Prompt
Task 1 – Waste disposal methods
The pie chart shows how waste was disposed of in a city in 2000. 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 chart illustrates the proportions of five methods used to dispose of waste in a city in 2000.
Overall, landfill was by far the most common option, accounting for over half of all waste. By contrast, the remaining four approaches were each used for less than one fifth, and together made up the other 45%.
In detail, 55% of waste was sent to landfill, meaning this single method exceeded the combined share of every alternative (45%). Recycling was the second-largest category at 18%, though it was still roughly a third of the landfill figure. Incineration represented 12%, placing it in the middle of the distribution.
Composting was used for a smaller proportion, at 9%, which was three percentage points lower than incineration and exactly half the level of recycling. Finally, other methods formed the smallest segment, at 6%, which was one third of the recycling share and only slightly lower than composting. Overall, the chart indicates a heavy reliance on landfill in 2000, with relatively limited uptake of recovery-based options such as recycling and composting.
Verified word count: 178
Why this answer works
explanation
It presents a clear overview, reports all percentages accurately, and includes meaningful comparisons (largest vs. combined remainder; relative sizes among non-landfill methods). The language is precise, varied, and appropriately academic for Task 1.
what this question tests
This Task 1 pie-chart question assesses your ability to identify the dominant and minor categories, provide a clear overview, and make accurate comparisons using proportions and grouped figures.
Useful vocabulary and phrases
account for
Concise and common in Task 1 reporting.
Landfill accounted for 55% of waste disposal.
by far the most common
Emphasises dominance without exaggeration.
Landfill was by far the most common option.
the combined share
Shows ability to synthesise figures.
This exceeded the combined share of all other methods.
represented
Provides lexical variety for describing data.
Incineration represented 12%.
roughly a third of
Adds proportional comparison, a Band 8–9 feature.
Recycling was roughly a third of the landfill figure.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting a clear overview of the main trend (e.g., dominance of landfill).
- Listing figures without comparisons or grouping (e.g., landfill vs. all others).
- Using incorrect fractions/ratios (e.g., saying recycling is ‘half’ of landfill).
- Including causes or opinions about why the city used these methods (not required in Task 1).
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