How to Write a Band 9 Response for Pie Charts

Introduction

• Understand the Question and Data:

  • You typically get 2-4 pie charts.
  • A question statement provides essential information (e.g., share of Swiss Watch Market by brand in 2020 and 2021).
  • Key task: Summarize the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

• Key Points:

  • Avoid fear; pie charts simplify data.
  • You need minimal subject knowledge (e.g., what a watch is, different brands).
  • Essential question: Why was this data/chart created?
    • Comparative analysis of Swiss brands over two years.

Structure of the Response

• Pyramid Structure: Introduction -> Overview -> Detailed Paragraphs
• Paragraph 1: Introduction (no details, just topic introduction).
• Paragraph 2: Overview (most important features, 2-4 items, no detailed data).
• Paragraph 3 & 4: Detailed paragraphs (exact data and specific details).
  • No conclusion needed.
  • Can put overview either at the beginning or end (recommended: beginning for ease).

Writing the Introduction

• Key Components:
  • Paraphrase the question statement.
  • Example: "The pie charts illustrate the proportion of wristwatch sales by six watchmakers in Switzerland in 2020 and 2021."

Writing the Overview

• Importance: Critical to score beyond a Band 6.
• Content:
  • State the key features.
  • No specific data (percentages, numbers).
  • Example: "Overall, Rolex was the most significant supplier by far in both years. Rolex also increased its dominance while all other companies lost market share."

Writing the Detailed Paragraphs

• Organization: Critical for readability and logic.

  • Logical ways: Discuss by years, by size, or based on increase/decrease.

• Paragraph 3 & 4 Examples:

  • Comparison by size:
    • First Paragraph:
      • Discuss largest brands: Rolex, Omega, and Cartier.
      • Example: "The three biggest watch manufacturers in 2020 were Rolex (39.5%), Omega (15.6%), and Cartier (14.5%). Rolex increased to almost half of the market share in 2021, while Omega decreased to 13.7%. Despite a minor decrease, Cartier replaced Omega as the second-highest brand in 2021."
    • Second Paragraph:
      • Discuss smaller brands: Patek Philippe, Longines, and AP.
      • Example: "The remaining three competitors each had around 10% market share but all fell by around 1% in 2021. Patek Philippe fell the most, dropping from 10.3% to 8.8%. Audemars Piguet went from the smallest share in 2020 to the fourth largest in 2021, achieving a percentage of 9.1%."

Final Checks

• Proofread: Check for grammar and vocabulary mistakes.

Summary: Follow a structured approach for each paragraph, focus on the main features, organize logically, and avoid unnecessary details to craft an excellent response for pie charts.