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Task 1 Vocabulary - Know How to Achieve A High Band Score in IELTS Task 1 Writing

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, your ability to describe, analyze, and summarize visual data plays a crucial role in determining your band score. This task requires you to interpret graphs, charts, tables, and diagrams and effectively communicate key trends, comparisons, and proportions using clear, precise, and academically appropriate language. The more structured and well-articulated your report is, the higher your chances of achieving Band 7 or above.

Why Vocabulary Matters in IELTS Task 1

One of the most important factors in scoring well is Lexical Resource, which accounts for 25% of your overall writing score. Many test-takers make the mistake of relying on basic and repetitive words like "goes up," "goes down," or "big change". While these terms convey meaning, they lack precision and sophistication, which can limit your ability to express trends effectively.

 

To achieve Band 7 or higher, you must use a varied and advanced range of vocabulary. Instead of basic verbs like "increase" and "decrease," strong candidates use contextually appropriate terms such as:

✔ Fluctuate (for irregular movements)
✔ Surge (for sharp increases)
✔ Plummet (for rapid declines)
✔ Remain stable (for no significant change)
✔ Account for (for proportions)

 

A diverse vocabulary enhances clarity, prevents excessive repetition, and makes your writing sound more academic and professional.

What You Will Learn in This Guide

Mastering IELTS Task 1 vocabulary is not just about memorizing a list of words—it’s about understanding how to use them effectively in different contexts. This comprehensive guide will provide you with:

✅ Essential vocabulary categories for describing trends, comparisons, and proportions in IELTS Writing Task 1.
✅ Key phrases and sentence structures that make your descriptions clearer, more precise, and logically structured.
✅ Common vocabulary mistakes that could lower your score—and how to avoid them.
✅ Practice exercises to help you integrate high-level vocabulary naturally into your writing.

 

With the right lexical range and strategic approach, you can confidently tackle any type of IELTS Task 1 question, whether it involves a line graph, bar chart, pie chart, table, process diagram, or map comparison.

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Understanding the Requirements of IELTS Task 1

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires you to write a formal and objective report of at least 150 words that describes and summarizes key trends and patterns in visual data. Unlike Task 2, which is an argumentative essay, Task 1 is all about analyzing facts and figures and presenting them in a structured, neutral, and academic tone.

What types of visual data may appear?

The information in Task 1 is presented in one or more of the following formats:

✅ Line graphs – Represent changes over time.
✅ Bar charts – Compare different categories or trends.
✅ Pie charts – Show proportions or percentages.
✅ Tables – Provide numerical data for comparison.
✅ Process diagrams – Illustrate step-by-step processes.
✅ Maps – Show changes in locations, structures, or urban planning.

 

Your job in Task 1 is to:

1️⃣ Identify and interpret the main trends (e.g., an increasing trend in sales, a sharp drop in population, a stable period of growth).
2️⃣ Summarize the key features of the data accurately, avoiding unnecessary details.
3️⃣ Compare key points where relevant (e.g., "Country A had the highest exports, whereas Country B's exports were significantly lower").

 

💡 Important Tip:

  • You should not give opinions or reasons for the trends—your job is to describe what is shown in the visual representation objectively.

  • Always focus on key trends rather than describing every minor detail.

Core Vocabulary Categories for IELTS Task 1

1. Describing Trends and Changes in IELTS Task 1

When analyzing and describing trends in charts or graphs, using a varied and precise vocabulary is crucial for demonstrating a strong command of academic English. The ability to accurately convey increases, decreases, fluctuations, and stability will significantly improve your Lexical Resource score in IELTS Writing Task 1.

​

This section will provide you with:
✅ A wide range of verbs and adverbs to describe trends effectively.
✅ Clear explanations of how to use different vocabulary appropriately.
✅ Example sentences to show how these words function in real IELTS responses.

Key Vocabulary for Describing Trends in IELTS Task 1

Verbs for Describing Changes in Data

Different verbs help express various types of trends or movements in graphs and charts. The key is to use precise language to describe the nature of the change.

Verbs for Describing Changes in Data - IELTS Task 1 Vocabulary

Key Differences Between Similar Words:

  • Surge and soar indicate a rapid and significant increase (e.g., Prices soared by 50% in just two months).

