Main Sources of Energy in the USA in the 1980s and the 1990s - Task 1 Pie Charts

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The two graphs show the main sources of energy in the USA in the 1980s and the 1990s.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the changes which occurred.

Write at least 150 words.

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Model Answer 1

The pie charts juxtapose the main sources of energy in the USA across two distinct decades: the 1980s and the 1990s, highlighting shifts in energy consumption patterns.

At a glance, the overview of energy source dynamics reveals a tangible decline in oil and coal's dominance as the main sources of energy in the USA, alongside a notable ascension of nuclear power by the end of the 1990s. Notably, the share of hydroelectric power in the energy mix maintained a steady course throughout the period in question.

Delving deeper, in the 1980s, oil was the preeminent energy source, constituting 42% of the total energy matrix, followed by natural gas at 26%. Coal also played a significant role, supplying a substantial 22%. Conversely, hydroelectric and nuclear power were minor contributors, each furnishing a modest 5% to the overall energy schema.

Transitioning to the 1990s, nuclear power experienced a surge, doubling its contribution to 10% and becoming a more central player among the main sources of energy in the USA. Hydroelectric power's contribution remained static at 5%. In contrast, there was a reduction in reliance on oil, which dropped to 33%, though it continued to be the largest energy source. Meanwhile, coal and natural gas displayed a relatively stable supply, with minor fluctuations, thereby rounding off the energy portfolio for the decade.

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Model Answer 2

The comparative pie charts meticulously delineate the evolution of the main sources of energy in the USA during the pivotal decades of the 1980s and 1990s.

An insightful overview of the charts indicates a palpable shift in energy reliance, with the erstwhile hegemony of oil and coal being incrementally supplanted by nuclear power's rise as a significant energy source in the USA. Hydroelectric power's contribution, however, remained a constant.

In the 1980s landscape, oil was the cornerstone of the USA's energy supply, commanding a 42% share. Natural gas followed suit, providing over a quarter of the nation's energy needs. Coal's presence was also noteworthy, delivering over a fifth of the energy consumption. At the periphery, hydroelectric and nuclear power equally contributed a mere 5% each to the energy mix.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and the energy tableau adjusts. Nuclear energy burgeons, now accounting for a full 10% of the USA's energy diet, a doubling from the previous decade. The steadfastness of hydroelectric power is evident, as it consistently supplies 5% of the energy. Meanwhile, oil, despite a decline to a 33% share, retains its status as the predominant source. Coal and natural gas exhibit a stable output, subtly adjusting within the main sources of energy in the USA, and completing the energy profile of the 1990s.

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Model Answer 3

The pie charts compare the primary energy sources in the United States across two distinct eras, specifically the 1980s and the 1990s, revealing a dynamic energy profile and shifts in energy utilization over the decade.

An overarching glance at the data illustrates a pivot in the American energy landscape. The most striking shift was in the main sources of energy in the USA, with nuclear power doubling its contribution by the 1990s. Meanwhile, oil, despite a notable decrease, maintained its position as the predominant energy source.

Delving into the specifics, in the 1980s, oil held dominion over the energy mix, accounting for 42% of the total, trailed by natural gas at 26% and coal at 22%. Hydroelectric and nuclear power were the lesser contributors, each at a mere 5%. Fast forward to the 1990s, and the composition alters: oil's share diminishes to 33%, relinquishing a sizable 9% primarily to nuclear power, which surges to 10%. Coal and natural gas present a picture of stability, with coal making a slight increase to 27% and natural gas a marginal decrease to 25%. Hydroelectric power maintains a consistent output, contributing 5% in both decades.

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Model Answer 4

The presented pie charts delineate the shifts in the main sources of energy in the USA during the 1980s and 1990s, offering a comparative analysis over the span of a decade.

A panoramic review of the charts brings to light the evolution of energy preferences in the USA, with the most salient feature being the substantial increase in the reliance on nuclear power. Concurrently, oil's supremacy as the main source of energy endured, albeit with diminished dominance by the close of the decade.

Examining the details, the 1980s were characterized by oil's preeminence, comprising 42% of the energy mix. Natural gas and coal were also significant, providing 26% and 22% respectively. The least exploited were hydroelectric and nuclear power, each contributing a modest 5%. The 1990s saw a recalibration in the energy domain; nuclear power’s share ascended to 10%, echoing a nation's pivot towards more diverse energy sources. Conversely, oil's contribution contracted to 33%, albeit remaining the primary energy source. Coal slightly edged upward to 27%, whereas natural gas saw a negligible dip to 25%. Hydroelectric power’s role was unaltered, steadfastly supplying 5% of the energy needs in both decades.

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score