IELTS Academic writing with 2 model answers of PIE chart and Table

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The pie chart below shows the main causes of land degradation worldwide.The table shows how these causes affected land degradation in three regions of the world in 2024.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Impact of Land Degradation Causes in Different Regions (2024)

	North America	Europe	Asia
Over-grazing	15	17	35
Deforestation	10	25	13
Over-cultivation	5	20	28

Band 9 model answer - 1  for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 based on the pie chart and table

Model Answer:

The pie chart illustrates the primary causes of agricultural land degradation globally in 2024, while the table provides a breakdown of how these factors affected three specific regions: North America, Europe, and Asia.

Overall, over-grazing, deforestation, and over-cultivation were the three leading causes of land degradation, together accounting for over 90% of global degradation. Among these, over-grazing was the most significant contributor, followed closely by deforestation and over-cultivation. The table reveals that the impact of these causes varied across regions, with Asia being the most affected overall.

According to the pie chart, over-grazing was responsible for 35% of land degradation worldwide, making it the most prominent cause. Deforestation followed at 30%, while over-cultivation accounted for 28%. Other factors contributed only 7%.

Regionally, Asia experienced the highest percentages for both over-grazing (35%) and over-cultivation (28%), indicating that these were the dominant issues there. Europe had the highest rate of deforestation at 25%, and significant levels of over-cultivation (20%) as well. In contrast, North America reported relatively lower figures across all categories, with over-grazing at 15%, deforestation at 10%, and over-cultivation at just 5%.

In summary, while the same three causes dominated globally, their relative impact differed significantly by region, with Asia being the hardest hit and North America the least affected.

Band 9+ model answer - 2 with advanced vocabulary, clear comparisons, and logical flow

Model Answer:

The pie chart illustrates the main global causes of agricultural land degradation in 2024, while the accompanying table compares the impact of these factors across three regions: North America, Europe, and Asia.

It is immediately evident that over-grazing, deforestation, and over-cultivation were the dominant contributors to land degradation, collectively accounting for a substantial 93% of the global total. Among these, over-grazing was the most significant, followed closely by deforestation and over-cultivation. The regional data reveals that Asia was disproportionately affected compared to North America and Europe.

Over-grazing alone contributed to 35% of global degradation, making it the leading cause. Deforestation and over-cultivation were responsible for 30% and 28%, respectively, while other causes made up just 7%.

Regionally, Asia experienced the most severe degradation, with over-grazing (35%) and over-cultivation (28%) being particularly widespread. In Europe, deforestation was the primary issue, accounting for a notable 25%, alongside significant levels of over-cultivation (20%) and over-grazing (17%). In contrast, North America reported the lowest impact overall, with relatively modest figures across all categories — 15% due to over-grazing, 10% from deforestation, and only 5% resulting from over-cultivation.

In conclusion, while the same three factors are responsible for the majority of global land degradation, their severity and prevalence vary considerably by region. Asia appears to be the most severely affected, whereas North America experiences the least impact.

Key Improvements Made:

• Stronger linking phrases: "It is immediately evident," "Regionally," "In contrast."

• More formal tone and precision: "Disproportionately affected," "notable," "modest figures."

• Clearer structure: Logical flow from global overview → individual causes → regional breakdown → conclusion.

Must Read ✅ Model Answer with Annotations

The pie chart illustrates the main global causes of agricultural land degradation in 2024, while the accompanying table compares the impact of these factors across three regions: North America, Europe, and Asia.🟨 Vocabulary Note:

• “Illustrates” is a formal alternative to “shows.”

• “Accompanying table” is a precise phrase often used in academic writing.

It is immediately evident that over-grazing, deforestation, and over-cultivation were the dominant contributors to land degradation, collectively accounting for a substantial 93% of the global total. Among these, over-grazing was the most significant, followed closely by deforestation and over-cultivation.🟨 Grammar Note:

• “It is immediately evident that…” = high-level introductory phrase.🟨 Vocabulary Note:

• “Dominant contributors,” “collectively accounting for,” and “substantial” are high-band vocabulary choices.

The regional data reveals that Asia was disproportionately affected compared to North America and Europe.🟨 Vocabulary Note:

• “Disproportionately affected” implies Asia suffered more heavily in relation to other regions—great for Task 1 analysis.

Over-grazing alone contributed to 35% of global degradation, making it the leading cause. Deforestation and over-cultivation were responsible for 30% and 28%, respectively, while other causes made up just 7%.🟨 Grammar Note:

• “Making it the leading cause” = participle clause, common in high-level writing.🟨 Vocabulary Note:

• “Responsible for,” “respective figures,” “made up just…” are formal and task-appropriate.

Regionally, Asia experienced the most severe degradation, with over-grazing (35%) and over-cultivation (28%) being particularly widespread. In Europe, deforestation was the primary issue, accounting for a notable 25%, alongside significant levels of over-cultivation (20%) and over-grazing (17%).🟨 Grammar Note:

• “Being particularly widespread” = passive voice with present participle.🟨 Vocabulary Note:

• “Particularly widespread,” “notable,” “significant levels” show precision and variety.

In contrast, North America reported the lowest impact overall, with relatively modest figures across all categories — 15% due to over-grazing, 10% from deforestation, and only 5% resulting from over-cultivation.🟨 Vocabulary Note:

• “In contrast” = essential for comparisons.

• “Modest figures,” “resulting from” are academic collocations.

In conclusion, while the same three factors are responsible for the majority of global land degradation, their severity and prevalence vary considerably by region. Asia appears to be the most severely affected, whereas North America experiences the least impact.🟨 Grammar Note:

• “Whereas” = contrast connector in complex sentences.🟨 Vocabulary Note:

• “Severity,” “prevalence,” and “considerably” are strong and precise academic terms.

🧠 Teaching Tips:

• Emphasize the use of varied sentence structures: passive voice, participle clauses, and complex sentences.

• Teach students how to group and compare data rather than listing.

• Encourage the use of topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., degradation, cultivation, deforestation).