Although the exam most often asks you to describe a diagram, diagram, table or process, there is a risk that you will come across a description of a map. You must be prepared for anything, so in this article I will give you some useful tips on how to cope with this task.

So, here are two schematic maps. Usually the first one shows a certain place before the changes, the second - after. The place can be anything: any territory, city, part of the city, garden, courtyard, industrial zone, island, and so on. In addition, it can be a separate building or room.

Before you start writing, you need to immediately get your bearings as to what grammar you will use in your review. Of course, tune in (since you will describe processes and their results, and the performers are not important to you) and turnover (since you will describe the location of objects). Then decide on the times that you will need to use.

The easiest type of description is to describe one card at a time. To do this, use .

If both cards are from the past and the time period is over, use .

The garden was expanded as a result of land acquisition, which took place in 2000. - The garden was expanded as a result of land acquisition, which took place in 2000.

If the first picture refers to the past, and the second shows the state of things at the moment, then, when describing the first card, use or to describe the second card and to describe the changes that have occurred to date.

For example:

In 1990 there was a park in the center of the city, which has been modernized and expanded over the given period. Now there is the territory of the park is twice larger than it used to be. — In 1990, there was a park in the city center, which was modernized and expanded during the presented period. Now the park area is twice as large as it was before.

It may also happen that you are offered two cards: one in the present, the second in the future, and describe a plan for any changes: development or renovation. In this case, you will need to use the future tense forms: or:

A new port is going to be built in a five years" time in the place of old docks, which are located in the south of the city. - In five years they are going to build a new port on the site of the old docks, which are located in the southern part of the city .

We've decided on the grammar, let's move on to structure. It is not particularly different from other types of essays.

First paragraph should contain an answer to the question: What do the map data illustrate? You paraphrase tasks using synonyms, but in no case, without rewriting the finished sentence.

In second paragraph indicate several general changes, that is, without going into details (without describing where and what was built, completed or demolished), say what changes are shown on the map. Choose one or two key, most noticeable changes and write about them.

To do this you will need the following vocabulary:

And after, in third And fourth paragraph, you will describe the details of the changes: what, where and how was changed.

To keep your work structured, divide your map into parts and describe each part sequentially. Try not to “jump” from one edge of the map to the other.

As a rule, parts of the world are indicated at the top of the map. To indicate exactly where the objects you are describing are located, use prepositions of place and designations of parts of the world:

by/beside/next to/near/close to
to the north/south/east/west from
through/around/across
in the north/south/east/west of the city/map/area
on the northern/southern/eastern/western border

In addition, the description of changes on the map requires the use of special vocabulary for this task. I offer you useful verbs for describing and comparing different objects.

The buildings:

Demolished/ knocked-down/ flattened - demolished
replaced/relocated - moved
renovated - updated
built / constructed - built, constructed
reconstructed - reconstructed, updated, rebuilt
developed - created
extended / expanded - expanded


added - added

Plantings (forests, parks, plantings):

Cleared /cut-down /chopped-down
removed - destroyed
planted - planted

Infrastructure facilities (hotels, clubs, centers):

Opened - open
set up - based
developed - created
converted (into) - converted into, transformed into
modernized - improved
constructed - built, built
reconstructed - redone, reconstructed

Purchase:

Bought - purchased
acquired /purchased - purchased
added - added

Depending on what is shown on your map, choose the most appropriate words to describe it.

A common mistake is listing all changes separated by commas:

In the city center the shopping mall was renovated, the café was expanded and converted into a restaurant, a playground was built and a new park was planted.

Everything is grammatically correct, the vocabulary is used, but still something is missing. In addition, very often the authors of such essays do not know what to write about next in order to achieve the required number of words. Therefore, I recommend that you do not combine all the changes into one sentence, but break them up into four to five sentences. Just like in other writing tasks, remember to connect your thoughts with special expressions so that your reader can easily read your essay:

Over the given period the city center witnessed dramatic changes and improvements. First, the shopping mall has been extensively renovated. The cafe was converted into a restaurant after expansion. Furthermore, a new playground for children was constructed next to the cafe. In addition, a new large park was planted in the eastern part of the city centre.