  • Plummet and collapse describe a sharp and sudden decrease (e.g., The value of the stock plummeted after the financial crisis).

  • Oscillate suggests regular or repetitive fluctuations over a period (e.g., The temperature oscillated between 10°C and 15°C throughout the day).

Adverbs for Describing the Degree of Change

Adverbs help modify verbs to indicate the intensity or speed of a trend. Using a variety of adverbs makes your writing more dynamic and precise.

Adverbs for Describing the Degree of Change - IELTS Task 1 Vocabulary

Key Differences Between Similar Words:

  • Dramatically and sharply imply a noticeable and sudden change (e.g., The unemployment rate sharply declined from 8% to 4% in just one year).

  • Gradually and steadily indicate consistent and slow movement (e.g., The price of gold gradually increased over the decade).

  • Slightly and marginally describe minor changes (e.g., The percentage of students enrolling in STEM programs marginally increased from 30% to 32%).

Sentence Structures for Describing Trends in IELTS Task 1

Using varied and grammatically correct sentence structures helps improve both coherence and lexical resource. Here are different ways to describe increasing, decreasing, fluctuating, and stable trends in a natural and structured manner.

Describing an Increase

Sentence Patterns:

  1. (Subject) + (Verb) + (Adverb) + (Time Period)

    • The number of tourists rose dramatically between 2010 and 2015.

  2. (There + be + a/an + adjective + noun + in + subject + time period)

    • There was a significant increase in online sales from 2018 to 2022.

  3. (Subject) + witnessed/experienced + a/an + adjective + noun + (in time period)

    • The company witnessed a sharp rise in revenue over the last decade.

 

Example Sentences:

  • The percentage of students choosing online courses climbed steadily from 25% to 40% over five years.

  • There was a dramatic surge in smartphone sales in 2020.

  • The tech industry experienced a substantial growth in hiring rates between 2015 and 2020.

Describing an Decrease

Sentence Patterns:

  1. (Subject) + (Verb) + (Adverb) + (Time Period)

    • The crime rate dropped sharply in 2019.

  2. (There + be + a/an + adjective + noun + in + subject + time period)

    • There was a noticeable decline in birth rates after 2010.

  3. (Subject) + witnessed/experienced + a/an + adjective + noun + (in time period)

    • The airline industry experienced a steep fall in passenger numbers during the pandemic.

 

Example Sentences:

  • The number of daily newspaper subscriptions fell significantly from 50,000 to 30,000 in just two years.

  • There was a steady decline in coal consumption throughout the 2010s.

  • Retail businesses witnessed a substantial drop in foot traffic during the lockdown period.

Describing Fluctuations (Up & Down Movements)

Sentence Patterns:

  1. (Subject) + (Verb) + (Adverb) + (Time Period)

    • The price of oil fluctuated considerably throughout the year.

  2. (There + be + fluctuations/variations + in + subject + over + time period)

    • There were fluctuations in the number of tourists visiting the country between 2010 and 2020.

 

Example Sentences:

  • The stock market oscillated wildly between gains and losses during the economic crisis.

  • There were noticeable fluctuations in temperature between March and July.

  • The birth rate varied slightly over the past decade.

Describing Stability (No Change)

Sentence Patterns:

  1. (Subject) + (remain/stay) + (adjective) + (time period)

    • The unemployment rate remained constant throughout the first quarter of 2021.

  2. (There + be + no change/stability + in + subject + time period)

    • There was no significant change in consumer spending between 2015 and 2016.

 

Example Sentences:

  • The percentage of online shoppers stayed the same between 2018 and 2019.

  • There was no major variation in the number of students enrolling in arts courses over the last five years.

  • After a rapid increase, the population stabilized at around 1.5 million.

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2. Making Comparisons in IELTS Task 1

When describing charts, graphs, or tables, it’s essential to compare and contrast different data points effectively. Making comparisons allows you to highlight key differences and similarities, helping your report sound analytical and well-structured.

 

This section will provide you with:
✅ Essential comparative and superlative structures to compare different data points.
✅ Clear explanations of how to use these structures effectively.
✅ Engaging example sentences showcasing accurate comparison techniques.

Why Are Comparisons Important in IELTS Task 1?

