Useful language: describing trends
Types of diagrams:
1.graph
2.bar chart
3.pie chart
4.table
5.multiple diagram (two or more diagrams about the dame topic)
6.process or cycle
7.illustration
8.map
Strategy
1.It is important to identify whether a diagram shows changes over time or differences in one
fixed time, as they require different vocabulary and grammatical structures.
2.Study the diagram carefully to check you understand what period of time the diagram describes
and use appropriate tenses.
3.Write an appropriate introductory sentence that describes what a diagram shows.
4.Don’t forget to paraphrase the title of the diagram in the introductory sentence.
5.The volume is 100-150 words.
Plan
1.Paragraph 1. –Say what the diagram shows in your own words.Follow this with several
sentences describing the main features supported by reference to the diagram, include dates and
figures.
2.Paragraph 2. -Give further detailes- describe other features,significant differences and make
comparisons where relevant. Support with figures from the diagram.Don’t attempt to describe
every detail.
3.Summarizing sentence -End with one or two sentences that give an overall summary of the
main features. No explanation, reasons, or conclusion should be given.
Meaning
Go down
Go up
No change
-------------------------->
Verb
Decrease
Fall
Drop
Decline
Plunge ( big change)
Plummet ( big change)
Noun
The same
Increase
Rise
Grow
Double
Treble
Rocket ( big change)
The same
Level off
Remain the same
Remain stable
A levelling off at
--------------------
-----------------------
Growth
Doubling in + noun
Trebling in + noun
------------
Constant change
Position
/\
\/
stabilize
----------
Fluctuate
Fluctuation in + noun
Reach a high/ peak of
Reach a low of
Stood at
A high of
A low of
---------
Adjective/ adverb
Small change
Large change
examples
There was a substantial
increase in students in 2006.
The number of students
increased substantially
throughout the period from
2002 to 2006.
finish.
To sum up, the main trend of
the graph (diagram) is to show
…
Steady(ily)
Slight(ly)
Gradual(lly)
Considerable(ly)
Sharp(ly)
Dramatic(ally)
Significant(ly)
Substantial(ly)
Time phrases
From 2000 to 2005
From 150 to 200 units
In 2006
For 5 years
Between 2000 and 2005
During/throughout the period
from 2000 to 2005