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IELTS Academic measures the English language proficiency needed for an academic learning environment.

To do so, Writing Task 1 presents candidates with a graph, table, chart or diagram. Candidates are asked to describe, summarise, or explain the information using their own words, which not only requires a good understanding of different types of visual data, but also the ability to describe the information accurately, using a range of vocabulary.

In this article, we will look at a variety of phrases and collocations that you can use on your IELTS to describe tables, graphs and charts.

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What are tables, graphs, and charts?

To begin with, let’s take a quick look at the main differences and similarities among tables, graphs and charts.

  • Tables present information about different categories mainly in columns and rows,

  • Bar charts present the information in two axes: the values are given along one axis and each bar represents what is being measured along the other axis. It is often possible to turn tables into charts, but sometimes the categories are too different to do this.

  • A pie chart is another way of presenting information, but here each segment is a percentage of a whole. Together they represent 100%.

  • Last but not least, line graphs show how data change over time.

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How can you describe tables, graphs, and charts?

When approaching the Academic version of Writing Task 1, it’s important that you introduce the visual data by using one of the following phrases or collocations:

  • According to the table/ graph/chart…

  • The table/graph/chart shows…

  • The table/graph/chart illustrates…

  • Looking at the table/chart/graph, it can be seen that…

  • The table/graph/chart provides information about…

After introducing the visual data, you will be expected to describe the main trends presented in the table, graph and/or chart.

Below are different phrases and collocations that you can use to describe a variety of trends:

a significant increase
a considerable growth
to increase dramatically
to rise sharply
to show an upward trend

a sharp fall
a significant drop
to decline sharply
to show a downward trend
to hit the lowest point

a considerable variation
a slight fluctuation
to vary considerably
to show some fluctuation

a period of stability
to remain stable
to remain constant

to reach a plateau
to level off
to flatten out

Now, let’s take a look at some collocations and phrases used more specifically to talk about percentages and values being compared with each other, both of which are common features of tables and charts:

Percentages

Comparisons

a large/small percentage
an estimated percentage
a significant percentage
an average percentage
the highest/lowest percentage
just under/over __% (per cent)
a __% (per cent) increase/decrease

there are considerable differences
to be slightly higher/lower than…
to be significantly higher/lower than…
two/three/four times higher/lower than…
to be closely followed by…
to remain the highest/lowest

IELTS Academic Writing - graphs - infographic

Want more advice to help you to prepare for IELTS Writing?

Achieving a great IELTS score takes time and planning. You can’t just book and take your test in a matter of days – no matter how strong your English skills are. Successful test takers create a schedule to help them study everything they need to know before they sit an IELTS test. They make time to practise all four English skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking – as the format of each part of the test is different.

To help you prepare for your IELTS test, you can access our wide range of preparation materials, attend a FREE Masterclass with an IELTS expert, and complete IELTS practice tests.

You can also boost your writing band score with IELTS Writing Assist. Complete an official mock IELTS writing test online and receive personalised feedback from an IELTS Expert.

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Published on September 20, 2024

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