In the last paragraph, you should present your conclusion and summarize everything you covered in your essay. Another typical mistake is to repeat all of the above, or parts of it, that is, return to the details again. In conclusion, you can rephrase what you stated about the key changes or compare parts of the map and answer the questions:

Have there been changes throughout the entire area shown on the map? Has the entire area been/will be changed or has part remained/will remain the same?
- Which part has seen the most changes? In the central part, in the north, in the south?
- What nature were these changes? For example, somewhere new buildings appeared, and somewhere they just cut down forests, in some parts they developed infrastructure, and somewhere they built residential buildings)

For many students (and in my opinion) describing a map is one of the easiest IELTS tasks. Because on maps, as a rule, everything is clear and familiar to everyone (unlike processes, for example) and there is no need to highlight special patterns, categories and connections (as when describing graphs, tables and diagrams).

Some example cards:

Remember that only practice will help you achieve a high level in any writing assignment. If you have understood the basic requirements for writing this type of work, then try to describe several of the cards proposed above.

Don't forget to watch your grammar and spelling, they also affect your result.

Good luck in your preparation and in the exam! Follow our updates and join us

25.01.2016

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires you to write a minimum of 150 words about data (this can be presented as a bar or pie chart, graph or table), process or map. Many students have never practiced this skill before, so their results are not very good. The key to passing Level 1 is knowing how your essay will be scored and using this information to provide examiners with text that meets their expectations.

I advise students to use an approach consisting of 5 steps:

understand the evaluation criteria,

rephrase the question

write a general review,

back it up with details

check your work.

Dividing the task into small parts makes it much easier. Below I'll go through each of the 5 steps in more detail and then give you some template answers to help you understand what it looks like in practice.

Note: Please note that I will give you the opportunity to correct my work at the very end, so do not attack me in the comments if you notice some errors. They are intentional: by making people really think about the answer, they demonstrate the importance of checking the text.

We will use the following assignment:

There are 4 parameters for assessing Task 1:

quality of task performance,

logic and coherence,

lexicon,

variety of grammatical structures and their correctness.

Each of them has a 25 percent impact on the final grade.

Don't worry if you don't understand the meaning of these phrases. Below I will analyze each of the points in detail and convey their meaning in simpler language. You can take a look at the official evaluation criteria.

Quality of task execution

Quality of task execution determined by your ability to answer the question properly. To achieve this, you need to do everything mentioned in the assignment and write a clear text that fully covers the topic.

Your scores will be higher if you:

Highlight the main/key features of a graph, diagram, map or process.

Write an adequate overview highlighting the main/key points (main trends, differences, stages, etc.) of the graph, diagram, map or process.

Support them with accurate data.

Use at least 150 words.

Logic and coherence

Logic reflects the ability to connect main ideas in a way that is relevant and easy to understand. This is done mainly at the paragraph level. Are they in a logical order? Does each have one clear main idea? Is it easy to understand?

You will receive a higher logical score if you:

Introduce the essay by paraphrasing the question in the first sentence.

Divide your ideas into paragraphs.

You can make it obvious which one is a general overview.

You reflect ideas in it in an accessible way.

Reinforce the main points of the overview in separate parts of the text.

Connectivity refers to connecting ideas at the sentence and paragraph level. Are your ideas and proposals related to each other?

Your coherence score will be higher if you:

Use a variety of appropriate linking words.

Use them correctly.

Don't overload your speech with them.

Lexicon

Lexicon reflects your ability to correctly and appropriately use lexical items.

You will receive a higher score if you:

Rephrase the task correctly.

Expand your vocabulary using synonyms.

Avoid lexical errors.

Demonstrate impeccable spelling.

Use correct expressions to describe trends, comparisons, milestones, changes, etc.

Variety and correctness of grammatical structures

Here we are talking about your ability to avoid making mistakes in sentences using various grammatical structures.

You will earn a higher score if you:

Don't make mistakes.

Use the correct forms of tenses.

Use a variety of appropriate designs.

Include both simple and complex sentences in the text.

Correct punctuation.

2. Rephrase the question

Now that we know how an answer is scored, we can offer examiners exactly what they expect from us and avoid common mistakes that prevent others from achieving a high grade.

Our very first sentence in Task 1 should always be a paraphrased question. Paraphrasing is changing a phrase or sentence so that, although different words are used, the text retains its original meaning. We can do this in different ways, but the simplest option is to substitute synonyms.

Eg:

Question: The chart below shows the changes in three different areas of crime in Manchester city from 2003–2012.

Paraphrased version: The line graph displays alteration for burglary, car theft and robbery in the center of Manchester between 2003 and 2012.

The synonyms we used:

chart - line graph

shows - displays

changes - alterations

different areas of crime - burglary, car theft and robbery

Manchester city center - the center of Manchester

So, with the help of a few simple synonyms, we rephrased the sentence and showed the examiner that we could use this skill effectively, and also demonstrated that we had a wide vocabulary. This allowed us to tick two big boxes in the application for a high rating.

This sentence should be the very first paragraph, after which we should skip a line to show the reviewer that we are starting a new paragraph - an overview.

Review- This is the main part of the essay, and if you do not cope with it, it will be impossible to get a high score.

The question in Academic Task 1 is always the same. It looks like this:

Summerise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Therefore, we need to create a short summary of the main points. You do it in this paragraph by highlighting the 3-4 most significant features and describing them in general terms. By using the phrase “in general terms,” I mean that you don't need to back something up with data from a graph or chart. Write only about what immediately catches your eye.

A problem that students often face is the need to limit themselves to 3 or 4 points. After all, there is so much information among the data, and all of it seems significant.

Like Graphs,
Scheme,

charts display numerical information in a way that is easy to understand,
like graphs, present numerical information in an easy to understand way,

using pictures or diagrams to take the place of numbers.
using pictures or diagrams instead of numbers.

Bar charts substitute bars for data.
Diagrams replace sequences of data.

The length or height of each bar show a quantity.
The length or height of each column in the chart represents a quantity.

The longers or higher the bar,
The longer or higher the column,

the greater the quantity.
the greater the value.

Pie charts display information by dividing a circle into portions.
Circle diagrams represent information by dividing a circle into sections.

Each portion of the circle represents a percentage of the total.
Each section of the circle represents a percentage of the whole.

Pictograms use images to present information.
Pictograms use images to represent information.

Different-sized images are used to represent different quantities.
Images of different sizes are used to represent different quantities.

The larger the image,
The larger the image,

the larger the quantity.
the greater the value.

Dictionary for the text

bar chart– histogram, bar chart
bar– column, column

chart– graph, diagram, diagram, table, drawing

data– data, facts, information; information
diagram– diagram, graph, diagram
display(displayed, displayed) – show, demonstrate
divide into (divided, divided)- divide into several parts, groups

height- height

length- length

percentage- percent; percentage; percentage
pictograms– pictogram (graphical representation of an object)
pie chart– pie chart, pie chart
portion– dose, portion, part

quantity– quantity, size

substitute(substituted, substituted) – replace, replace; substitute

take the place– replace
total- whole, whole; general, cumulative, total

The first task in IELTS Academic Writing will be to describe a picture, diagram, table, graph, etc. It is recommended to spend only 20 minutes on this task in order to leave more time for. In 20 minutes, it can be very difficult to navigate the numerous numbers and data that will be presented in the task. Therefore, I advise you to spend more time preparing and analyzing the different types of tasks that you will encounter in this part of the IELTS test. In this article, I will talk about how to work better and more efficiently with graphs and charts in Academic Writing Task 1.

bar chart

One of the tasks that you may encounter in the module is the description of a histogram (in English - bar chart).

There are a number of different structures you can use to describe a histogram in IELTS. We will teach you a structure in which you dedicate each sentence of your text to a specific topic. This method may seem opposite to what you usually use when writing an essay. It looks a little confusing, but it works quite well. Just follow our recommendations.

How to select information from a histogram?

The assignment requires you to write a total of 150 words. One sentence contains about 10-15 words. That is, you can estimate the size of your description at 10-12 sentences. To illustrate this with an example, let's imagine that our description will consist of 10 sentences.

Now we can assign each sentence a separate goal:

• One sentence for introduction.
• Two sentences with superlative adjectives (to mark the highest/lowest values ​​in the bar chart).
• Comparative offer.
• A clause that groups two histogram elements that are similar in meaning.
• A sentence noting an exception.
• A sentence describing some data in progress (its changes).
• A sentence that describes data without indicating changes.
• Two sentences for a conclusion summarizing the results.

Note that these sentences do not have to follow this particular order. You should write them in such a way that your histogram description flows smoothly from one point to another.

Example of a histogram description

Now that we've figured out what and how we want to write in the description, it's time to use our ability to select data. Since a histogram shows a lot of data, it’s easy to get lost in it. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind what you are looking for when analyzing.

Let's start by analyzing the histogram attached below and select the information that relates to our structure:

Calorie source for UK males at different life periods.
Percentage of total intake.

The bar chart shows the caloric intake of UK males in three distinct age groups of 0-24, 25-49, and over 50 years old.(sentence-introduction)

Dairy for the 0-24 age group was the highest source of calories, while the other categories each represented about 20% each.(sentence with superlative adjective - the highest)In the next age group dairy fell to around a quarter, and meat became the main source of calories, reaching half of the total intake.(data change)

Pulses and vegetables reached 10% and 15% respectively.(two elements similar in meaning)Pulses in the final age group increased six fold to over 60%, whereas calories obtained from vegetables was 10%, half that of meat (20%), and even slightly less than dairy (15%).(exception)

The 50+ group shows the most marked preference out of all the groups. It also confirms the gradual decline in vegetable consumption as males become older.(sentence with superlative adjective - the most marked)

Overall it is clear that each age group has a clear favorite which varies depending on age. However vegetables are consistently among the least popular, regardless of age. (conclusion)

Once you have successfully described all the information you wanted to include, re-read the essay and replace the overly simple words with ones that sound more academic. This will increase your score. Also make sure that the text does not contain any grammatical errors or omissions in conveying information. To improve your skills in this task, practice with different bar graphs.

Table

Another type of assignment in Academic Writing is describing table data. Let's look at step-by-step instructions for completing this type of task.

Let's summarize the table data

This is a very important skill and is undoubtedly what you need to focus on when performing a task. Look at the numbers given in the table and at the time to which the data relates. Is it past, present or projected future trends?Also, as you study the data, make a list of words that you can use to effectively explain it to yourself.

As an example, let's look at a table that compares the projected growth in the number of people over 75 with the overall UK population.

Sharing data

This is the key point! Data should not be presented in a manner that is difficult to understand. Divide your data into parts that can be grouped so you can easily manipulate it. In this way you will be able to understand them better yourself and, accordingly, explain them better.

For example:

In the example above, the data is divided into two main groups. This makes them easier to understand and describe.You may also want to consider the exceptions noted in the data. They contain information that you may highlight as being of particular interest. This is where you can begin to describe the data and the information it contains.

Take a look at the sample answer below:

This table compares the UK’s 55-year projected growth of the number of people over the age of 75 with that of the total population.

It is estimated that in the 20 years from 2015, the total population of the UK will grow by almost 10 million, from 64.8 million in 2015 to 73.2 million in 2035. The number of over 75's will also increase significantly, from 5.4 million (2015 ) to 8.9 million (2035), which is an increase of nearly 4%. The estimated figures for 2050 and 2070 indicate that this trend will continue, and the total population will be as high as 82 million by 2070. Although the number of people aged 75 or older will remain relatively stable between 2035 (8.9 million) and 2050 ( 9 million), the number will continue to swell and by 2070 nearly 15% of the population (11 – 12 million) will be aged 75 or older.

Overall, we can expect the number of people aged over 75 to double by 2070.

Get your point across clearly

The structure of your answer is what gives your thoughts a certain order. Typically, two body paragraphs are used to describe each group of data. This means that you describe one group of data in one paragraph, and another group in the second. This method organizes information conveniently and helps you maintain a clear line of argument.