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are often required to compare multiple categories within the given data. Whether you are describing a bar chart, pie chart, line graph, or table, the ability to effectively compare figures will enhance your coherence and lexical resource scores.

 

🔹 Comparisons help answer key questions like:

  • Which category has the highest or lowest value?

  • How does one trend compare to another?

  • Is there a significant or minor difference between two groups?

By incorporating comparative and superlative structures, you can present detailed and precise observations rather than just listing numbers.

 

💡 Key Tip:

  • Do not just list data points! Instead of writing: "Category A was 50%, Category B was 30%, and Category C was 20%,"
    ➝ Write: "Category A accounted for the largest proportion, nearly twice as much as Category B and over double the share of Category C."

Comparative Structures for IELTS Task 1

Comparative structures help highlight differences between two or more items.

Comparative Structures for IELTS Task 1 Report Writing
​Key Comparative Phrases & Examples

📌 Basic Comparisons (Two Data Points)

  • The unemployment rate in Country A was higher than in Country B.

  • The number of students in 2020 was lower than in 2018.

 

📌 Comparing Degree of Difference (Strong Contrast)

  • Exports in Germany were significantly higher than in France.

  • The use of renewable energy in 2021 was considerably more widespread than in previous years.

 

📌 Comparing Degree of Difference (Small Contrast)

  • The cost of living in New York was slightly higher than in Los Angeles.

  • The percentage of part-time workers in Company A was marginally greater than in Company B.

 

📌 Using “Twice as… as” and “Three Times More” for Proportions

  • The revenue of Company X was twice as high as that of Company Y.

  • The number of students in 2022 was three times more than in 2010.

 

📌 Using "Compared to" for Direct Contrasts

  • Compared to 2015, the number of visitors in 2020 dropped significantly.

  • The sales figures in North America were far greater compared to those in Europe.

 

✅ Example Sentences:

  • The value of exports in 2020 was higher than the value of imports, showing a positive trade balance.

  • In 2022, the number of online shoppers in the UK was significantly greater than in the previous year.

  • The proportion of female graduates was slightly higher than that of male graduates in 2019.

  • Compared to 2010, electricity consumption in 2020 was nearly twice as high.

Superlative Structures for IELTS Task 1

Superlatives are used to highlight the extreme values within a dataset—whether it’s the highest, lowest, most significant, or least common figure.

Superlative Structures for IELTS Task 1 Report Writing
​Key Superlative Phrases & Examples

📌 Highlighting the Highest Value

  • The USA had the highest GDP in 2021.

  • The blue category accounted for the largest proportion in the pie chart.

 

📌 Highlighting the Lowest Value

  • Brazil recorded the lowest birth rate in 2020.

  • Hydropower contributed the smallest share to total electricity production.

 

📌 Describing Extreme Changes

  • The decline in tourism during the pandemic was the most dramatic drop recorded in the past decade.

  • The automotive industry saw the steepest fall in production in 2020.

 

✅ Example Sentences:

  • The pie chart indicates that the highest share belongs to Category A, accounting for nearly 45% of the total.

  • Among all the industries, the IT sector experienced the most substantial growth between 2015 and 2022.

  • Coal represented the least significant source of energy, contributing just 5% to the total energy mix.

  • The tallest skyscraper in the city, built in 2021, is the highest building in the region.

Sentence Structures for Making Comparisons

Here are some useful sentence patterns to describe comparisons effectively:

Simple Comparisons

✅ (A) + is + comparative adjective + than + (B)

  • The unemployment rate in Canada was higher than in Australia.

  • The percentage of students taking online courses was lower than that of students attending in-person classes.

Comparing Two Data Points with Degree of Difference

✅ (A) + is + significantly/slightly + comparative adjective + than + (B)

  • The price of gasoline in 2022 was significantly higher than in 2019.

  • The number of international tourists was marginally greater than domestic tourists in 2021.

Superlative Comparisons

✅ (A) + is + the + superlative adjective + among/in + (group)

  • China had the largest population among the five countries studied.

  • The month of December recorded the lowest temperature of the year.

Using "Compared to"

✅ (Compared to A, B + verb + comparative adjective)

  • Compared to 2010, the number of university graduates in 2020 was significantly higher.

  • Compared to the previous year, smartphone sales rose dramatically in 2022.

