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For more than 30 years IELTS has set the standard for English language testing. Trusted by governments, employers and educational institutions - we've helped millions of people to achieve their goals.

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Looking to work, study, or live overseas? Trusted by more than 3 million people every year, IELTS is an English language test that can help you to achieve your goals.

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Explaining IELTS Listening and Speaking tests in detail.

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Top tips on IELTS Listening and Speaking test to get your best score

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Explaining IELTS Reading test in detail.

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Some tips to get your best score in your IELTS Reading test

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Speaking band descriptors.

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Explaining IELTS Listening and Speaking tests in detail.

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Top tips on IELTS Listening and Speaking test to get your best score

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Tips on how to improve your IELTS writing performance - task 1

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This lesson will provide you with tips and advice on how to write an IELTS pie chart for task 1.

To begin, take a look at the pie chart below, and then answer the quiz questions.

If you prefer or if you want extra tips you can also view this lesson in a video ( but don't forget afterwards to do the quizzes on this page that give you the language practice!):

Write at least 150 words.

Answer these questions about the IELTS pie chart:

Now take a look at a model answer:

Choose the most important points to write about first

These will usually be the largest ones. As you can see in the model answer, definite job, looking for work, and formal study were all written about first, in order of importance, as these are the main reasons that were chosen for moving.

Items such as 'other ' are usually less important and account for small amounts, so can be left till the end.

Make it easy to read

When you write a task 1, you should always group information in a logical way to make it easy to follow and read.

With an IELTS pie chart, the most logical thing to do is usually to compare categories together across the charts, focusing on similarities and differences, rather than writing about each chart separately.

If you write about each one separately, the person reading it will have to keep looking between the paragraphs in order to see how each category differs.

Vary your language

As with any task 1, this is important. You should not keep repeating the same structures. The key language when you write about pie charts is proportions and percentages.

Common phrases to see are " the proportion of..." or " the percentage of..."

However, you can also use other words and fractions. These are some examples from the model answer:

This table presents some examples of how you can change percentages to fractions or ratios:

You can improve your flexibility in using these words or test your knowledge of them in this percentage and proportions quiz.

If the percentages are not exact as above, then you can use qualifiers to make sure your description remains accurate. Here are some examples:

This table presents some examples of how you can change percentages to other phrases:

The words above are interchangeable, though number is for countable nouns and amount is for uncountable nouns.

You can practice or test yourself with the language used to approximate figures in this online quiz.

More Task 1 Academic Lessons:

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IELTS Pie Chart Strategies and Tips for a Band 7, 8 or 9

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This IELTS pie chart lesson provides you with tips and advice on how to describe an IELTS Pie Chart in order to get a Band 7, 8 or 9.

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Summary

Students looking to study, live or work in a foreign country must demonstrate their English skills beforehand. For instance, to study a German taught course in Germany, one must produce the required German level certificate. Likewise, the International Language English Testing System ( IELTS) is outlined to help students study or migrate abroad for employment purposes. This article shares detailed information about IELTS Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary and tips to crack it.

The test assesses the student's ability to communicate effectively in English based on four parameters: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Most students find Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary most challenging. Here, candidates are expected to write a short report based on the visual data, mainly represented as percentages.

The examiner will assess the ability of the students to write concise and precise descriptions.

Vocabulary for Pie Chart in IELTS

The pie chart vocabulary for IELTS writing task 1 can be overwhelming for some students. Knowing what it takes to ace the test can help attain a good score in this module.

Before anything, candidates must know the marking scheme, which is divided into four parts:

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Their use of tenses, proper sentence construction, the correct use of punctuations, and simple and compound sentences.

The examiner will be checking the information, detail, and overview. It includes highlighting the key features, a definite opinion, and answering all parts of the task.

Here, their range of vocabulary, spellings, proper implementations of collocations, and word formation are determined.

The candidate is marked on the proper usage of linking words, paraphrasing skills, and the use of conjunctions and connectors. Furthermore, the number of paragraphs is also taken into account.

Each of these four criteria is marked from a score of 1 to 9. It accounts for 25% of marks in one's writing test.

Hence, to attain a good score in Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary, candidates must use them smartly. Here is a range of vocabulary they can implement:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic On Environment
On the other hand, when describing increases/ decreases, candidates must use these words below:

E.g. The price of tomatoes fell very sharply.

E.g. There has been a sharp decrease in the price of leather goods.

Steps to Structure Your Answer for Pie Chart Questions

Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to structure one's answer for pie chart sample band 9.

Step 1: Prepare and choose which points will be written first

Candidates must choose which points they must mention first. They must identify the most significant and smallest sections of their pie charts and note the time, dates, and measurements accordingly.

Step 2: Organizing the information into two groups

The information must be divided into two separate paragraphs. This involves identifying:

Paraphrase the question.