Compare data and show exceptions

For example, the first paragraph compares the data, the second examines it in more detail, and the final concluding sentence ties it all together nicely. This will help you stay on track in IELTS and achieve your goal easily.

Consider the following model:

• Paragraph 1. Introductory Introduction– explain to the reader what you will compare.
• Paragraph 2. Comparison– Describe and compare groups of data and any exceptions you notice.
• Final offer - P a sentence that summarizes and ties everything together, and also emphasizes something important in paragraphs 1 and 2.

Let's take a look at the following example to see what it looks like:

This table compares the UK’s 55-year projected growth of the number of people over the age of 75 with that of the total population. – Paragraph 1

It is estimated that in the 20 years from 2015, the total population of the UK will grow by almost 10 million, from 64.8 million in 2015 to 73.2 million in 2035. The number of over 75's will also increase significantly, from 5.4 million (2015 ) to 8.9 million (2035), which is an increase of nearly 4%. The estimated figures for 2050 and 2070 indicate that this trend will continue, and the total population will be as high as 82 million by 2070. -Although the number of people aged 75 or older will remain relatively stable between 2035 (8.9 million) and 2050 (9 million), the number will continue to swell and by 2070 nearly 15% of the population (11 – 12 million) will be aged 75 or older. – Paragraph 2

Overall, we can expect the number of people aged over 75 to double by 2070. – Final offer

Now let's break this down using the sample above:

Paragraph 1 tells what the table says and explains the groups that are being compared. In this case, we are dealing with two groups in the first 20-year period of time under consideration. Paragraph 2 takes a closer look at the second 20-year time period and related data. He also notes the exceptions listed in the table. Final offer describes some important points, summarizes both paragraphs and ties everything together. For example, our sample above summarizes that the number of people over 75 years of age will double over a given time period.

Important to remember

• Do not include your own opinion or any information not related to the assignment in your answer;
• Don't include too many numbers in your answer;
• Don't forget to plan the correct structure of your answer.

Map or plan

In the first Writing task of the IELTS academic module, you may also be asked to describe a map or plan. This could be a plan of a building, street, city or other residential area; also in the task you may have to compare the past and present, or the present and future state of the object. You may be asked to explain various locations on a map, or references to roads and routes. This type of task is quite rare, but it is better to be prepared for anything.

Planning

Before you begin, organize your ideas. This is especially important. Make an outline of everything you plan to include in each paragraph. Talking about a location as if you were walking through it is a good technique for describing it. For example, you are given a map of a house. Start by entering your home and entering the foyer or hallway. Or, if the map is very large, you can start at the left edge and work towards the right. Just make sure everything is organized logically, meaning don't jump in the description from left to right to center.

ADVICE: As you plan your answer, explore opportunities to group information. For example, both maps being compared may have an arearemaining unchanged in the time interval between dates. Then it can be described as follows:Over the fifty year period both maps have maintained a distinct recreational area despite the extensive construction in the surrounding areas.

Performance tasks

Be sure to write at least 150 words and describe all the information that the map or plan illustrates. Give yourself about three minutes to study the map, identify changes, and circle key points. In the introduction, summarize the basic information orchanges, and provide more details in the body of your text. Provide a brief summary summarizing the impact of the changes mentioned on the city or location.

Consistency

The format of your text requires three or four paragraphs: introduction, body paragraph or paragraphs, conclusion. To keep parts of the text consistent and your ideas presented logically, it is important to use connectors such as‘First of all’, ‘In addition to’ And ‘To summarize’. Other useful structures:‘opposite’, ‘in front of’, ‘on the right’, ‘to the north’, ‘to the south ' etc. Use separate paragraphs to separate changes and comparisons. For example, in the second paragraph, give details of the first card, and in the third, write about the second card.

Language

Do not repeat words already used on the map in the text; try to use synonymous vocabulary instead. Let's look at words useful to describe a map or plan. For example, inin the introduction you can use verbs like'show', 'demonstrate' or 'illustrate'. N Remember to use synonyms to add variety to the language of your text. Synonyms for the word‘illustrate’ – ‘highlight’, ‘indicate’ or 'demonstrate'.

This map illustrates plans to change the green area into a playground for children. = This map highlights a project to transform the green park into a play area for children.