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3. Language for Proportions and Percentages in IELTS Task 1

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, pie charts and tables frequently present information in percentages and proportions. To achieve a high band score, it is crucial to describe these percentages accurately, clearly, and with a variety of expressions to demonstrate a wide lexical range.

 

Using diverse vocabulary instead of repeatedly stating "X% of people" can make your response more sophisticated and improve your Lexical Resource score.

 

This section will provide you with:
✅ Essential phrases for expressing proportions and percentages.
✅ Synonyms and alternative expressions to avoid repetition.
✅ Example sentences demonstrating their usage in IELTS Writing Task 1.

Why Are Proportions and Percentages Important in IELTS Task 1?

Many IELTS graphs and charts, especially pie charts and tables, present data in the form of percentages. Describing these proportions effectively allows you to compare different segments, highlight key figures, and summarize the data concisely.

 

For example, instead of writing:
❌ “50% of students preferred online learning.” (basic and repetitive)

 

You can say:
✅ “Half of the students opted for online learning, making it the most popular choice.” (more varied and sophisticated)

 

💡 Key Tip:

  • Do not just state percentages—use comparative structures and proportions to vary your sentence structures.

  • Group similar data together to provide a logical structure to your writing.

Key Phrases for Describing Proportions and Percentages

To enhance variety in your writing, use different phrases and expressions instead of repeating percentages.

Common Phrases for Proportions:
Key Phrases for Describing Proportions and Percentages in IELTS Task 1 Report

✅ Example Sentences:

  • A quarter of the respondents preferred online classes.

  • Approximately one-third of the workforce was employed in the IT sector.

  • Over half of the population relied on public transport for commuting.

  • A small fraction (less than 5%) of the budget was spent on marketing.

Alternative Ways to Express Percentages:

To avoid repetition, use synonyms and varied expressions instead of simply writing "X%."

Alternative Ways to Express Percentages in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Sentences:

  • Nearly one in ten students (10%) studied abroad last year.

  • About two-fifths of the population (40%) owned a car in 2020.

  • The survey revealed that nine out of ten respondents (90%) use social media daily.

 

💡 Key Tip:

  • Use “around” or “approximately” when the percentage is not exact.

    • Around 70% of consumers preferred digital payment methods.

Describing Large and Small Proportions

Large Proportions (More than 50%)

When a category represents a majority or significant percentage, you can use:

Describing Large and Small Proportions in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing
Small Proportions (Less than 10%)

When a category represents a minority or small percentage, use:

Describing Large and Small Proportions in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Sentences:

  • A tiny proportion of students (3%) opted for in-person lectures.

  • A negligible percentage (less than 2%) of people relied on fax machines for communication.

 

💡 Key Tip:

  • Avoid saying “only 5%”—instead, use “a small fraction” or “a negligible amount” for more natural writing.

Advanced Sentence Structures for Describing Proportions

To improve your coherence and cohesion, use complex sentence structures rather than simply listing percentages.

 

✅ Using “account for” or “constitute”

  • E-commerce accounts for nearly one-third of total sales.

  • Manufacturing constitutes approximately a quarter of the workforce.

 

✅ Comparing Different Proportions

  • The percentage of students choosing science was nearly double that of students choosing arts.

  • The proportion of employees working remotely was significantly higher than those in office-based roles.

 

✅ Showing Trends in Proportions Over Time

  • The share of renewable energy in electricity production rose from a tiny fraction to nearly half over the decade.

  • The proportion of mobile banking users grew from around one-fifth to over three-quarters between 2010 and 2020.

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4. Describing Fluctuations and Stability in IELTS Task 1

When analyzing line graphs, bar charts, or tables, you may notice that some values rise and fall repeatedly rather than following a consistent upward or downward trend. This pattern is known as fluctuation. Conversely, some trends may remain stable over time.

 

To achieve a high band score, it is important to:
✅ Use precise vocabulary to describe fluctuations (up and down movements) and stability (no significant change).
✅ Apply intensifiers to describe the degree of change accurately.
✅ Use varied sentence structures to make your description more dynamic and engaging.

Vocabulary for Describing Fluctuations and Stability

Key Vocabulary for Fluctuations (Up & Down Movements)

Fluctuations occur when data does not follow a consistent trend but instead rises and falls periodically.

