IELTS Writing Task 1 - Combined Graph (Pie Charts and Bar Graph)

We have discussed all graphs used in IELTS Writing Task 1. From this point on, our focus will shift from individual graph to combined graphs. If you haven't read the previous materials on individual graph, you can follow these links: bar graph, line graph, pie charts, table, map, process

Now, take a look at a sample combined graph below

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Combined Graph (Pie Charts and Bar Graph)

The way we describe a combined graph is not very different from the way we discuss individual graph. The only difference is the fact that we now have two graphs and hence, need to find correlation between the two, which can be hard to do at times. One thing that I like the most from doing a combined graph is the possibility to either describe each graph in separate paragraph, or to organize ideas based on the trend, the one that we've always done so far. Some of you may remember that the writing structure of IELTS Writing Task 1 can be described as follows: 

Paragraph 1

• Introduction
• Explaining variables
• Explaining major trend

Paragraph 2

• Giving detailed information of major trend 1 (percentage, proportion, lowest/highest, increase/decrease)

Paragraph 3

• Giving detailed information of major trend 2 (percentage, proportion, lowest/highest, increase/decrease)

With combined graphs, you can also do it this way:

Paragraph 1

• Introduction
• Explaining variables
• Explaining major trend

Paragraph 2

• Giving detailed information of the first graph (percentage, proportion, lowest/highest, increase/decrease)

Paragraph 3

• Giving detailed information of the second graph (percentage, proportion, lowest/highest, increase/decrease)

Because we always use the first writing structure so far, let's try using the second writing structure today.

Paragraph 1

Introduction

We use the same way of introducing the graph, that is to paraphrase the original title like this:

• Car accidents in Riverside County (pie charts) & five major causes of car accidents (bar graph) 👉 original title

• The pie charts present the number of road accidents involving cars in Riverside County, while the bar graph shows the main factors of such accidents 👉 paraphrased title

Explaining Main Variables

Here, we have to provide some information such as year, units of measurement, place, etc. Since the the first sentence has mentioned where the data are from (Riverside County), we now only have to include the other two variables, which are years and units of measurement. Here's how we do it:

Both graphs explain traffic accidents that took place between 2010 and 2020. Units are measured in percentage.

Explaining Major Trend

I would try to explain the graphs in two separate paragraphs, but you can also use the major trend, which can be explained as follows:

The data indicate that there are more casualties and more people suffering from serious injury in car accidents, which are very likely to be caused by speeding and distracted driver.

Paragraph 2

In this paragraph, we will explain how accidents affect those who are involved in it.

The data indicate that there are more casualties and more people suffering from serious injury in car accidents. In 2010, nearly 55% of people who were involved in a car accident were injured. Although the number decreases a decade later, it still represents more than one-third of all cases. Increasing trend is also indicated by the number of those who are fatally injured. In 2010, one in three people having a car accident suffered from a serious injury. Ten years later, more than a half of cases result in severe injury. In 2020, loss of life from car accidents is increased by 2%. Of a total 100 cases of car accident, 15 people were reported dead.

Paragraph 3

In this paragraph, try to focus more on the three main reasons why car accidents happen. Because weather-related accidents and accidents that are caused by poor traffic facilities are very rare, we better give a general idea with little or no detail. Just make sure that your writing is not too tedious and repetitive.

In general, car accidents are mostly caused by reckless drivers. This is indicated by the prevalence of car crash caused by distracted drivers which makes up one-third of all cases. Driving a car at high speed also increases the likelihood of a car accident, as shown by 31% cases. The same goes for drink driving that represents 19 cases of all reported instances. Other than the three factors previously mentioned, a small number of car accidents are caused by potholes and poor lighting as well as bad weather.

The whole writing task 1 will look like this:

The pie charts present the number of road accidents involving cars in Riverside County, while the bar graph shows the main factors of such accidents. Both graphs explain traffic accidents that took place between 2010 and 2020. Units are measured in percentage.

The data indicate that there are more casualties and more people suffering from serious injury in car accidents. In 2010, nearly 55% of people who were involved in a car accident were injured. Although the number decreases a decade later, it still represents more than one-third of all cases. Increasing trend is also indicated by the number of those who are fatally injured. In 2010, one in three people having a car accident suffered from a serious injury. Ten years later, more than a half of cases result in severe injury. In 2020, loss of life from car accidents is increased by 2%. Of a total 100 cases of car accident, 15 people were reported dead.

In general, car accidents are mostly caused by reckless drivers. This is indicated by the prevalence of car crash caused by distracted drivers which makes up one-third of all cases. Driving a car at high speed also increases the likelihood of a car accident, as shown by 31% cases. The same goes for drink driving that represents 19 cases of all reported instances. Other than the three factors previously mentioned, a small number of car accidents are caused by potholes and poor lighting as well as bad weather.

Wordcount: 246