DESCRIBING GRAPHS AND CHARTS
The function of a line graph is to describe a TREND pictorially. You therefore should
try and describe the trend in it. If there are many lines in the graph(s), then just
generally describe the trend. If there is only one or two, then use more detail. So,
describe the movement of the line(s) of the graph giving numerical detail at the
important points of the line.
To describe the movement, there is some language which will always be useful.
Below is a list of language you can use. Check with your dictionary words that you
don't understand and practice using the words/phrases so you use them in the right
way. As you will see, there are a number of words which are similar in meaning. This
means that you will be able to use a variety of vocabulary which gives a good
impression to the examiner who will read and mark your writing. The words below
are particularly useful for line graphs but they can also be used where appropriate to
describe the other types of graph.
Expressing the Movement of a Line
VERBS
NOUNS
Rise (to)
Increase (to)
Go up to
Grow (to)
Climb (to)
Boom
Peak (at)
a rise
an increase
Fall (to)
Decline (to)
Decrease (to)
Dip (to)
Drop (to)
Go down (to)
Reduce (to)
a fall (of)
a decline (of)
a decrease (of)
a dip (of)
a drop (of)
growth
a climb
a boom
(reach) a peak (at)
a reduction (of)
A slump
Level out
a leveling out
No change
no change
Remain stable (at)
Remain steady (at)
Stay (at)
Stay constant (at)
Maintain the same
level
ADJECTIVES
ADVERBS
Dramatic
Sharp
Huge
Enormous
Steep
Substantial
Considerable
Significant
Marked
Moderate
Slight
Small
Minimal
dramatically
sharply
hugely
enormously
steeply
substantially
considerably
significantly
markedly
moderately
slightly
minimally
Describing the Speed of a Change
Adjectives
Adverbs
Rapid
Quick
Swift
Sudden
Steady
Gradual
Slow
rapidly
quickly
swiftly
suddenly
steadily
gradually
slowly
Source: http://www.ieltshelpnow.com/academic_writing_test_1.html
QUESTIONS
1. What is the line graph about?
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2. What is the busiest time of day at the store?
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3. At what time does business start to slow down?
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4. How many people are in the store when it opens?
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5. About how many people are in the store at 2:30 pm?
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6. What was the greatest number of people in the store?
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7. What was the least number of people in the store?
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DESCRIBE THE MOVEMENT OF THE LINE IN THE GRAPH USING THE LANGUAGE
ABOVE
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Write seven questions about the graph
1.____________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________________
6. ____________________________________________________________
7. ____________________________________________________________
DESCRIBE THE MOVEMENT OF THE LINE IN THE GRAPH USING THE LANGUAGE
ABOVE
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Source: http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/line.html