Vocabulary for Describing Fluctuations and Stability in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing
Key Vocabulary for Stability (No Significant Change)

​Stability refers to situations where data remains the same or changes very little over time.

Vocabulary for Describing Fluctuations and Stability in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing
Intensifiers for Describing Degree of Change

Adding intensifiers helps to express the extent of fluctuations or stability more precisely.

Intensifiers for Describing Degree of Change in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Sentences:

  • The stock prices fluctuated dramatically in response to economic news.

  • After 2021, the housing market stabilized considerably, with prices showing minimal variation.

Sentence Structures for Describing Fluctuations and Stability

Using varied sentence structures makes your writing more sophisticated and improves coherence.

Describing Fluctuations

📌 Sentence Patterns:

  1. (Subject) + (Verb) + (Adverb) + (Time Period)

    • The number of visitors fluctuated significantly between 2010 and 2020.

  2. (There + be + fluctuations in + subject + over + time period)

    • There were noticeable fluctuations in sales figures over the five-year period.

  3. (Subject) + experienced/witnessed + fluctuations + (in time period)

    • The economy experienced sharp fluctuations in response to policy changes.

 

✅ Example Sentences:

  • The population fluctuated moderately over the five-year period.

  • There were considerable variations in energy consumption throughout the year.

​Describing Stability

📌 Sentence Patterns:

  1. (Subject) + (remained constant/stabilized/plateaued) + (Time Period)

    • The interest rate remained constant at 3% throughout 2018.

  2. (There + be + no significant change + in + subject + over + time period)

    • There was no significant change in the number of employees between 2015 and 2018.

  3. (Subject) + reached a stable level at + (number) + (in time period)

    • The market reached a stable level at 10,000 units in 2022.

 

✅ Example Sentences:

  • After a period of fluctuation, the revenue leveled off at around $4 million.

  • The number of internet users remained stable over the decade.

Summarizing or Writing an Overview in IELTS Task 1

A well-written overview is essential for scoring Band 7 or higher in Task Achievement. Your summary should highlight the most important trends without including too many details.

 

✅ Key Elements of a Strong Summary:

  • Mention the most noticeable trend(s) (e.g., significant increases or decreases).

  • Highlight any major comparisons (e.g., the highest and lowest values).

  • Avoid writing numbers or specific details.

Useful Phrases for Summarizing Trends

Useful Phrases for Summarizing Trends in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

Example of Summary / Overview Sentences

✅ Good Summaries without Numbers:

  • Overall, the bar chart shows a consistent increase in the number of graduates over the years.

  • In general, the data suggest a growing trend towards remote work, with fewer people working in traditional office settings.

  • To sum up, renewable energy sources gained popularity, while fossil fuel consumption declined steadily.

 

💡 Key Tip:

  • Avoid including specific figures in the summary. Focus on overall trends instead.

Useful Sentence Structures and Phrases

1. Introducing a Description in IELTS Task 1

When writing IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, the introduction sets the stage for the rest of your response. A clear and concise opening sentence ensures that the examiner understands what type of data is being presented and what aspects are covered in the visual representation.

 

In this section, we will cover:
✅ Common sentence structures for introducing different types of visual data.
✅ Key vocabulary to accurately describe charts, graphs, tables, and diagrams.
✅ Example sentences showcasing different ways to introduce a description effectively.

Why Is a Strong Introduction Important?

Your introduction should provide a brief but precise description of:

1️⃣ What the visual data represents (e.g., sales figures, population changes, or economic trends).
2️⃣ The time period covered (if applicable).
3️⃣ The units of measurement (e.g., percentages, millions, kilograms).

 

A well-written introduction:
✔ Avoids unnecessary repetition.
✔ Sets up the report in a structured and logical manner.
✔ Helps the reader understand the scope of the data before moving to specific details.

 

💡 Key Tip:

  • Your introduction should not contain numbers or detailed trends—those should be included in the main body of your response.

Common Sentence Structures for Introducing Data

Different types of visual data require slightly different introductory phrases. Below are examples of how to introduce each type of chart or graph effectively.

 1. Line Graphs (Showing Trends Over Time)

Sentence Starters:

  • The line graph illustrates the trend in…

  • The graph depicts changes in…

  • The line chart shows how (X) has varied over (time period).

 

✅ Example Sentence:

  • The line graph illustrates the trend in global oil prices between 2000 and 2020.

  • The chart shows how the population of Canada changed from 1990 to 2020.

2. Bar Charts (Comparing Categories)

📌 Sentence Starters:

  • The bar chart provides information on…

  • The bar graph compares the number/percentage of…

  • The chart illustrates differences in…

 

✅ Example Sentence:

  • The bar chart provides information on the average annual rainfall in three regions over a decade.

  • The bar graph compares the number of students enrolled in science and arts courses in 2021.

3. Pie Charts (Proportions and Percentages)

📌 Sentence Starters:

  • The pie chart illustrates the proportion of…

  • The chart shows the percentage breakdown of…

  • The graph depicts how (X) is distributed among (categories).

 

✅ Example Sentence:

  • The pie chart illustrates the proportion of energy sources used in the UK in 2020.

  • The chart shows the percentage breakdown of internet users by age group in 2022.

4. Tables (Numerical Data and Comparisons)

📌 Sentence Starters:

  • The table provides data on…

  • The table presents figures for…

  • The table compares (X) across (years/locations).

 

✅ Example Sentence:

  • The table presents figures for household income levels in five different countries between 2015 and 2020.

  • The table provides data on the number of tourists visiting different European countries in 2019.

5. Process Diagrams (Step-by-Step Descriptions)

📌 Sentence Starters:

  • The diagram illustrates the process of…

  • The flowchart demonstrates how (X) is produced/manufactured.

  • The image depicts the different stages in…

 

✅ Example Sentence:

  • The diagram illustrates the process of wastewater treatment in urban areas.

  • The flowchart demonstrates how plastic bottles are recycled into new products.

6. Maps (Changes in Locations or Infrastructure Over Time)

📌 Sentence Starters:

  • The maps compare changes in…

  • The image illustrates the transformation of…

  • The map shows how (X) has developed between (years).

 

✅ Example Sentence:

  • The maps compare changes in the layout of a small town between 1990 and 2020.

  • The map shows how the transportation network expanded significantly over two decades.

Sample Introductory Sentences for IELTS Task 1 Reports

Here are some full introduction examples for different chart types:

 

📊 Bar Chart:

  • The bar chart illustrates the percentage of people who owned smartphones in five different countries in 2020.

 

📈 Line Graph:

  • The line graph depicts the changes in global temperatures between 1980 and 2020.

 

📑 Table:

  • The table presents data on the literacy rates in ten different regions from 2000 to 2020.

 

🧩 Process Diagram:

  • The diagram illustrates the process of producing electricity from solar panels.

 

🗺️ Map Comparison:

  • The maps compare the development of an industrial area between 1990 and 2020.

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2. Highlighting Key Points in IELTS Task 1

Once you have introduced your visual data, the next step is to draw attention to the most critical trends, patterns, or comparisons. In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, it is essential to highlight key insights concisely while maintaining an academic tone.

 

In this section, we will explore:
✅ Essential phrases for emphasizing key data points.
✅ Sentence structures to make your descriptions more sophisticated.
✅ Examples demonstrating effective ways to highlight trends and comparisons.

Why Is Highlighting Key Trends Important?

Rather than listing numbers mechanically, a high-scoring Task 1 response interprets the data. This means:

✔ Identifying the most significant figures (e.g., highest and lowest values, major changes).
✔ Emphasizing comparisons (e.g., country A vs. country B, 2010 vs. 2020).
✔ Describing noticeable trends (e.g., sharp increases, gradual declines, fluctuations).

 

💡 Key Tip:

  • Your overview (summary paragraph) should focus on key trends without excessive detail.

  • The main body paragraphs can include specific numbers and percentages for more detailed analysis.

Key Phrases for Highlighting Important Trends
General Phrases for Emphasizing Key Trends
General Phrases for Emphasizing Key Trends in IELTS Task 1 Report

✅ Example Sentences:

  • It is evident that the largest proportion of the budget was allocated to education.

  • A notable feature is the steady rise in electric vehicle sales over the decade.

  • It can be clearly seen that public transportation usage peaked during rush hours.

