Prompt
Task 1 – Students by subject area
The pie charts shows the distribution of students by subject area at a university in 2010 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 9 sample answer
Band 9 sample answer
The pie charts compare how students at a university were distributed across six subject areas in 2010 and 2020.
Overall, science and business made up the largest proportions in both years; however, business became the biggest field by 2020. Over the decade, business, medicine and “other” all gained shares, while arts and science declined, and engineering changed only slightly.
In 2010, science was the most popular subject, accounting for 30% of students. Business was the second-largest area at 25%, and engineering represented a further 20%. Arts enrolled 15% at that time, whereas medicine was much smaller, at 8%. Only 2% of students were in the “other” category.
By 2020, business had climbed to 32%, overtaking science, which dropped by five percentage points to 25%. Engineering slipped marginally from 20% to 18%. Medicine rose from 8% to 12%, and other subjects increased slightly to 3%. In contrast, arts fell from 15% to 10%, the sharpest decrease among the minor disciplines.
Verified word count: 160
Why this answer works
explanation
It paraphrases the task, provides a clear Overview, selects the main features (largest categories and key rises/falls), and supports comparisons with precise percentages and measured language.
what this question tests
This Task 1 assesses your ability to summarise proportions, identify overall trends, and make clear comparisons between two time points using accurate percentage language.
Useful vocabulary and phrases
made up the largest proportions
Natural, flexible phrasing for describing dominant segments.
Science and business made up the largest proportions in both years.
overtaking
Efficiently signals a change in ranking.
Business climbed to 32%, overtaking science.
slipped marginally
Precisely conveys a small decrease.
Engineering slipped marginally from 20% to 18%.
the sharpest decrease
Highlights the most notable reduction clearly.
Arts recorded the sharpest decrease among the minor disciplines.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting an Overview paragraph that summarises the main trends.
- Confusing percentage points with percent (e.g., 30% to 25% is a fall of 5 percentage points).
- Listing every figure without making comparisons or highlighting key changes.
- Using imprecise language such as “very big” instead of quantified descriptions.
Want examiner-style feedback on your answer?
Submit your essay and unlock a band estimate, corrections, and improvement steps.
Get examiner-style feedback