The amount of energy lost from generation of electricity to the time it reaches the consumer from brown and black coal
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Graph

IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The graph below shows the amount of energy lost from generation of electricity to the time it reaches the consumer from brown and black coal. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main points and make comparisons where relevant.

Common Questions for Data Summary
1. Diagram Type: Graph.
2. Title: Energy Loss from Coal Generation to Consumer (Black and Brown Coal).
3. What is being described?: The amount of energy lost in power stations, transmission, and distribution for electricity generation from black and brown coal, before it reaches the consumer.
4. Where is this process happening?: Energy generation from black and brown coal, with energy loss occurring at power stations, and during transmission and distribution.
5. What is the data about?: Energy efficiency comparison between black and brown coal in terms of energy loss during the process of electricity generation and delivery to the consumer.
6. Topic: Comparison of energy loss and efficiency between brown and black coal.
Comparison Showing and Trends Any change over time (such as an increase or a decrease) is a trend.
Details:
- Energy Loss in Power Station: 73% of energy is lost in the power station from black coal, whereas 63% of energy is lost from brown coal—indicating a 10% lower loss for brown coal.
- Energy Loss in Transmission and Distribution: The energy loss during transmission and distribution is identical for both types of coal, with 3% loss in both cases.
- Energy Reaching the Consumer: 24% of energy from black coal reaches the consumer, while 34% of energy from brown coal reaches the consumer—demonstrating that brown coal is more energy-efficient.
Sample Answer
The graph compares the energy loss and efficiency in generating and transmitting electricity from black and brown coal.
Overall, although a substantial amount of energy is lost in both cases before reaching the consumer, brown coal is more efficient than black coal in terms of energy conservation and delivery to the consumer.
From the graph, 73% of the energy from black coal is lost in the power station, while brown coal experiences a lower energy loss of 63%. The difference of 10% highlights that brown coal is relatively more efficient in power generation. Both black and brown coal experience an equal 3% loss during transmission and distribution, indicating no disparity at this stage.
However, a significant difference emerges when considering the energy that actually reaches the consumer. Only 24% of the energy generated from black coal reaches the consumer, while a higher percentage of 34% reaches the consumer from brown coal.
Top 26 Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples | Type |
Transmission | The process of sending energy or electricity over distances | Distribution, delivery | “Both coal types lost 3% of energy during transmission.” | Noun |
Distribution | The act of delivering energy or resources to various locations | Allocation, supply | “Energy loss during distribution was the same for both coal types.” | Noun |
Power station | A facility where electricity is generated | Power plant, energy station | “The power station from black coal experienced 73% energy loss.” | Noun |
Efficient | Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or energy | Productive, effective | “Brown coal is more efficient than black coal in delivering energy.” | Adjective |
Loss | The amount of energy that is wasted or not used | Waste, depletion | “The loss of energy from brown coal is lower than from black coal.” | Noun |
Generation | The process of producing electricity | Production, creation | “Electricity generation from coal results in energy loss.” | Noun |
Conversion | The process of changing energy from one form to another | Transformation, alteration | “Energy conversion at the power station results in some loss.” | Noun |
Output | The amount of energy or electricity produced | Production, yield | “The power station’s energy output is affected by losses.” | Noun |
Consumption | The use of energy by consumers | Utilization, usage | “Only 34% of brown coal energy is available for consumption.” | Noun |
Efficiency | The ability to minimize waste while achieving results | Productivity, effectiveness | “Brown coal has higher efficiency than black coal.” | Noun |
Fuel source | The material used to generate power | Energy source, raw material | “Coal is a major fuel source for electricity production.” | Noun |
Coal-fired | Powered by burning coal | Coal-based, thermal | “A coal-fired power station converts coal into electricity.” | Adjective |
Thermal energy | Energy produced from heat | Heat energy, calorific power | “Coal burning produces thermal energy for electricity.” | Noun |
Heat loss | The loss of thermal energy during a process | Energy dissipation, waste heat | “Heat loss occurs at various stages of electricity production.” | Noun |
Depletion | The reduction in the amount of a resource | Exhaustion, reduction | “Energy depletion occurs due to inefficiencies in power plants.” | Noun |
Carbon footprint | The total greenhouse gases emitted by an activity | Environmental impact, emissions level | “Coal-fired plants have a high carbon footprint.” | Noun |
Emission | The release of gases or particles into the atmosphere | Discharge, pollution | “Coal combustion results in carbon dioxide emissions.” | Noun |
Grid | A network for transmitting electricity | Power network, distribution system | “Electricity is delivered to consumers via the power grid.” | Noun |
Load capacity | The maximum amount of electricity a system can handle | Power limit, capacity | “The load capacity of a grid affects energy distribution.” | Noun |
Wastage | The unnecessary loss of energy or resources | Inefficiency, dissipation | “Wastage occurs at multiple stages in energy production.” | Noun |
Harnessing | The act of capturing and utilizing energy | Utilizing, extracting | “Harnessing coal energy involves burning it for power.” | Verb |
Transmission loss | The reduction in energy during transportation | Power dissipation, leakage | “Transmission loss occurs as electricity moves through wires.” | Noun |
Retained | Kept or preserved instead of being lost | Preserved, conserved | “Brown coal retains more energy than black coal.” | Verb |
Sustainability | The ability to maintain a process without depletion | Eco-friendliness, durability | “Coal energy lacks sustainability due to high emissions.” | Noun |
Infrastructure | The basic facilities needed for power distribution | Framework, foundation | “Energy infrastructure includes power plants and transmission lines.” | Noun |
Optimization | The act of making something as effective as possible | Enhancement, improvement | “Optimizing energy use reduces losses.” | Noun |

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