Graphs and Charts: IELTS Preparation Course Lesson 3

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IELTS Preparation Course

Lesson 3 Graphs and Charts


What do we need to describe graphs and charts?
Range of vocabulary
• Verbs (rise, fall, decline, etc.)
• Adjectives (sharp, dramatic, slight, etc.)
• Adverbs (drastically, slightly, significantly, etc.)
• Nouns (a rise, a fall, a drop, etc.)
Correct Tense (Past, Present, or Future)
Organization (Structure/ Introduction, development, conclusion)
Describing Trends:
Rise Fall Remain
Increase Decline Stay
Climb Decrease Maintain
Go up Go down
Rocket Plummet
Soar Plunge
peak
Other possible answers: Drop

Rise: shoot up,


Fall: collapse, tumble, diminish, sink
- Which of the verbs from the chart describe a sudden increase?
- Which of the verbs from the chart describe a sudden decrease?

Note: As we are describing the trends with these verbs, we need to


stick with the correct tense.
Exercise 7-12
Tip: Please be careful with your spelling in the exam!
The Basic Structure of IELTS Writing Task 1
There is a particular structure to describe a task in IELTS academic writing task 1. You can follow the below structure for the
150+ word description. 

Introduction
Like an essay, the description too needs an introduction.
Points to remember when you write an introduction:
• This paragraph should focus on the components of the graph/bar chart/ table/ process/map etc.
• To write this paragraph, you should read and understand the question given.
• Do not use the exact words given in the question, instead paraphrase the question.
• Using synonyms for the important words given in the question could get you extra points!
• If there is a time frame mentioned, do not forget to mention the time frame in your paragraph.
Overview Paragraph:

The overview paragraph stands true to its name. In general terms, you must be
able to identify the main features and need to focus more on them so that you
can score a high band.

Points to remember when you write an overview:


• This is the most important paragraph.
• Identify the key features of the graph (highest point, lowest point, etc.)
• Focus on the features that stand out in comparison to the other features.
Paragraph – Body Paragraph
The body paragraph has to provide information explaining the features that are
identified. If there are more than 1 graph, you can add the paragraphs accordingly.
Points to remember when you write a paragraph:
• The number of paragraphs depends on the information/data given.
• Use appropriate vocabulary to compare and describe the data.
• Check if the graphs follow a pattern (mostly line graphs/bar charts) and make sure
you mention the pattern.

Conclusion:
Conclude your writing by rewriting what the graph/chart is about.
Describing Trends
+ Look at the graphs and charts page 19 in your books.
Work with a partner and describe the graph/chart. Try to use the
vocabulary from pg 16, 17, 18
A Average house prices in London
B House price change in Dubai
C House price change in Hong Kong
Tips:
Do not go beyond 20 minutes on it as you would need around 40 minutes to complete Writing Task 2. IELTS Writing
Task 1 marks are evaluated based on task achievement, coherence, cohesion, vocabulary, and grammar.

Before you begin your IELTS writing task 1, you should be conscious of the following:
• Read the question and instructions carefully before you begin the task.
• Look at the chart/diagram/graph carefully and process the information.
• Start planning on the structure and details for the task.
• Recall what you know about the structure of writing task 1 (which is given further down
this page) and be mindful of the information that has to go into each paragraph.
• Pay attention to spellings, grammar, sentence types, lexical resources, coherence
and cohesion, fillers, etc.
PRO TIP1: If you cover your diagram/graph/chart, you should be able to replicate the key
points or major changes of the diagram/graph/chart with the description that you've written.
Tip 2: Paraphrase the writing prompt and use synonyms!
In IELTS Exam – Writing Task 1
- You will have 20 mins to finish this task.
- You need to write at least 150 words.
- You need to summarise the information by selecting and
reporting the main features and make comparisons where
relevant.

Tip: Do not give your opinions, just the facts!!


With your partner go to Padlet
https://padlet.com/ekilem5914/vwokt9amuqhno0p9
and check the past IELTS exam writing task 1 questions and
sample answers. Give answers to the following questions:
1. What features of structure/ organization have you noticed?
2. Write down some of the vocabulary which you may use to
describe trends in the future.
Exam Skills: pg:20
In groups/ pairs, look at the graph and summarize the key features.
Word count: 150
After you finish writing your report go to Padlet and paste your
answers.
https://padlet.com/ekilem5914/vwokt9amuqhno0p9
For practising -
https://www.ielts-mentor.com/writing-sample/academic-writing-task-1
Sample answer:
+ The bar chart shows how many people aged 25–34 either rent or
have bought a house in the UK. Furthermore, it illustrates this
change over an eleven-year period. The number of home owners
within this age range has decreased substantially since 2004. In
2004, nearly 60% owned their own home, whereas in 2014 this
dropped to under 40%. There was a gradual decrease in home
ownership over the eleven-year period which was more
significant from 2009 to 2014. Only in 2011 and 2012 did the
number remain stable at just over 40%.
Unit 1: LISTENING
Look at the pictures on page 21. What is the topic? Who is
responsible for selling houses?

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