IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson 3 How to write about changes in data

Hello! Welcome to Lesson 3 of our IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 series. In this lesson, we will focus on different ways of describing changes in data . This skill is essential for writing reports on line graphs, as the lines in these graphs constantly change to reflect different values.

However, line graphs are not the only type of graph that involve changes in data. Multiple pie charts, like those used in Lesson 2, as well as bar graphs, also require describing changes in data. In this lesson, we will review various ways to describe changes in data using a line graph as an example.

At the end of the lesson, there are two exercises for you to practice what you’ve learned. Let's get started!

An increase in value can be represented as an upward movement of the line. Some useful words include: increase, rise, grow, surge, soar, rocket, leap, and peak/reach a peak.

Now let's look at how to use them.

As you can see, the starting point is 65% and the endpoint is 70%, so use the prepositions 'from ... to' . However, if you want to report the amount of change between the two points, use the preposition 'by'.

Now instead of using the verb “increase,” we can use the noun “an increase,” as shown below:

A key point to remember is when to use the prepositions “of” and “in.” Use “of” when it is followed by a number or percentage, and “in” when referring to what is increasing.

Also, avoid repeating the same word too often. Try to expand your vocabulary. In our examples, we have repeatedly used “increase,” but other common words to describe upward trends are “rise” and “grow.” The following examples demonstrate variety.

There are other advanced words you can use, such as “surge,” “soar,” “skyrocket,” “leap,” and “peak.” “Soar” and “skyrocket” both describe a very large rise, though “skyrocket” suggests a more sudden change. These verbs generally do not require adverbs to emphasize intensity.

“Leap” indicates a large and sudden rise. Again, it typically does not need to be qualified with an adverb.

Let's look at how to use them.

Try describing the line graph below in your head using a few words. When you are done, check our sample description provided below the image.

A decrease in value can be represented as a downward movement of a line. Here are some common words used to describe a downward movement: decrease, decline, fall, drop, reduce, dip, plunge, plummet

Let's see how to use them in sentences:

To describe future changes, we can use the phrases “be projected to” or “be forecast to.” For example:

Finally, let's look at how to use the words “plummet” and “plunge.”

The line graph below shows the demand for electricity in England during typical days in winter and summer. See the example sentences below:

Below are the adjectives and adverbs that can be used to describe upward and downward movements. Look at the following table and example sentences:

Okay! We’ve been discussing how to describe increases and decreases in data, but there are other types of changes to look out for. For example:

Let’s look at how to use them:

Example 1:

The line graph below shows the average daily viewing figures for Channel One News over a 12-month period.

Example 2:

The line graph below gives information about the number of visitors to three London museums between June and September 2013.

Example 3:

The line graph shows a rise in homeless people across England from 2010 to 2016.

Finally, at the end of this lesson, let's look at some useful phrases for describing overall trends. Use the following expressions to describe general trends in data.

• show a downward trend
• show an upward trend
• show an upward trajectory
• show a downward trajectory

Example sentences: