 1 and encourages clear, coherent, and cohesive writing skills.
Step 3: Follow the four-paragraph model
The arrangement of paragraphs is very important to get a high band in IELTS Writing Task 1, particularly when you explain pie charts.
One can structure the answer by following the four-paragraph model:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Look at the pie chart. What does it show? What is the main topic of this image? Try to say these things in one or two sentences. The pie chart gives details about reasons for getting a loan among SMEs in Singapore during 2017. Small business owners are separated into five categories based on their purpose for acquiring money: property purchase, working capital requirements, asset acquisition, business expansion, and others. Make sure to include all the information.
Paragraph 2: Overview
As for the overview of data, the largest segments are “18 to 24 years” and “25 to 34 years.” On the other hand, the smallest segments are “65 years and over” along with “0 to 4 years.” There is a clear decreasing trend as age increases, notably after reaching the 35-44 range. This pattern shifts around the age group of 55-64 where there’s a slight increase but then decreases again noticeably among people aged between 65 and over.
Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph
In this paragraph, I would categorize the remaining segments together based on some similarities. (e.g., different age groups, types of products, etc.). Discuss their proportions by mentioning the highest and lowest percentages. This part requires you to make comparisons among segments, utilizing specific data from the chart to back up your statements.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
To conclude, the pie chart demonstrates that there are three key areas where people spend their leisure time: technology and media, outdoor activities, and socializing. The rest of the categories show minor percentages of usage. Overall, technology is a major part of how individuals enjoy free time in today’s society. It is almost equal to outdoor activities and social interactions combined.
Tips for Better Interpretation of Pie Charts Task 1 Vocabulary
Candidates must keep in mind the below-mentioned points while explaining Pie Chart Vocabulary:
- Make comparisons where relevant.
- Pay attention and write down the time frame correctly.
- Look at the headings and data provided in the pie chart. By understanding these main details, write an explanation of what they depict.
- Make sure to use appropriate vocabulary. Use transition words to keep the essay flowing.
- Candidates must not give their personal opinions.
- Make sure to keep it within 150 words.
- Read the question carefully to understand what tense you must write in.
- Dealing with Multiple Pie Charts
Note: The trends in the pie charts are up, down, and stable. Most students panic when they see more than one pie chart in the IELTS exam. This results in many of them losing marks. This is the reason why someone should learn basic principles and ways to tackle them. We have underlined the same for you below. While making use of Pie Chart Vocabulary, it’s important that candidates also spot trends in both pictures. We must compare and contrast the data here. Afterward, we need to emphasize the smallest and largest proportions. Candidates should start by picking out 2-3 segments that make up the higher percentage in first pie chart. Then, they could point out the modifications happening in the second pie chart. Similarly, they need to use the same approach when discussing the lesser percentages
Sample Pie Chart Question & Answers
For IELTS Writing Task 1, you might need to recognize a diagram and possibly more than one. You will be given twenty minutes to complete this part of the test.
- Map
- Process
- Table
- Chart
- Diagram
- Graph
Tips for IELTS Writing Task 1
To get a high score in Writing Task 1, we underline some advice that candidates can try. But it is not only about using Pie Chart Vocabulary – they should also follow these tips strongly:
- Proper time management
- Be conversant with the marking criterion.
- Remember to paraphrase the questions.
- Writing an overview
- Key features
- Revise and check for spelling errors or grammatical mistakes
- Paraphrasing
This is a must-have skill that candidates should improve because it’s relevant to both reading and writing, enhancing one’s band score. We have therefore highlighted examples for better comprehension:
Example 1
The query is, “The proportion of people aged 50 and above in three distinct states in the USA between 1921 and 2021 is given by the graphs below”. One could rephrase it as follows: “The line graphs compare how much individuals who are fifty years old or more make up, over hundred years within three U.S.A. states”
Example 2
The question is: “Details on the proportion of car ownership in the USA from 2001 to 2005”. Candidates should restate like this. “The chart shows how car ownership increased greatly between the years 2001 and 2005 in the USA”.
Conclusion
Cracking IELTS requires a systematic approach toward pie charts. Candidates need to be conversant with Pie Chart Vocabulary. Writing is one of the most challenging sections in IELTS, so regular and rigorous practice is needed for candidates to get a firm grip on it. Apart from that, following the tips mentioned ardently will help tackle this section. For in-depth knowledge & guidance from expert counselors, visit us at Admissify and book yourself a session, absolutely FREE.
FAQs
Can I retake IELTS Writing?
No, one section of IELTS cannot be repeated. If you want to enhance your score, you must retake the complete section which includes four sections.
How is IELTS Writing Task 1 marked?
IELTS Writing Task 1 is marked according to four criteria: Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Lexical Resource, Coherence and Cohesion, and Task Achievement. Each criterion carries a weightage of 25% in the overall scoring.
Can the IELTS Writing Test be taken through the computer?
Yes, IELTS is offered in two versions: Computer-delivered and paper-based. People who can type quickly may choose to take this test on a computer.
What are task 1 pie chart vocabulary questions?
For the task 1 pie chart vocabulary questions, they might ask you to illustrate the data shown in a pie chart utilizing precise vocabulary linked with percentages, parts, types, and patterns.
How do you describe the pie chart?
A pie chart is a round graph that shows data in parts or slices. Every slice stands for a group or piece of the total, and its size is based on how much it represents from all combined values. The entire pie chart adds up to 100% or 360 degrees.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
