This IELTS writing task 1 sample is a pie chart. Below the pie chart is a model answer. With pie charts, you are usually given 2, 3, or 4 to compare. In this case, there are 2.
Take a look at the question and chart first. Which is the best way to compare the information?
Make a decision then look at the model answer. Comments are provided so you can see why the response would achieve a high IELTS score.
Task 1 Sample
| You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The pie chart shows the amount of money that a children’s charity located in the USA spent and received in one year, 2016. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
Revenue Sources and Expenditures of a USA Charity in one year, 2016.
Model Answer
The pie charts show the amount of revenue and expenditures in 2016 for a children’s charity in the USA. Overall, it can be seen that donated food accounted for the majority of the income, while program services accounted for the most expenditure. Total revenue sources just exceeded outgoings.
In detail, donated food provided most of the revenue for the charity, at 86%. Similarly, with regard to expenditures, one category, program services, accounted for nearly all of the outgoings, at 95.8%.
The other categories were much smaller. Community contributions, which were the second largest revenue source, brought in 10.4% of overall income, and this was followed by program revenue, at 2.2%. Investment income, government grants, and other income were very small sources of revenue, accounting for only 0.8% combined.
There were only two other expenditure items, fundraising and management, and general, accounting for 2.6% and 1.6% respectively. The total amount of income was $53,561,580, which was just enough to cover the expenditures of $53,224,896.
(161 Words)
Comment About the Task
Task Achievement: Band 8
- The answer clearly and accurately summarizes the key information from the charts.
- The main trends (donated food accounting for most income, program services for most expenditure) are highlighted effectively.
- Specific figures are provided to support the response, but the mention of total income and expenditure could be better integrated into the analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
- The response is well-organized, with a clear overall progression.
- Information is logically grouped (revenue, expenditures), and linking devices such as “Similarly,” “In detail,” and “accounted for” are used effectively to guide the reader through the response.
- However, the transition between the final figures of total income and expenditure could be smoother.
Lexical Resource: Band 7
- A good range of vocabulary is used accurately (“accounted for,” “provided most of,” “exceeded outgoings”), and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or form.
- However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, especially the frequent use of “accounted for.” A wider variety of expressions could enhance this further.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
- The sentence structures are varied and error-free, with a mix of complex and simple sentences.
- The use of passive forms (“accounted for,” “was followed by”) is appropriate.
- Minor improvements in complexity or diversity of grammatical forms would push this closer to a Band 9.
Overall Band: 7.5-8
This is a strong response that demonstrates a high level of proficiency, though slight improvements in lexical variety and more integration of total income and expenditure figures could enhance the overall score.
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