IELTS Academic Task 1: How to Describe a Pie Chart

Describe proportions of a whole; focus on the largest and smallest slices and any striking contrasts.

Structure

1. Introduction — paraphrase what the visual shows.
2. Overview — the 2–3 biggest features or trends (essential for Band 7+).
3. Detail paragraph 1 — describe and compare the main data with figures.
4. Detail paragraph 2 — cover the rest.

Useful language

• accounted for 40% of
• the largest proportion
• a small fraction / a quarter
• made up just under half