IELTS Academic writing: Report about US energy consumption by fuel since 1980 with projections

The graph below gives information from a 2008 report about US energy consumption by fuel since 1980 with projections until 2030.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Answer:

The line graph displays 2008 energy consumption report of USA since 1980 and predictions until 2030.

Overall, it is apparent that the fossil fuels will continue to be the most popular source of energy as compared to nuclear and renewable energy resources.

Petrol and Oil have the biggest share, starting with 35 quadrillion units in 1980, rising to approximately 40 quadrillion units in 2005 and is projected to follow the same trend increasing to around 45 quadrillion units by 2030. In 1980, natural gas and coal started with minor difference at 20 quadrillion units and 15 quadrillion units respectively, however coal is set to surpass natural gas in 2020 and reach about 30 quadrillion units in 2030. On the other hand, after some fluctuation, it is envisaged that natural gas will level off and remain constant till 2030 at 22 quadrillion units.

Nuclear and other renewable energies started at 4 quadrillion units in 1980 and fluctuated until 2030. Nuclear and solar power are set climb steadily and reach approximately 8 and 5 quadrillion units respectively, however hydropower saw a drop in 2010 and is predicted to remain stable at 3 quadrillion units until 2030.

Band 7