Write an overview of the primary groupings

Divide it into body paragraphs 1 and 2.

One can structure the answer by following the four-paragraph model.

The first paragraph will summarize what the pie chart is about.

Organize the information into significant trends.

Organize according to groupings.

Tips for Better Interpretation of Pie Charts Task 1 Vocabulary

Candidates must keep in mind the below-mentioned points while explaining Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary:

Make comparisons where relevant.

Pay attention and write down the time frame correctly.

Read the headings and data given on the pie chart carefully. This will give an idea of the main details and write an explanation of the same.

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 : Three trends are present in pie charts, namely up, down, and stable.

Most students end up panicking when multiple pie charts appear in the IELTS exam. As a result of this, many may end up losing marks.

That is why one needs to know the fundamental principles and how to approach them. We have underlined below the same.

Along with implementing Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary, candidates must identify the trends in both images. Comparing and contrasting the data is a must here. Next, they must highlight the smallest and largest proportions.

Candidates can begin by choosing 2-3 segments which account for the higher percentage in the first pie chart. After that, they can highlight how these are changing in the second pie chart.

They must follow the same method while writing about the lower percentages.

Sample Pie Chart Question & Answers

In IELTS Writing Task 1, candidates will have to identify a diagram and maybe more than one. One will have twenty minutes to finish this task. It can be:

Tips for IELTS Writing Task 1

To ace Writing Task 1, we have underlined a list of tips that candidates can implement to attain a good score. Nevertheless, usage of Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary is essential, but that is not all.

They must follow these tips ardently:

1. Proper time management

2. Be conversant with the marking criterion.

3. Remember to paraphrase the questions.

4. Writing an overview

5. Key features

6. Revise and check for spelling errors or grammatical mistakes

It is one of the essential skills that candidates must hone as it is applicable to reading and writing. This will help boost one's band score. We have therefore underlined examples for easier understanding:

The question is, "The percentage of the population aged 50 and above in three different states in the USA between 1920 and 2020 is outlined in the graphs below". One should paraphrase it like this, " The line graphs contrast the proportion of individuals aged 50 and above, as measured over a centenary in three U.S. states".

The question asks, "Information about the proportion of car ownership between 2000 and 2005 in the USA is given below".

Candidates must paraphrase in this way. " The spurge in car ownership between 2000 and 2005 in the USA is outlined in the chart".

Conclusion

To crack IELTS, candidates must follow a systematic approach toward pie charts. They must be conversant with Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary. Moreover, as writing is one of the most challenging sections in IELTS, candidates require regular and rigorous practice to achieve a firm grip over it. Apart from that, following the tips mentioned ardently will help tackle this section. Visit LeapScholar to crack IELTS and achieve your study abroad dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Experienced IELTS prep trainer and education management industry veteran. Specializes in public speaking, international education, market research, mentoring, and management.

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IELTS Pie Chart Task 1 Vocabulary - Steps To Structure & Tips For Better Interpretation

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Summary Students looking to study, live or work in a foreign country must demonstrate their English skills beforehand. For instance, to study a German taught course in Germany, one must produce the required German level certificate. Likewise, the International Language English Testing System ( IELTS) is outlined to help students study or migrate abroad for employment purposes.

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The chart shows the average number of hours each day that Chinese, American, Turkish and Brazilian tourists spent doing leisure activities while on holiday in Greece in August 2019.

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The chart shows the average number of hours each day that Chinese, American, Turkish and Brazilian tourists spent doing leisure activities while on holiday in Greece in August 2019.

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Tips on how to improve your IELTS writing performance - task 2

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IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures

Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can make the difference between getting and not getting the band score you deserve. With that in mind, we have outlined the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 structures below.

Nearly all of my Task 2 essays follow this basic structure:

The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.

The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:

1. Opinion (Agree or Disagree)

2. Advantages and Disadvantages

3. Problem and Solution

4. Discussion (Discuss both views)

5. Two-part Question

Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question. This will help you write a clear, coherent answer and hopefully boost your IELTS band score. I also include an example answer for each type of question so you can see the structure in a real essay.
Please note that these are general structures and may vary slightly depending on the question. Please also note that no 'one' Task 2 essay structure will get you a high score. There are many types of structures that can get you a high score. These are just some I think are effective and easy to learn. Please visit the lessons below for more detailed guidance on each type of question. I have provided a link at the end of each section.
Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree)

Typical Question Words -

What is your opinion?

Do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Direct question.

Example Question -

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programmes (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Do you agree or disagree?

Essay Structure

1- Paraphrase Question

2- Give your opinion and outline the main ideas.
Main Body Paragraph 1
1- Topic Sentence

2- Explain Topic Sentence

3- Example
Main Body Paragraph 2
1- Topic Sentence

2- Explain Topic Sentence

3- Example

1- Summary of main points and opinion

Student Sample Answer

It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because it help pupils develop soft skills and helps them gain much-needed work experience.

Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits, and those in education should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of the best ways to hone these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less fortunate than ourselves teaches us many lessons, including how to work with people from other backgrounds and the value of hard work, thus enabling us to hone these skills before becoming an adult. For example, many young people from wealthier countries take a gap year and help those less fortunate than themselves to increase their gratitude for what they have and improve their work ethic.

Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience. Most school leavers have the same grades, and charitable work can help set you apart from other students when making college applications. For example, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications from straight-A students yearly and can only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside the classroom often differentiates you from everyone else and gets you that coveted spot.

In conclusion, teenagers should be made to partake in unpaid work as part of their schooling because it will help them learn things they wouldn't ordinarily learn from their teachers, and it will also boost their chances of getting into third-level education.
For more detail on how to answer agree or disagree questions, please visit our opinion essay lesson. Need help writing essays like this? Check out our ESSAY CORRECTION SERVICE.
Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

Typical Question Words
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Example Question
Technology is being used more and more in education.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Essay Structure
Introduction
1- Paraphrase Question

2- Outline Main Points
Main Body Paragraph 1
1- State Two Advantages

2- Expand/Explain First Advantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Advantage

3- Example
Main Body Paragraph 2
1- State Two Disadvantages

2- Expand/Explain First Disadvantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Disadvantage

3- Example
Conclusion
1- Summary of Main Points

Student Sample Answer

It is argued that technology plays an ever-increasing role in schools and universities. Increased access to information and student freedom are the main advantages, whereas dependency on technology and decreasing levels of face-to-face contact are the main disadvantages.

Access to more information and student autonomy are the principal advantages of increasing the use of electronic devices in education. With the internet, students can access all the information available about any topic, regardless of what books and other resources are available in the school. Furthermore, students can focus on whatever topic or subject they want and study it in depth. A prime example of this is the number of online university courses available to students, covering a myriad of subjects that, up until recently, were unavailable to most learners. This has resulted in more people studying third-level degrees than ever before at a pace and schedule that suits them.

The main disadvantages associated with the increasing use of technology in education are the dependency on this technology and the decrease in face-to-face interaction between students. With many students now using the internet as their primary source of information, they often struggle to use other academic resources to find what they're looking for. As well as this, students spend more time looking at computer screens by themselves than interacting with each other, which is thought to lead to lower levels of emotional intelligence. For instance, the recent explosion in smartphone use has been at the expense of genuine human interaction. This results in soft skills, such as verbal communication and empathy, being affected.

In conclusion, the benefits technology brings to education, such as unrestricted access to information and student autonomy, must be weighed against the drawbacks, such as dependency on this technology and the negative effects on human interaction.
For more detail on how to answer advantage and disadvantage questions, please visit our advantage and disadvantage lesson.
Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)
Typical Question Words
Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
Example Question
Technology is being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

Essay Structure
Introduction
1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.

2- Thesis Statement

3- Outline Sentence
Main Body Paragraph 1
1- State first viewpoint

2- Discuss first viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view
Main Body Paragraph 2
1- State second viewpoint

2- Discuss second viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view
Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary

Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

Student Sample Answer

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

The Internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. This has allowed learners to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Without these soft skills, many people find it difficult to become successful in work and their personal lives. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.

While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However, as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.
For more detail on how to answer discussion questions please visit our discussion essay lesson.
Problem and Solution Questions

Problem and solution.
Typical Question Words
Cause and solution.

Students are becoming more and more reliant on technology.
Example Question
What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?

Essay Structure

1- Paraphrase Question
Introduction
2- Outline Sentence

1- State Problems
Main Body Paragraph 1
2- Explain First Problem

3- Explain Second Problem

4- Example of Second Problem

1- State Solutions
Main Body Paragraph 2
2- Explain First Solution

3- Explain Second Solution

4- Example of Second Solution

1- Summary
Conclusion
Student Sample Answer

Learners are becoming increasingly dependent on technology, such as the Internet and mobile devices. This essay believes the main problems associated with dependence on computers are the lack of original thought and copying original work from others and suggests critical thinking classes and writing analysis software as the most viable solutions.

The principal problems with over-reliance on technology are people being unable to think for themselves and plagiarism. With access to so much information, students often rely on other people's opinions instead of forming their own. As well as this, they often use search engines to answer a question and copy the text from a website rather than thinking about the question. This practice is prohibited in schools and universities and stunts students' intellectual development because they will never truly think for themselves, which is what university is supposed to be for. For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.

