Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

In IELTS Writing Task 1, candidates are often asked to analyze visual data such as IELTS Task 1 pie chart. One recurring theme is how public institutions like libraries evolve over time. A common question involves comparing the use of public libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain. To score high, test-takers must identify key trends, shifts in usage patterns, and make clear comparisons. 

In this blog, we will explore 3 sample answers, along with useful tips and vocabulary to describe a graph or chart topic, Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain, for a high-scoring response.

Before you move on to the next section of the blog, watch this video and bookmark it as a step-by-step guide for writing your answers for IELTS pie charts along with Band 9 vocabulary.

Question for Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain - IELTS Writing Task 1

Outline to Frame Your Answer for IELTS Pie Chart

Sample Answers for Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain - IELTS Writing Task 1

Below are three IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answers on the topic, Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain. They will help you write an answer for a band score 9.

Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain - Sample Answer 1

The two pie charts illustrate how people in Britain used public libraries in 1991 and 2000. Overall, while reading and borrowing books remained a major purpose in both years, there was a noticeable shift towards non-traditional uses such as accessing information and using multimedia services.

In 1991, the dominant activity was borrowing books, accounting for 65% of library usage. Reading newspapers and magazines followed at 15%, with studying and other uses comprising the rest. By 2000, borrowing books dropped to 55%, although it still represented the highest share. In contrast, using the library for studying increased from 10% to 20%, showing growing academic use. Notably, there was a new category, accessing community information, making up 10%, suggesting diversification in services.

The data reveals a gradual shift in how libraries were perceived, from purely reading spaces to multifunctional community hubs. Although traditional uses declined, newer purposes gained prominence, reflecting societal and technological change.

Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain - Sample Answer 2

The pie charts provide information about the purposes of people who visited public libraries in Britain in two years.

It is evident that the most common use of people going to the libraries was to borrow or return books, and there was a new library’s function in 2000.

Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain - Sample Answer 3

The given pie charts compare the purposes for which people in Britain used public libraries in the years 1991 and 2000. 

Overall, a clear transformation is evident over the decade, highlighting a move from traditional book-related activities towards broader informational and educational functions.

Vocabulary to be Used in Answers for Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain 

Given below are some IELTS Writing Task 1 connectors and phrases that can be used while framing the answers for 'Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain' to make it a top scoring responses.

• The pie charts provide information about
• It is evident that
• In particular
• Followed by
• The proportion of people
• A considerable decline
• Doubled to
• Fell sharply to
• Constituted

How to Answer Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain IELTS Writing Task 1?

When describing pie chart-based questions in IELTS Writing Task 1, like ‘Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain’, you need to compare the given pie charts for the different time periods, highlighting key changes over time. Below are five top writing techniques for the IELTS Writing section on how to answer this task effectively.

• Identify the biggest and smallest categories in both years: Start by pointing out what purpose was most popular and least popular in each year. This helps define your comparisons clearly.
• Use comparative language: Use phrases like ‘increased to’, ‘declined from’, ‘remained the same’, ‘newly introduced’, or ‘replaced by’ to describe changes. Remember, using appropriate IELTS vocabulary will create a high-scoring answer as lexical resources is an important IELTS marking criterion.
• Group similar data: Do not describe each segment in isolation. You can group similar or contrasting trends together, such as traditional vs modern uses.
• Mention the emergence of new categories: Highlight and explain the significance of any new additions in the second chart, like ‘getting information’ in 2000.
• Avoid personal opinions or explanations: Focus strictly on the data provided. Do not add your personal opinion on why the changes happened unless the trend is obvious and neutral (e.g., ‘possibly due to the rise of digital information’).

Finally, we hope you have understood how to write an analytical paragraph in 100- 150 words by selecting and reporting the main features, and making comparisons where relevant on the topic, Use of Public Libraries in 1991 and 2000 in Britain. Also, make sure to take up more IELTS Writing practice tests and be prepared to score band 8+ in IELTS Writing.

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