The chart below shows the percentage distribution of energy sources used in a country from 1990 to 2020.

Percentage distribution energy sources used country 1990 2020 - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

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

Write at least 150 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 9 · 234 words.

The line graph illustrates the percentage distribution of four energy sources—coal, natural gas, nuclear power, and renewables—used in a country between 1990 and 2020.

Overall, coal remained the dominant source of energy throughout the period, while renewables accounted for the smallest proportion at the beginning but experienced substantial growth by the end. In contrast, nuclear power showed a steady decline, whereas natural gas fluctuated moderately over the years.

In 1990, coal represented 40% of total energy consumption, making it the most widely used source. Its share increased gradually to 42% in 2000 before reaching a peak of 45% in 2010. Although the figure fell slightly thereafter, coal still accounted for approximately 42% in 2020. Natural gas was the second-largest energy source, comprising 30% in 1990. However, its proportion declined sharply to around 23% in 2000, recovered marginally to 25% in 2010, and then slipped back to 23% by the end of the period.

Regarding the remaining sources, nuclear power made up 20% of energy use in 1990 and experienced a consistent downward trend, falling to 19% in 2000 and 17% in 2010 before reaching 15% in 2020. By contrast, renewables recorded the most notable increase. Starting at just 10% in 1990, their share rose modestly to 12% by 2010 before surging to 20% in 2020. As a result, renewables overtook nuclear power and narrowed the gap with natural gas considerably in the final year.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional response that meets all the criteria for a Band 9. It provides a clear, high-level overview followed by detailed, accurate data analysis, using sophisticated vocabulary and flawless grammar.

Task Achievement - 9

- All requirements of the task are fully satisfied, with a very clear overview highlighting main trends and differences. - All key features are selected and illustrated with accurate data points from the graph. - Comparisons between the different energy sources are effectively made, such as renewables overtaking nuclear power.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Paragraphing is extremely logical, with a clear introduction, overview, and two focused body paragraphs. - Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'By contrast', and 'As a result' are used naturally to link ideas. - Progression is smooth, moving from the dominant trends to the less significant ones with clear signposting.

Lexical Resource - 9

- Vocabulary is sophisticated and precise (e.g., 'fluctuated moderately', 'substantial growth', 'recovered marginally', 'surging'). - Excellent use of collocations such as 'recorded the most notable increase' and 'narrowed the gap considerably'. - No errors in spelling or word formation are present.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of complex structures is used with full flexibility (e.g., 'remained the dominant source... while renewables accounted for...'). - The majority of sentences are error-free, with accurate use of tenses to describe historical data. - Punctuation is used correctly throughout to separate clauses and provide clarity.

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