To describe a location, use prepositions:

There is a large residential area between the small lake and the park. A road runs alongside the border of the park.

Since we are retelling a map or plan, it is essential not to forget about cardinal directions when describing the direction:

This plan proposes to build a playground in the south-west part of the park. The airport is currently located north-east of the town. It will be moved to the west of the park where there is more space.

Many other useful words for working with maps and plans include:‘town centre’, ‘residential area’, ‘roads’, ‘routes’, ‘railway’ station’ And ‘traffic-free zone’.

ADVICE: Comparative or superlative words are also valuable helpers for getting a high score!

Grammar

Passive form often used in this type of writing assignment, since we do not know who is planning the particular changes demonstrated by the map.

The parkis located west of the village.
The playgroundwill be built in the south-west part of the park.
A flower gardenwill be created east of the playground.

Use different times . Since you can compare what is happening in the present tense with what is planned for the future, use this to demonstrate your ability to handle these tenses:

Currently, thereis a traffic-free zone in the center of the park. This zone will be expanded to the west area of ​​the park.
In 2014, therewas a train station located in the north-east of the region. Currently, this station is nowbased in south of the village.

When talking about comparing recent changes, it would be useful to use the Present Perfect:

A new hospitalhas been constructed in the east of the village.
Therehave been two new roads built around the border of the town.

To get a high score on IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you needuse severalsubordinate clauses:

To the south of the river , a new hotel has been constructed.
Greystones,which has a population of 50,000 , is situated south of Dublin on the seaside.

Describing a map or plan will not be difficult for you if you follow the instructions carefully. Also, try not to lose sight of the information provided and use as many synonyms as possible.

How to use numbers

You can start describing a graph by explaining one of its parts using given numbers. Here it is possible to use both the quantity given in a separate part of the graph, and the percentage of the whole that falls on this part.

Let's look at some examples for the graph below:

We use the given quantitative values. Nap example:

200 units of the ice cream sold weekly are blueberry flavored.
400 of the ice cream cups sold in the school were vanilla flavored.
600 units of chocolate flavored ice cream were sold.

We use percentages

For example:

50% of all ice cream sold were chocolate flavored.
33% of the ice cream sales were the vanilla flavored option.
17% of the school’s ice cream cup sales represented those flavored blueberries.

Based on this data, the school should order this flavor at least for the following weeks, as it does not seem as popular with students, as the chocolate flavored one.

We use phrases starting with an article 'a'.

You can use phrases that convey the meaning of the specified quantity or percentage in the graphs in question. Here are some of them:

a small number a huge number a minority

a large group a small group a majority

Let's look at the example descriptions of the graph below:

You can say:

A small group shows to have taken interest in studying German, as well as, Spanish.
A minority is shown to represent those studying German, Spanish and French.
According to the Eurostat surveya very large number choose to study English. In fact, this number is larger than putting all the other top three languages ​​together.

'of': “Of” meaning “taken from”

One way to start your essay on a given schedule is to use phrases that begin with a preposition“of”.

"Of" Can mean "taken from", for example, in the following phrases:

• Of the research made
• Of the data gathered
• Of the observation made

Let's look at examples for the same “Languages ​​Most Studied” graph:

For example:

Of the survey conducted by Eurostat in 2015, English is the number one language studied in the world.
Of the research made , people who studied English, at 94%, far outnumbered those who studied other languages, the next being only 23% which is French.

Now let’s look at examples for the “Ice Cream Sales” chart:

For example:

Of the data gathered,chocolate shows as the best-selling flavor in the school.
Of the totals derived , vanilla shows as the second most popular flavor to the students.

We use phrases starting with a preposition 'of': “Of” meaning “out of the”

"Of" Can mean “out of the”, for example, in the following phrases:

• Of the participants in the survey
• Of the total number of…
• Of the initial attendants…

Let's look at the examples again for "Languages ​​Most Studied":

For example:

Of the total participants in the survey conducted by Eurostat in 2015, 94% study English.
Of all the languages in the world, the most popular is English.

