IELTS Writing Task 1: Sources of Household Energy in a Country

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Writing Prompt

The two pie charts below show the sources of energy used by households in one country in 2000 and in 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Each chart is divided into five sources: gas, electricity from coal, electricity from renewables, oil and wood. In 2000, gas provided the largest share at 40 per cent, followed by electricity from coal at 30 per cent, oil at 15 per cent, wood at 10 per cent and renewable electricity at just 5 per cent. By 2020, renewable electricity had risen sharply to 30 per cent, while electricity from coal had fallen to 10 per cent. Gas remained important but declined to 35 per cent, oil dropped to 15 per cent and wood fell to 10 per cent.

Show Band 8–9 model answer

The two pie charts compare how households in a particular country sourced their energy in 2000 and 2020.

Overall, gas remained the dominant source in both years, but there was a marked shift away from coal towards renewable electricity. Other traditional fuels either declined or stayed constant over the period.

In 2000, gas accounted for the largest proportion of domestic energy use at 40%, clearly ahead of electricity generated from coal, which supplied 30%. Oil was a less significant contributor at 15%, while wood made up 10%. Electricity from renewable sources was negligible, representing only 5% of household energy.

By 2020, the picture had changed considerably. Although gas still provided the biggest share, its contribution slipped slightly to 35%. The most dramatic development was the sixfold increase in renewable electricity, which surged to 30%, equalling the former share of coal. In contrast, electricity from coal declined steeply to just 10%, indicating a substantial move away from this fossil fuel. Oil use fell moderately to 10%, and wood’s share remained unchanged at 10%, making these the least important sources by the end of the period.

Why this response works

This response achieves a high band because it provides a clear overview highlighting key trends: continued dominance of gas and the dramatic rise in renewables alongside the decline in coal. Data are accurately reported and selectively compared, with all five energy sources covered. Paragraphing is logical and cohesive devices are used flexibly without overuse. The lexis is varied and topic-appropriate (e.g. ‘dominant source’, ‘surged’, ‘substantial move away’), while grammar is accurate with a range of complex structures and no significant errors, ensuring clarity and precision throughout.