Here’s a great example of a mixed-chart question — one of the more complex IELTS Task 1 formats that combines a pie chart and a line graph.
Try answering it yourself before reading the model response below. Then scroll down for a detailed breakdown of what makes this a high-scoring essay, including notes on structure, data handling, and language choice.
The Question
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The pie chart below shows the distribution of global smartphone sales by brand in 2024.
The line graph shows the total number of smartphones sold worldwide from 2015 to 2024.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
Model Task One Mixed Graph Answer
The pie chart illustrates the distribution of global smartphone sales by brand in 2024, while the line graph shows the total number of smartphones sold worldwide from 2015 to 2024.
Overall, global smartphone sales increased steadily across the period, with a sharp peak in 2024. Samsung and Apple together accounted for the majority of sales in that year, while two more brands and a miscellaneous category made up the rest.
In 2015, global smartphone sales stood at just under 1,000 million units. This figure rose steadily over the next several years, reaching around 1.2 billion in 2018. After a modest dip in 2020, sales accelerated again, hitting 1.6 billion by 2023 and peaking at 1.8 billion in 2024, the highest point recorded on the graph.
The pie chart shows that in 2024, Samsung held the largest share of the global smartphone market at 31%, followed by Apple at 25%. Chinese brands also performed strongly, with Huawei accounting for 16%, Xiaomi 12%, and Oppo 9%. The remaining 7% was shared among smaller manufacturers.
The data suggest that while total smartphone sales have risen consistently, market dominance remains concentrated in a few major brands, with Asian manufacturers playing an increasingly significant role.
Breakdown of Key Features Contributing to a High-Scoring Essay
Introduction:
The essay begins with a clear and concise introduction that accurately paraphrases the task prompt. It identifies both visuals (pie chart and line graph), states the subject (smartphone sales), and includes the time frame. This shows the examiner the writer can rephrase the question using appropriate academic tone.
Overview:
The second paragraph provides a well-structured overview. It identifies the overall trend of increasing smartphone sales and highlights the market dominance of Samsung and Apple in 2024 and the number of other players. This “big picture” perspective demonstrates the ability to summarise the main trends before presenting detailed data.
Detailed Paragraph 1:
The first body paragraph focuses on the line graph. It includes accurate figures and appropriate sequencing (starting in 2015 and moving toward 2024). It highlights the steady increase in smartphone sales, refers to a temporary dip, and includes specific milestones such as “1.6 billion in 2023” and “1.8 billion in 2024.” These precise data points provide a strong foundation for comparison.
Detailed Paragraph 2:
The second data paragraph addresses the pie chart. It organises the information by ranking brands by percentage and grouping related categories. It shows comparative thinking by stating that “Samsung and Apple together accounted for the majority” and noting the strong performance of Chinese brands. This grouping helps the examiner follow the writer’s logic easily.
Use of Data:
Specific figures are consistently included throughout the response. Percentages from the pie chart and numerical data from the line graph are used appropriately to support each point. These allow a reader to visualise the chart without seeing it, meeting one of IELTS Task 1’s key criteria.
Cohesion and Coherence:
The essay is clearly structured and easy to follow. Transitions such as “in 2015,” “after a modest dip,” and “the data suggest” guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphs are logically divided and ideas are grouped meaningfully. This clear organisation supports a high score in coherence and cohesion.
Vocabulary and Grammar:
A wide range of vocabulary is used appropriately, including verbs like “illustrates,” “shows,” “accounted for,” and “peaked” with appropriate collocation (a key for gaining a good Lexical Resource score). Sentence structure includes both simple and complex forms, such as:
“The data suggest that while total smartphone sales have risen…”
There is consistent grammatical accuracy and varied phrasing throughout.
“Samsung held the largest share…”
How to Continue Your IELTS Study
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