1. | Read the title and labels on the graph as well as the instructions. | |
- | Note down 2-3 synonyms for key words/phrases | |
- | Write down introductory sentence, trying not to copy phrases |
2. | Analyse the information in the graph, looking at the overall trend(s). | |
- | Write the rest of your introduction, explaining the main trend(s) |
3. | Plan your body paragraphs (one paragraph for each trend) | |
- | Draft a topic sentence for each paragraph |
4. | Choose the most important details that will support your statement(s) or main trend(s). | |
- | Write the rest of the main body paragraphs | |
- | Remember to include key figures from the data |
5. | Think about how to restate the main trend(s) in the graph using different words. | |
- | Write the conclusion, paraphrasing the main trend(s) |
6. | Proofread your description. | |
- | Grammar: accuracy of noun phrases and verb phrases, correct verb tenses and prepositions | |
- | Organisation/coherence: linking words and variety of phrases/conjunctions | |
- | Content: is the information accurate and detailed enough? Do the details support the topic sentences? |
Introduction paragraph | The introduction consists of two parts: (1) an opening sentence explaining what the graph is about (2) one or two sentences describing the overall trend |
Body paragraph 1 | First main fact and supporting details relating to overall trend |
Body paragraph 2 | Second main fact and supporting details relating to overall trend |
Concluding paragraph | A brief summary of the most important information you perceive from the data |
Direction of trend | Verb | Noun |
➜ (going up) | increased (to) rose (to) went up (to) climbed (to) |
an increase a rise a growth a growth/an upward trend |
➜ (going down) | decreased (to) fell (to) declined (to) dipped (to) dropped (to) reduced (to) went down (to) |
a decrease a fall a decline a dip a drop a reduction |
➜ (staying the same) | did not change remained steady (at) remained stable (at) maintained the same level stayed constant (at) |
no change no variation fixed/stable situation constant state evening/leveling out |
The general rule is:
Match the word/phrase with the trend.