Pie charts show data as percentages of a whole. In IELTS Writing Task 1, you will often see two or more pie charts that you need to compare. This guide will teach you exactly how to describe and compare pie charts effectively.
The Pie Charts
Study these two pie charts carefully. They show the percentage of secondary school students studying different foreign languages in London and Edinburgh in 2024.
Percentage of students studying foreign languages in UK secondary schools (2024)
London
Edinburgh
Step 1: Analyse the Charts
Before writing, spend 2 minutes identifying key information. With pie charts, look for:
What do the charts show?
Percentage of students studying 5 foreign languages in London and Edinburgh in 2024.
What are the similarities?
- Spanish and French are the top two languages in both cities
- Chinese has the smallest share (excluding "Other") in both
- German is in the middle in both cities
What are the differences?
- London: Spanish is most popular (35%)
- Edinburgh: French is most popular (32%)
- German is more popular in Edinburgh (22% vs 18%)
Step 2: Know the Structure
A pie chart comparison should have 4 paragraphs:
| Paragraph | Purpose | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Paraphrase the question | What the charts show |
| 2. Overview | Main similarities and differences | NO percentages here |
| 3. Body 1 | First chart OR similarities | Specific percentages |
| 4. Body 2 | Second chart OR differences | Specific percentages |
Two Ways to Organise Body Paragraphs
Option A: By Chart
Body 1: Describe London
Body 2: Describe Edinburgh + comparisons
Option B: By Theme (Better)
Body 1: Most popular languages
Body 2: Less popular languages
Option B is usually better because it naturally creates comparisons between the charts.
Step 3: Learn the Key Vocabulary
Describing Percentages
| Size | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Large (30%+) | the largest proportion, the majority, over a third, more than a quarter |
| Medium (15-30%) | a significant proportion, around a quarter, approximately one fifth |
| Small (under 15%) | a small percentage, a minority, only, just, merely |
| Exact | exactly 35%, precisely a quarter, at 28% |
| Approximate | approximately 30%, around a third, roughly 20%, nearly a quarter |
Comparing Pie Charts
| Comparison | Example Phrases |
|---|---|
| Similarities | similarly, likewise, in both cities, the same pattern, equally popular |
| Differences | in contrast, however, whereas, while, on the other hand, unlike |
| Bigger share | a higher/larger proportion, more popular, accounted for more |
| Smaller share | a lower/smaller proportion, less popular, accounted for less |
| Ranking | the most/least popular, ranked first/second, the highest/lowest |
Useful Sentence Structures
- Spanish accounted for 35% of students in London.
- French represented the largest share in Edinburgh.
- German made up approximately one fifth of the total.
- The proportion of students studying Chinese was higher in London.
- While Spanish dominated in London, French was the most popular in Edinburgh.
Step 4: Write Your Answer
Now let's build the answer paragraph by paragraph.
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paraphrase what the pie charts show. Mention: what, where, when.
Original:
"Percentage of students studying foreign languages in UK secondary schools (2024)"
Paraphrased:
"The two pie charts compare the proportion of secondary school students learning different foreign languages in London and Edinburgh in 2024."
Paragraph 2: Overview
State the main similarities AND differences. No specific percentages!
"Overall, Spanish and French were the two most popular languages in both cities, together accounting for over half of all students. However, while Spanish was the dominant choice in London, French held the top position in Edinburgh. Chinese attracted the smallest proportion of learners in both locations."
Paragraph 3: Body 1 - The Most Popular Languages
Describe Spanish and French with specific percentages and comparisons:
"In London, Spanish was the most studied language, with 35% of students choosing it, followed by French at 28%. This pattern was reversed in Edinburgh, where French led with 32% while Spanish came second at 25%. Interestingly, the combined total for these two languages was similar in both cities: 63% in London and 57% in Edinburgh."
Paragraph 4: Body 2 - The Less Popular Languages
Describe German, Chinese, and Other with comparisons:
"German was more popular in Edinburgh, where it accounted for 22% of students, compared to just 18% in London. Chinese had the smallest share among the named languages in both cities, at 12% in London and 10% in Edinburgh. The 'Other' category, which includes less common languages, made up 7% in London and a slightly higher 11% in Edinburgh."
Step 5: See the Complete Answer
Complete Model Answer
The two pie charts compare the proportion of secondary school students learning different foreign languages in London and Edinburgh in 2024.
Overall, Spanish and French were the two most popular languages in both cities, together accounting for over half of all students. However, while Spanish was the dominant choice in London, French held the top position in Edinburgh. Chinese attracted the smallest proportion of learners in both locations.
In London, Spanish was the most studied language, with 35% of students choosing it, followed by French at 28%. This pattern was reversed in Edinburgh, where French led with 32% while Spanish came second at 25%. Interestingly, the combined total for these two languages was similar in both cities: 63% in London and 57% in Edinburgh.
German was more popular in Edinburgh, where it accounted for 22% of students, compared to just 18% in London. Chinese had the smallest share among the named languages in both cities, at 12% in London and 10% in Edinburgh. The "Other" category, which includes less common languages, made up 7% in London and a slightly higher 11% in Edinburgh.
Word count: 188 words (aim for 150-200)
Pie Chart Quick Reference
| Percentage | Fraction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | a half, one in two | half of all students |
| 33% | a third, one in three | around a third |
| 25% | a quarter, one in four | a quarter of students |
| 20% | a fifth, one in five | approximately one fifth |
| 10% | a tenth, one in ten | only a tenth |
| 5% | one in twenty | a very small minority |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do NOT describe each chart separately without comparing
Always make comparisons. "Spanish was 35% in London and 25% in Edinburgh" is better than describing each city alone.
Do NOT say percentages "increased" or "decreased"
Pie charts show one moment in time. Use "higher/lower" when comparing, not "increased/decreased".
Do NOT forget that percentages must add up to 100%
If your numbers don't add up, you've made an error. Check: 35+28+18+12+7 = 100%
Do NOT give reasons for differences
Never write "French is more popular in Edinburgh because of historical ties with France". Just describe the data.
Final Checklist
Before you finish, check:
- Did you paraphrase the chart description?
- Did you write an overview with main similarities AND differences?
- Did you compare the charts (not just describe each separately)?
- Did you include specific percentages?
- Did you use varied vocabulary (proportion, percentage, share)?
- Is it 150-200 words?
- Did you avoid giving opinions or reasons?
Continue Learning
Reinforce what you've learned with videos and practice tests.