Now let's look at the examples for “Ice Cream Sales”:

For example:

Of the total number of ice cream cups sold, 400 of them were vanilla.
Of all theflavours of ice cream sold, chocolate is no doubt the best-seller.

Now you know how to deal with the different task types in Part 1 of IELTS Academic Writing. Do not forget that knowing only our tips will not be enough; you will need to practice as often as possible, preferably daily, and at the same time use different types of tasks.

(Academic) is a description of graphs, tables, diagrams, diagrams, maps. Describing IELTS graphs requires knowing the pattern that you will follow when plugging in data from a given chart or table.

However, without specific vocabulary it will be difficult to fill out any sample template. Therefore, please be patient and, most importantly, the desire to remember basic vocabulary, useful phrases and phrases that will need to be used when describing IELTS graphs. So, let's look at the different options for graphs that are found in the IELTS exam and a number of preparatory exercises, by completing which you can develop the skills of describing IELTS graphs.

Task 1. Learn useful vocabulary 1.

a paired bar chart - paired histogram, bar chart
a pie chart
a stacked bar chart
a diagram - diagram, graph
a flow chart - flow chart
a bar graph - bar chart
a bubble diagram - state diagram

Task 2. Name the kinds of charts you can see.

Task 3.

* datum - singular form of DATA

Task 4. Learn useful vocabulary 2.

to level off = level out - level, make even; level out
to fluctuate (fluctuation - n) - fluctuate (oscillation)
to dip - to fall, decline
to plunge - to decline sharply
to soar - to grow rapidly
to surge - increase sharply
to plummet - to decrease sharply

Task 5.

Task 6.

Task 7. Learn useful vocabulary 3.

gradual - gradual
steep - steep
moderate - moderate

Task 8.

Task 9. Learn useful vocabulary 4.

marginally - a little, barely
negligibly - very slightly
remarkably - significantly
steadily - continuously
strikingly - amazing

Task 10.

Task 11.

Task 12.

Task 13.

Task 14.

Task 15.

The graph below shows relative price changes for fresh fruits and vegetables, sugars and sweets, and carbonated drinks between 1978 and 2009. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Data are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and represent the U.S. city ​​averages for all urban consumers in January of each year.

Periodic - periodic, cyclical
Temporarily - temporarily

Read the following model answer. Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word from the box below.

Model answer

The graph shows changes in the price of fresh fruits and vegetables, sugar and sweets, and carbonated drinks over a thirty-year ….. period.…. in the US between 1979….. and….. 2009. The graph also shows the general …. trend…… in the consumer price index during this time.
While the consumer price index showed a slow and ….. steady….. increase from 1979 to 2009, the same cannot be said for the price of carbonated, or soft drinks. After rising briefly between 1979 and 1981, they…. remained……fairly constant until 1999, when the price did begin to increase slowly.
In contrast, there was a marked difference in the price of fresh fruits and vegetables, which, despite….. periodic….. fluctuations, rose …. steadily.….. throughout this period. In fact, fresh food prices only leveled out…. temporarily…… between 1990 and 1992 and again ….. from.…. 2000 to 2001. However, ….. by….. 2008 the price had increased by more than 300%.

Hometask:

1. Learn new words

2. Describe the graph below

Over the past fifty years, there has been significant variation in the percentage of young people in the UK who choose to eat a vegetarian diet.

In 1960, only a small percentage of adolescents (about 1 percent) were vegetarian. There was then a steep increase until 1978, when over 15 per cent were following a vegetarian diet. Thereafter, the percentage fell steadily until 1990 and then fluctuated for a decade. It reached a low point of just 4 per cent in 1996. It has risen gradually since 2000 and is expected to continue to do so over the next few years. After reaching a high point in around 2015, it is projected to decline again and possibly level off by the decade’s end.

Overall, the graph shows two main periods of interest in vegetarianism among young people in the UK: one peaking around 1978 and the second projected to peak approximately forty years later, in 2015.

The material presented in this article in the form of a lesson aimed at developing skills in describing IELTS graphs is combined from various textbooks (Collins, IELTS Advantage Writing Skills, PTE Academic Practice Tests) and educational sites for preparing for IELTS by a teacher