Highlighting the Highest and Lowest Values

To emphasize extreme values (highest or lowest points), use:

Highlighting the Highest and Lowest Values in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Sentences:

  • The highest number of users accessed the platform in December, peaking at 2 million.

  • The lowest proportion of energy consumption came from renewable sources.

Highlighting Major Increases and Decreases

​For sharp or gradual changes, use:

Highlighting Major Increases and Decreases in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Sentences:

  • A sharp increase in smartphone sales was observed between 2010 and 2015.

  • There was a noticeable decline in coal consumption over the last two decades.

Highlighting Comparisons and Contrasts

When comparing two or more categories, use:

Highlighting Comparisons and Contrasts in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Sentences:

  • In comparison, the UK had a much higher literacy rate than India.

  • By contrast, the percentage of female graduates was significantly lower in engineering than in medicine.

​Sentence Structures for Highlighting Key Trends

📌 Basic Structure for Notable Trends:

  • It is evident that (X) was the most popular choice, accounting for (percentage).

  • One striking trend is the sharp increase in (X), while (Y) remained stable.

 

📌 Comparing Two Data Points:

  • Compared to 2010, the number of employees in 2020 was nearly double.

  • While online sales grew significantly, in-store purchases declined by 20%.

 

📌 Describing a Peak or Low Point:

  • The peak value was recorded in (year), with (X) reaching its highest point.

  • The lowest figure was observed in (month/year), falling to just (number).

 

✅ Example Sentences Using Different Structures:

  • It is evident that household expenditure on food remained relatively stable, whereas spending on entertainment rose significantly.

  • By contrast, public transport usage declined slightly, while private vehicle ownership increased dramatically.

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3. Explaining Trends in IELTS Task 1

One of the most critical skills in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is the ability to describe trends effectively. Instead of simply stating that a number increased or decreased, strong candidates provide detailed descriptions using a range of vocabulary, sentence structures, and intensifiers.

 

In this section, you will learn:
✅ How to explain trends concisely and accurately.
✅ Key vocabulary for increases, decreases, and fluctuations.
✅ Sentence structures to describe trends clearly.
✅ Examples demonstrating effective use of trend vocabulary.

Why Is Explaining Trends Important in IELTS Task 1?

The examiner assesses your ability to:

✔ Describe what happens in a graph, chart, or table without misinterpreting the data.
✔ Use varied and precise vocabulary instead of repeating basic words like go up or go down.
✔ Apply correct grammar and sentence structures to present trends smoothly.

 

💡 Key Tip:

  • Always describe the nature of the trend (how fast, how slow, how sharp, how steady).

  • Group similar trends together for better coherence.

Vocabulary for Describing Trends in IELTS Task 1
Vocabulary for Increases (Upward Trends)
Vocabulary for Increases (Upward Trends) - IELTS Task 1 Report Writing
​Vocabulary for Decreases (Downward Trends)
​Vocabulary for Decreases (Downward Trends) - IELTS Task 1 Report Writing
​Vocabulary for Fluctuations (Up and Down Movements)
Vocabulary for Fluctuations (Up and Down Movements) - IELTS Task 1 Report Writing
Vocabulary for Stability (No Significant Change)
Vocabulary for Stability (No Significant Change) - IELTS Task 1 Report Writing
Vocabulary for Stability (No Significant Change)
Vocabulary for Stability (No Significant Change) - IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Sentences:

  • The percentage of electric car owners rose significantly from 5% in 2015 to 25% in 2022.

  • After a period of growth, smartphone sales plateaued at around 3 million units per year.

Sentence Structures for Explaining Trends

Using a variety of sentence structures will make your writing more engaging and grammatically diverse.

 

📌 Basic Sentence Structures:

  • The number of (X) increased/decreased (adverb) between (Year A) and (Year B).

    • The number of students increased dramatically between 2010 and 2020.

  • There was a (adjective) increase/decrease in (X) from (Year A) to (Year B).

    • There was a significant increase in tourism from 2015 to 2019.

 

📌 Advanced Sentence Structures:

  • The number of (X) saw/witnessed/experienced a (adjective) increase/decrease over the period.

    • The country experienced a sharp decline in coal production.

  • After (event), (X) stabilized at (value).

    • After peaking in 2018, the population stabilized at around 1.5 million.

