BAND 8.5 IELTS ESSAY SAMPLE: COMPARISON OF ENERGY CAPACITY PROPORTIONS IN 2015 AND PREDICTIONS FOR 2040

All General Writing Task 1 Samples / Band 8.5

The pie charts below compare the proportion of energy capacity in gigawatts (GW) in 2015 with the predictions for 2040.Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Essay Sample

The pie charts depict the distribution of energy capacity in gigawatts (GW) in 2015 and the projected figures for 2040. Several key features and comparisons can be made based on the given information.

In 2015, the energy capacity was primarily dominated by fossil fuels, accounting for 64% of the total capacity. This included coal at 40% and natural gas at 24%. Renewables constituted only 19% of the energy capacity, with hydroelectric power being the most significant contributor at 13%. Nuclear energy accounted for the remaining 17%.

Looking ahead to 2040, a significant shift is anticipated in the energy landscape. Fossil fuels are expected to decline to 45% of the total capacity, with coal witnessing the most substantial decrease. Natural gas is projected to increase marginally. On the other hand, renewables are set to experience a considerable surge, reaching 56% of the energy capacity. The largest growth is anticipated in solar and wind power, which are expected to contribute 30% and 26% respectively. Hydroelectric power is also predicted to expand to 15%. Nuclear energy is projected to remain relatively stable at 4%.

In summary, the pie charts highlight a shift towards renewable energy sources by 2040, with fossil fuels decreasing and renewables, particularly solar and wind power, becoming the dominant contributors to the energy capacity.