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The graph below gives information from a 2008 report about consumption of energy in the USA since 1980 with projections until 2030.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
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Sample Answer 1
The line chart delineates the consumption of energy in the USA over a half-century span, from 1980 through to projections ending in 2030. It presents a historical and predictive analysis of various energy sources.
In an overarching view, the consumption of energy in the USA from petrol and oil, as well as coal, demonstrates a notable upward trajectory. Conversely, energy derived from nuclear, solar/wind, and hydropower sources remains relatively minor in the context of the broader energy mix, with only modest increases forecasted by 2030.
Delving into specifics, petrol and oil commenced the period with an approximate consumption of 35 quadrillion units, ascending steadily to 40 quadrillion by 2015, with an anticipated further rise beyond 45 quadrillion units by 2030. Coal's consumption pattern mirrors this growth, albeit at a lower scale, commencing at around 16 quadrillion units and, following a consistent increase, is expected to approach 30 quadrillion units by the projection's end. The trajectory of natural gas features some fluctuations but hovers around 20 quadrillion units in 2015 and is predicted to plateau towards 2030.
In stark contrast, the consumption of energy in the USA from nuclear, solar/wind, and hydropower sources commenced at a baseline of approximately 4 quadrillion units each in 1980. The projection for nuclear energy consumption suggests a rise to about 7 quadrillion units by 2030. Solar energy consumption is similarly anticipated to escalate modestly to 5 quadrillion units. However, hydropower is projected to maintain its initial consumption level, showcasing the most static trend among the energy sources represented.
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Sample Answer 2
The chart provided delineates the trajectory of energy consumption across various sources in the United States, beginning from 1980 and extending with forecasts up to 2030. This illustration is extracted from a report released in 2008.
The overview of the data highlights a sustained dominance of petrol and oil as the primary energy sources, with an expected rise in coal usage over the forecasted period. Notably, while traditional energy sources like oil, coal, and natural gas have maintained a steady ascent in consumption, alternative sources such as nuclear and renewables (solar/wind) have also shown an uptick, albeit from a much smaller base.
Delving into specifics, the initial figures from 1980 show a substantial reliance on petrol and oil, with consumption pegged at around 35 quadrillion units, starkly overshadowing the use of coal and natural gas, each hovering between 15 to 20 quadrillion units. Energy garnered from nuclear and renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower was comparatively minimal, not surpassing the 5 quadrillion unit mark.
The projected outlook for 2030 suggests that petrol and oil will maintain their lead in the energy mix, with consumption levels anticipated to breach the 50 quadrillion unit threshold. Coal and natural gas are also expected to experience significant growth, with projections indicating a rise to between 20 to 30 quadrillion units. The collective contribution of nuclear, solar/wind, and hydropower is also foreseen to climb, potentially surpassing 5 quadrillion units. It is evident that by 2030, the consumption of energy in the USA will continue to be heavily weighted towards oil and petrol, with coal becoming the second-most prevalent source of energy.
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Sample Answer 3
The graph elucidates the trends in the consumption of energy in the USA from 1980 and extends to predicted values up to 2030, offering insights into the evolving landscape of energy usage.
At a glance, the dominant forms of energy, notably petrol and oil along with coal, show a robust increase in consumption over the years, indicating their substantial role in the USA’s energy portfolio. In contrast, nuclear, solar/wind, and hydropower maintain a more modest presence, with only slight increments projected in the upcoming decade.
Zooming in, the consumption of energy in the USA from petrol and oil began at a significant 35 quadrillion units, climbing progressively to reach around 40 quadrillion by 2015, with a projection that suggests a further escalation to just over 45 quadrillion by 2030. Coal reflects a similar pattern, with its initial figure at 16 quadrillion units steadily ascending, anticipated to nearly double by 2030. The utilization of natural gas exhibits a more varied progression, yet it is expected to stabilize at around 20 quadrillion units as we approach 2030.
Nuclear energy, alongside renewable sources such as solar/wind and hydropower, began on a much smaller scale, with each starting at 4 quadrillion units. Predictions up to 2030 indicate a modest increase for nuclear energy to approximately 7 quadrillion units, a gentle rise for solar to 5 quadrillion units, and a consistent consumption for hydropower, which is not expected to surpass its initial levels. These trends underscore the ongoing reliance on traditional energy sources while highlighting a gradual yet restrained shift towards renewable energy within the consumption of energy in the USA.
Sample Answer 4
The line graph illustrates energy consumption by fuel type in the United States from 1980 to 2008, with projected use until 2030.
Overall, fossil fuels have been the dominant type and will continue this trend into the future. Nuclear and renewable energy sources have represented a small but significant proportion of total energy use and despite small projected gains; it is projected that they will continue doing so.
Petrol and Oil command the biggest share with 35 quadrillion units (35q) in 1980, rising to approximately 40q in 2008 and this trend is set to continue with a projected value of nearly 50q in 2030. In 1980 natural gas and coal came in second and third, with around 16q and 20q respectively. However, coal overtook natural gas in 1990 and despite some fluctuation, it is set to be the second most used fuel in 2030 with just over 30q. Also, it is predicted that natural gas will level off and remain relatively constant at about 25q.
Nuclear and the renewable energies all represented about 4q in 1980 and fluctuated up until 2008. It is speculated that nuclear energy will reach 10q by 2030 and solar/wind around 5q, with hydropower dropping and then remaining constant at approximately 3 quadrillion units.
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