Example Sentences for Different Trends

✅ Describing an Increase:

  • The number of university applicants rose steadily between 2010 and 2020.

  • There was a substantial growth in the adoption of electric cars from 2015 to 2022.

 

✅ Describing a Decrease:

  • The use of printed newspapers declined dramatically over the past decade.

  • There was a gradual drop in manufacturing jobs from 2000 to 2010.

 

✅ Describing Fluctuations:

  • The stock market fluctuated slightly throughout the first quarter of the year.

  • There were significant variations in the number of daily passengers on public transport.

 

✅ Describing Stability:

  • The proportion of GDP spent on healthcare remained constant at around 8%.

  • After 2020, fuel prices stabilized at approximately $2 per liter.

Formal vs. Informal Expressions in IELTS Writing Task 1

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, using formal language is crucial to achieving a high band score. Since Task 1 requires candidates to describe and analyze data in a neutral and academic tone, it is essential to avoid informal expressions, contractions, and overly simplistic vocabulary.

 

In this section, you will learn:
✅ Why formal language is essential in IELTS Academic Writing.
✅ Common informal words and their formal alternatives.
✅ Example sentences to illustrate formal vocabulary in use.
✅ Common mistakes to avoid when using formal language.

Why Formal Language Is Essential in IELTS Task 1

The IELTS Writing Task 1 requires candidates to:
✔ Present and summarize factual information objectively.
✔ Use precise and sophisticated vocabulary.
✔ Maintain a formal, academic tone, suitable for reports.

 

Using formal expressions demonstrates:
🔹 Professionalism – Your response appears structured and well-organized.
🔹 Clarity – Formal words are more precise and accurate than casual terms.
🔹 A strong command of Academic English – Essential for Band 7+ scores.

 

💡 Key Tip:

  • Avoid contractions (don’t, can’t, won’t)—use full forms (do not, cannot, will not).

  • Use objective descriptions instead of personal opinions.

Common Informal vs. Formal Alternatives

Verbs – Replacing Casual Phrasing
Verbs – Replacing Casual Phrasing in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Usage:

❌ The company got a large profit last year.
✅ The company acquired a significant profit last year.

​Nouns – Using Precise Academic Terms
​Nouns – Using Precise Academic Terms - IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Usage:

❌ A lot of people prefer working from home now.
✅ A significant number of individuals prefer remote work.

Adjectives – Enhancing Precision
Adjectives – Enhancing Precision in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Usage:

❌ There was a big drop in sales last year.
✅ There was a substantial decline in sales last year.

Avoiding Contractions
Avoiding Contractions in IELTS Task 1 Report Writing

✅ Example Usage:

❌ We don’t know if the trend will continue.
✅ We do not know if the trend will continue.

​Avoiding Personal Opinions and Subjective Language

🚫 Avoid informal phrases that express opinions or emotions:


❌ I think the trend is interesting.
✅ The trend demonstrates a notable shift in consumer behavior.

 

❌ It’s clear that more people like online shopping.
✅ The data indicates a growing preference for online shopping.

Example Sentences Using Formal Language

📌 Original Informal Version:
"The graph shows that a lot of people use online banking, and it went up a lot over time. The trend is interesting because more people seem to like digital payments."

 

📌 Improved Formal Version:
"The graph illustrates that a significant proportion of individuals utilize online banking, and the number increased substantially over time. The trend demonstrates a shift toward digital payment preferences."

 

✅ Key Improvements:

  • “Shows” → “Illustrates” (more academic)

  • “A lot of people” → “A significant proportion” (more precise)

  • “Went up a lot” → “Increased substantially” (clearer and more formal)

  • “People seem to like” → “Demonstrates a shift toward” (removes subjectivity)

Overall, achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 1 requires mastering formal academic language, varied vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and clear trend descriptions. Avoiding common mistakes—such as repetitive words, incorrect verb forms, and informal expressions—can significantly improve your Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range scores. Additionally, proofreading for spelling errors and structuring your response logically ensures clarity and coherence.

 

To excel, use precise vocabulary for trends, maintain a neutral and objective tone, and write a clear overview highlighting key patterns. With consistent practice and strategic refinement, you can enhance your writing skills and achieve Band 7 or higher in IELTS Task 1. 🚀 Start practicing today with real graphs and charts to perfect your technique!

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