Solutions to these worrying problems are special classes to focus on critical thinking and teachers using anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. If teachers create situations where students have to infer meaning and express opinions based on a small amount of information, this will ensure that students have an opportunity to develop these skills. Also, if students know that their assignments are being checked for plagiarism, this will be enough to deter them from doing so. For instance, many universities already use this kind of software to scan coursework for plagiarism, and it could be extended to include all homework by learners in both secondary and tertiary education.

In conclusion, the main problems with the overuse of technology in education are the lack of original thought and plagiarism. These can be solved through special classes that teach students analytical skills and plagiarism detection software.

Two-Part Questions
For more detail on how to answer problem and solution questions please visit our problem and solution lesson.
There will normally be a statement, and they will then ask you to answer separate questions.
Typical Question Words
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?
Example Question
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Essay Structure

1- Paraphrase Question

2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)
Introduction
1- Answer first question directly

2- Explain why
Main Body Paragraph 1
3- Further explain

4- Example

1- Answer second question directly

2- Explain why
Main Body Paragraph 2
3- Further explain

4- Example

1- Summary

Student Sample Answer
Conclusion
As most adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial part of a person's health and happiness. This essay will first suggest fair pay as a key element leading to job satisfaction, and it will then state that it is not very likely that everyone can be happy with their job.

The most important thing that satisfies someone at work is being compensated fairly. If those more senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing, then you feel like you are valued. A fair salary and benefits are important marks of respect, and if you feel you are being underpaid, you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent job satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, which found that 72% of people were pleased with their current role if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

With regard to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don't really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.

In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one's well-being, and respect from one's colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness; however, job satisfaction for all workers is an unrealistic prospect.

Nobody can give you a Task 2 IELTS structure that guarantees high scores. Your score is dependent on how good your grammar and vocabulary are and how well you answer the question. A good structure will help you answer the question to some extent and boost your score for coherence and cohesion, but you must use relevant ideas and use these ideas well to answer the question.

You can see how my student scored a Band 8.5 in IELTS Writing here:
Can I get a band 8 or 9 following these structures?
We hope you found those IELTS Writing Task 2 structures useful. Looking for some more sample questions? Here are over 100 sample questions from past exam papers.
Next Steps If you would personalised feedback and guidance until you get the score you need, you can join the Waiting List for my VIP Course here.

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Sentence-by-sentence IELTS Writing Task 2 Structures to help you get a higher score with student sample answers included.

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Explaining IELTS Writing Task 2 in detail

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Explaining IELTS Writing Task 2 in detail

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IELTS Writing Task 2 | Top Tips | British Council

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Here you can find all the essential information about IELTS Writing essay.

IELTS Writing task 2 (or IELTS essay) is the same task for Academic and General IELTS. You will be presented with a specific topic and asked to write an 250-word essay about it. You should normally spend 40 minutes on IELTS Writing task 2.

On this page you will see:

IELTS Writing task 2 question sample

Types of IELTS essay questions

How to answer these questions

More IELTS Writing task 2 questions and answers

IELTS Writing task 2 question sample

You can get a lot of different topics for your IELTS Writing task 2. You can be asked to give your opinion, to state solutions to some problem, to describe advantages and disadvantages of something and so on.

Here's an example of how your IELTS Writing task 2 may look like:

Immigration has a major impact on the society.

What are the main reasons of immigration? To what consequences can it lead?

Write at least 250 words.

You can find the band-9 answer here >

More IELTS Writing task 2 questions & topics >

How to write IELTS Essay?

1) Determine your opinion on the topic

Usually, IELTS essay is one of the following types:

Giving your opinion

Agree/disagree

Suggesting a solution

Pros and cons

Depending on the topic, decide what is your opinion on it and why. Have a clear position, don't hesitate between two opinions! Then find examples you will use for this task. You should spend a few minutes on planning.

2) Write an answer using the following structure:

Note that this description is very general. To learn more specific answering strategies, look at the different question types.

3) Style your essay

Use various words and structures, linking devices and avoid repetition.

Use some words from academic word list .

Do not use informal style and avoid irrelevant information, you will receive less points for your work.

Also, don't forget to write at least 250 words, writing less will affect your mark negatively. You should aim at 260-280 words. You won't get more points for a longer essay.
Other things that might affect your mark:

1. Fluency: if your handwriting is not illegible for the examiner and he/she can't read it properly, you are likely to lose points.

2. Unoriginal answer: if you learnt a topic by heart and wrote it, you might get a low score for your essay. IELTS examiner assesses only your own thoughts and opinions.

3. Limited answer: if you only answer half of the question and don't expand your opinion, you will not get more than a band score 5 for the task.

You can find more useful IELTS Writing materials:

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Learn how to effectively write IELTS task 2 (essay). See common questions, answer samples, tips and more.

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This is a guide to how you can effectively record new vocabulary.