Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada – IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart

In the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, there are two parts where in the first part, you will be asked questions to describe the given data, explain the information, or summarize common visual information like pie charts. As you prepare, it is important to explore the IELTS Task 1 Pie Chart Strategies, Tricks, and Sample Answers such as the topic on ‘Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada’. In this task, you need to understand the data and also use the relevant structure to score a 8+ band. 

It is essential to prepare yourself by practising questions which you might encounter in the IELTS Writing Task 1. However, since there are many types, focus on understanding each of them and then attempt the same to build confidence. It is suggested to go through the sample answers of band 7, band 8, and band 9 to note the differences to score well in the IELTS exam.

So shall we dive into the question on Online Sales for Retail Sectors in Canada? Let’s start now!

Tips to attempt Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada – IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart for a band 8+

To achieve a higher band, it is crucial to incorporate certain strategies as you attempt the Pie Chart Question on online sales for retail sectors in Canada.

• While preparing, note down the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Tips, Strategies and Criteria in order to utilize the same to practice with test papers and score higher.
• Read through the task 1 question and understand what the pie chart is showing. Remember to first identify the categories and their proportions of the parts given in the question. Always grasp the overall trend to understand the relationship between the data which will in turn guide on how you should answer the question. 
• Get familiar with the concept of Paraphrasing. As you begin to write, remember to not copy the question but paraphrase it using a different language.
• Always divide your time since you will have only 20 minutes to attempt this task. Therefore, prepare with the timer on so that you can note down your progress in real time.
• Provide a variety of IELTS Vocabulary to analyse the data rather than repeating the same words. Try using alternative words to mention, summarize, and analyze your data.
• While mentioning the data as you write, be assured that the numbers and percentages from the pie chart are accurately presented. Do not add personal interpretations or explanations that are not supported by the pie chart. 
• While describing the data with Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Writing, refrain yourself from speculating about the possible reasons for such data.
• Use a variety of sentence structures to showcase your ability to write academically. This will help you hone your language skills for which it is necessary to practice the topics in IELTS Grammar. 

Before diving into the Pie Chart Question on online sales for retail sectors in Canada, let’s check out the video below!

Question - Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada – IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart

Report Plan to Attempt Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada for a Band 8+

You should ideally be taking around 20 minutes to attempt the question on the pie charts showing the online shopping sales for the retail sector in Canada. However, since time management skills are vital in this section, you must divide the time for better analysis and comparison.

It is suggested to attempt the question first with the timer on. This will help you understand the areas of improvement as you can relate the same with the sample answers given below. Since there are three sample answers for Band 7, 8, and 9, you will be able to differentiate the ideas as well as the key details to be included to score a higher band.

Band 7 Sample Answer - Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada – IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart

The charts compare four retail sectors in Canada in terms of the proportion of their internet sales in two years, 2005 and 2010.

Overall, the proportion of online sales for each of the four sectors changed significantly from 2005 to 2010. While the figures for food and beverages and video games increased, the statistics for the other two sectors fell. In 2005, the proportion of online sales of food and beverages was 22%, but this rose to 32% in 2010. The percentage for internet sales of video games also went up, by 5% from the 2005 figure of 18%.

In contrast, the percentages of the online sales of the other sectors decreased. The most dramatic fall was in the home furnishings retail sector. While this figure was 25% of these four sectors’ total online sales in 2005, it fell to 15% in 2010. There was also a decrease in the electronics and appliances sector, which saw a fall from 35% in 2005 to 30% in 2010.

Band 8 Sample Answer - Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada – IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart

The pie charts illustrate the proportion of online sales for four retail sectors in Canada in 2005 and 2010.

Overall, there were notable shifts in the share of online sales across the four sectors. While the proportions for food and beverages and video games increased, those for electronics and appliances and home furnishings declined.

In 2005, food and beverages accounted for 22% of internet sales, but this rose significantly to 32% by 2010, representing the largest increase among all sectors. Similarly, the share of video games grew from 18% in 2005 to 23% in 2010.

Conversely, the proportion of online sales for electronics and appliances dropped from 35% to 30%, while home furnishings experienced the most pronounced decline, falling from 25% in 2005 to 15% in 2010. These shifts suggest a growing consumer preference for purchasing food, beverages, and video games online during this period.

Band 9 Sample Answer - Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada – IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart

The two pie charts present a comparison of the percentage of online sales for four key retail sectors in Canada in 2005 and 2010.

Overall, the distribution of internet sales shifted considerably over the five-year period. Food and beverages, along with video games, experienced an upward trend, while the shares for electronics and appliances and home furnishings declined.

In 2005, food and beverages made up 22% of total online sales, which increased to 32% in 2010 — the largest growth of all sectors. Similarly, video games saw a rise from 18% to 23% during the same period.

On the other hand, electronics and appliances saw their share of online sales fall from 35% in 2005 to 30% in 2010. The most significant drop was observed in the home furnishings sector, which accounted for 25% of sales in 2005 but only 15% by 2010. These changes highlight a growing consumer interest in purchasing consumable goods and entertainment products online.

Well done! Did you attempt the question? Continue with the flow and level up your preparation for getting a band 8+ in the IELTS exam. As there are many different types of questions, it is very important to become familiar with the question types. With consistent practice, you will be able to reach your full potential and achieve your desired IELTS Band Score.

Also check:

• IELTS Bar Chart/Graph - Samples, Tips to Describe Bar Graphs
• IELTS Table Chart : How to describe a table in IELTS writing task 1?
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• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Map – Types of Questions, Structure and Techniques
• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors