graph description essay

How to Describe a Graph in Writing [+ 22 Examples]

Graphs are a powerful way to convey data visually, but describing them effectively is crucial.

I’ll guide you through the types of graphs and practical ways to write about them, whether in essays, reports, or presentations. Let’s make data storytelling seamless and comprehensive.

Types of Graphs

Table of Contents

The first thing you need to know are the major types of graphs–and there are several.

Read on to learn the most important points about each one.

Line Graphs

A colorful line chart -- How to Describe a Graph in Writing

Line graphs are essential for displaying changes over time.

Each data point is plotted and connected by a line, making it perfect for tracking trends or progressions.

For instance, it’s often used in business to show quarterly sales or yearly revenue growth.

The slope of the line reveals trends – a steep rise means rapid growth, while a dip signals a decline.

Multiple lines can be included to compare trends across different categories, products, or demographics.

Always label your axes clearly, with time on the x-axis and the measured variable on the y-axis for straightforward comprehension.

A colorful bar chart -- How to Describe a Graph in Writing

Bar graphs excel in comparing different categories or groups.

Each bar represents a category’s value, offering a visual side-by-side comparison.

Their versatility makes them ideal for financial data, demographic information, or survey responses.

Vertical bars emphasize magnitude differences, while horizontal bars are useful when categories are long or numerous.

Each bar should be uniformly spaced to prevent misleading interpretations.

Use different colors or patterns for various groups to enhance readability and clarify distinctions.

Always start the y-axis at zero to accurately represent data differences and avoid exaggerating trends or disparities.

A colorful pie chart -- How to Describe a Graph in Writing

Pie charts visually convey how individual parts contribute to a whole.

Each slice represents a category’s proportion, making it clear how each segment relates to others. Use them when showing relative percentages, like budget allocations or market shares.

The sum of all slices should always equal 100%, so they are not suitable for continuous data or comparisons across time.

Limit the number of slices to 5-7 for clarity.

Highlight critical slices with distinct colors or labels, and consider combining smaller segments into an “Other” category for better visualization.

Scatter Plots

A colorful scatterplot -- How to Describe a Graph in Writing

Scatter plots are crucial when examining relationships between two variables.

Each point represents a pair of data, plotted on the x and y axes.

This method is particularly valuable in scientific research, economics, and marketing, helping to identify trends, correlations, or clusters.

A positive correlation shows that as one variable increases, so does the other, while a negative correlation indicates an inverse relationship.

Clusters suggest groups with shared characteristics.

A trend line can be drawn to illustrate the relationship between variables.

Scatter plots are excellent for identifying outliers that may warrant further investigation.

A colorful histogram -- How to Describe a Graph in Writing

Histograms look like bar graphs but represent frequency distributions for continuous data.

Data is grouped into bins, where each bar’s height shows the frequency of data points falling within that range.

For instance, histograms can reveal customer age distribution or test scores.

The bins should be of equal size, and the data continuous.

Adjust the number of bins according to data spread: too many create a confusing graph, while too few obscure patterns. Unlike bar graphs, histograms shouldn’t have gaps between bars unless there are no data points in that range.

11 Ways to Describe a Graph in Writing

Now let’s go through 11 ways that I’ve found to clearly and cleverly describe graphs in all your writing.

Describing the graph’s shape provides immediate visual insight into trends and patterns.

A linear trend suggests consistent data, while a curved line indicates shifts in growth rate.

Peaks represent rapid growth periods, whereas valleys highlight declines. Flat sections may signal stabilization.

If describing a bar graph, look for patterns like pyramid shapes or skewed distributions.

Pie charts often have distinct shapes when grouped segments stand out.

Highlighting these forms helps readers understand data dynamics quickly.

“The line graph’s shape is linear, showing a consistent rise in revenue.”
“The bar graph forms a pyramid, indicating balanced age distribution.”

Quantify the graph’s data range by focusing on its extremes.

Determine the minimum and maximum values to illustrate fluctuations, whether significant or moderate.

Emphasize the overall range to offer perspective on the extent of the trends.

For instance, large differences between bars or peaks highlight strong growth, while small variations suggest stability.

Providing size context gives your audience a sense of proportion, making the data’s impact more meaningful.

“The graph’s highest point is $12 million, contrasting sharply with its lowest at $1 million.”
“Temperature shifts varied by 40°C, from -20°C in winter to 20°C in summer.”

When describing line graphs, analyze the lines for clues about trends.

Is the line smooth or jagged?

A smooth line suggests stable growth, while jagged lines imply sudden changes.

Pay attention to the slope: a steep incline or decline represents rapid shifts, while a shallow slope signals gradual changes.

Highlight sections where lines intersect, converge, or diverge, indicating crucial turning points or contrasts between data sets.

“The line sharply inclines in Q2, then plateaus in Q3 due to seasonal trends.”
“The two lines cross each other in September, revealing a pivotal shift.”

Axis Labels

Accurate axis labeling clarifies the data categories and units used.

For line graphs, the x-axis typically denotes time or specific groups, while the y-axis indicates the measured value.

Bar graphs require clear labels to identify the represented categories.

Scatter plots often show correlations, so it’s essential to label both variables accurately.

Incorrect labeling can lead to confusion, so ensure your axes directly correspond to the data presented.

“On the bar graph, the x-axis shows months, and the y-axis tracks monthly revenue.”
“The scatter plot’s x-axis measures advertising expenses, while the y-axis records sales.”

Identifying and describing trends helps readers grasp the graph’s narrative.

Is there a general upward or downward trajectory? Are trends consistent, fluctuating, or mixed?

An upward trend signifies growth, while downward trends indicate decline.

If trends fluctuate significantly, highlight potential causes like seasonality or market changes.

Trends can also differ between data sets in the same graph, so compare trends side by side.

“The graph reveals an upward trend in quarterly revenue, suggesting steady business growth.”
“Despite fluctuations, the overall trend is downward, indicating reduced consumer interest.”

Comparisons

When comparing multiple data sets in the same graph, focus on similarities and differences.

Highlight which sets lead or lag, noting by how much.

Compare growth rates, peak times, or relative sizes between bars or lines. Emphasize differences that are statistically significant or exceed expectations.

Highlight where data sets converge or diverge, offering insights into critical market trends or strategic opportunities.

“Product A outsold Product B, particularly in Q2 and Q3.”
“While Company X’s revenue plateaued, Company Y showed remarkable growth.”

Identifying anomalies brings attention to unexpected data points that break the pattern.

Outliers, significant spikes, or dips can indicate errors, market disruptions, or seasonal effects.

Comparing these to broader trends can help interpret their significance.

Outliers might need verification, especially if they contradict the general pattern. Recognizing anomalies also guides corrective actions or further analysis.

“A sudden spike in Q1 2023 was due to a successful marketing campaign.”
“The outlier data point in November appears inconsistent with historical trends.”

Gaps and Inconsistencies

Gaps or inconsistencies highlight where data is incomplete or missing, complicating analysis.

Gaps might result from system errors, data unavailability, or incomplete data sets.

Label these gaps clearly to prevent misinterpretation. Inconsistencies may also arise from misaligned data categories, differing collection periods, or varied data sources.

Understanding and explaining these gaps or inconsistencies is crucial for accurate reporting.

“Data gaps between Q3 and Q4 make trend analysis challenging.”
“Sales data for Europe is inconsistent, possibly due to reporting delays.”

Understanding and conveying the unit of measurement is essential for accurate interpretation.

Whether it’s dollars, percentages, or thousands of items, units contextualize data and allow accurate comparisons.

Inconsistent units across multiple graphs can lead to confusion, so ensure they’re uniformly labeled.

For continuous data, specify the increments used along the y-axis.

“Profits are measured in millions of dollars along the y-axis.”
“Population size is recorded in thousands, revealing a significant growth trend.”

Colors and Patterns

Effective color and pattern use make graphs more readable.

Use contrasting colors to distinguish between data sets or groups. Patterns can help differentiate data if colors are not an option.

Avoid overusing color, which can cause confusion or distract from key insights.

Ensure that color choices align with industry standards or audience preferences, and label colors/patterns clearly.

“Blue represents the North region, while green highlights the West.”
“The dotted line marks international sales, while the solid line shows domestic trends.”

Clarify the graph’s primary purpose – whether it’s to compare, analyze trends, or identify correlations.

Knowing the graph’s goal helps focus on the most relevant insights.

For comparisons, emphasize differences and similarities.

For trends, focus on direction and consistency. Correlation graphs should highlight relationships between variables.

Clearly stating the graph’s purpose enables the audience to understand the intended takeaway.

“The bar graph compares the revenue of different departments over five years.”
“The scatter plot correlates customer satisfaction scores with net promoter scores.”

Here is a good video about how to describe a graph:

Paragraph Examples of Describing a Graph

Here are three examples of how to describe a graph in a paragraph.

Line Graph Analysis

The line graph displays quarterly revenue growth from 2019 to 2023. We see a steady increase from Q1 2019 to Q4 2020, followed by a sudden decline due to the pandemic. Revenue rebounded quickly in Q1 2021 and remained on an upward trajectory since, suggesting economic resilience despite setbacks.

Bar Graph Analysis

The bar graph compares monthly sales of three products over a year. Product A consistently outperformed the others, with notable peaks in summer months. Product B showed more stable growth, while Product C had fluctuating sales, possibly due to seasonal demand.

Pie Chart Analysis

The pie chart illustrates the market share of five smartphone brands. Brand X holds the largest share at 40%, followed by Brand Y at 25%. The remaining three brands together capture 35%, highlighting intense competition.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe a Graph in Writing

Describing graphs is crucial for clear data communication.

Remember to identify the graph type, focus on key features, and adapt language for the audience. Let your graph’s story shine.

How to Describe an IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Graph

On the following pages there are lessons to teach you how to write an academic IELTS writing task 1 but in this first lesson you’ll get an overview of how to answer a task 1.

You can also view a video of this lesson:

Once you have studied the general structure, you can view other examples by looking at the model graphs that are on this site.

Alternatively, follow on with these lessons to a variety of strategies and tips to achieve the writing score you need.

Steps to Respond to a Task 1

To analyse this, we’ll look at a line graph. Look at the following question and the graph.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The line graph below shows changes in the amount and type of fast food consumed by Australian teenagers from 1975 to 2000.

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

Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Consumption of Food

There are three basic things you need to structure an IELTS writing task 1.

Introduce the graph
Give an overview
Give the detail

We’ll look at each of these in turn.

Introduce the Graph

You need to begin with one or two sentences that state what the IELTS writing task 1 shows. To do this, paraphrase the title of the graph, making sure you put in a time frame if there is one.

Here is an example for the above line graph:

The line graph compares the fast food consumption of teenagers in Australia between 1975 and 2000, a period of 25 years.

You can see this says the same thing as the title, but in a different way.

Give an Overview

You also need to state what the main trend or trends in the graph are. Don’t give detail such as data here – you are just looking for something that describes what is happening overall.

One thing that stands out in this graph is that one type of fast food fell over the period, whilst the other two increased, so this would be a good overview.

Here is an example:

Overall, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten increased.

This covers the main changes that took place over the whole period.

You may sometimes see this overview as a conclusion. It does not matter if you put it in the conclusion or the introduction when you do an IELTS writing task 1, but you should provide an overview in one of these places.

Give the Detail

You can now give more specific detail in the body paragraphs.

When you give the detail in your body paragraphs in your IELTS writing task 1, you must make reference to the data.

The key to organizing your body paragraphs for an IELTS writing task 1 is to group data together where there are patterns . To do this you need to identify any similarities and differences .

Look at the graph – what things are similar and what things are different? As we have already identified in the overview, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten increased.

So it is clear that pizza and hamburgers were following a similar pattern, but fish and chips were different. On this basis, you can use these as your ‘groups’, and focus one paragraph on fish and chip and the other one on pizza and hamburgers.

Here is an example of the first paragraph:

In 1975, the most popular fast food with Australian teenagers was fish and chips, being eaten 100 times a year. This was far higher than Pizza and hamburgers, which were consumed approximately 5 times a year. However, apart from a brief rise again from 1980 to 1985, the consumption of fish and chips gradually declined over the 25 year timescale to finish at just under 40.

As you can see, the focus is on fish and chips. This does not mean you should not mention the other two foods, as you should still make comparisons of the data as the questions asks.

The second body then focuses on the other foods:

In sharp contrast to this, teenagers ate the other two fast foods at much higher levels. Pizza consumption increased gradually until it overtook the consumption of fish and chips in 1990. It then levelled off from 1995 to 2000. The biggest rise was seen in hamburgers as the occasions they were eaten increased sharply throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, exceeding that of fish and chips in 1985. It finished at the same level that fish and chips began, with consumption at 100 times a year.

Full Model Answer:

The line graph compares the fast food consumption of teenagers in Australia between 1975 and 2000, a period of 25 years. Overall, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten increased.

(194 words)

Now you've been through this first introductory lesson, you can go to the next lesson or start viewing some model answers.

More Task 1 Academic Lessons:

Describing an IELTS task 1 graph over time

This lesson shows you how to write an IELTS task 1 graph or chart that is over time.

IELTS Table: Tips and techniques for a high score.

IELTS Table advice for a high score. Learn how to describe an IELTS table, which is just another way to present data.

Prepositions in Graphs Quiz: Between; from; to; at; of; in; with; by

Prepositions in Graphs: Practice using prepositions in the IELTS test. View a model answer and practice using a gap fill.

Describing IELTS Graphs: Tips to avoid a common mistake

IELTS Graphs: A common mistake In IELTS graphs is to get the subject of the graph wrong. This lesson explains how this mistake is made and show you what you need to do to avoid it. There is a also a practice exercise.

Learn Compare and Contrast Language for IELTS Graphs

Compare and Contrast Language: In the academic IELTS task 1, you have to know the right language if you want to get a band 7 or higher. Practice your IELTS language for bar charts in this task 1 writing lesson.

IELTS Task 1 Line Graph Structure Using Groups

For an IELTS Task 1 Line Graph there are different ways to organise your answer. Grouping information is a good way to get a logically structured response.

Useful Language for IELTS Graphs

This useful language for IELTS graphs looks at phrases for introducing graphs and describing changes

Describing Graph Trends Using the Language of Change

Describing graph trends: In IELTS you must know how to describe the trends that you see in the graph you are given. This lesson provides practice with some common language used to describe trends.

IELTS Process Diagram Strategies and Tips

IELTS Process Diagram: In task 1 of IELTS writing you usually have to describe some kind of graph or chart. But sometimes you get a process. It is therefore crucial that you know how to do this. This easy to follow lesson explains how.

Tips for Organising an IELTS Line Graph

Organising an IELTS Line Graph - This lesson shows you have to improve the coherency of your graph in order to achieve a high band score.

Which Tenses for IELTS are the Most Important?

Candidates often ask which tenses for IELTS are needed in order to do well in the exam. This lesson goes through the grammar tenses and how they apply to the test.

IELTS Bar and Line Graph: How to describe two graphs together

This Bar and Line Graph example shows you how you can write about two charts together in the IELTS test for task 1, with strategies and techniques.

IELTS Pie Chart Strategies and Tips for a Band 7, 8 or 9

This IELTS pie chart lesson provides you with tips and advice on how to describe an IELTS Pie Chart in order to get a Band 7, 8 or 9.

Writing Tips for a Graph in the Future in IELTS Academic

Graph in the future: Sometimes graphs in IELTS refer to a future time. You must know the language to write about these. In this lesson, learn how to write about an IELTS graph in the future. Getting the tenses right is an important part of the IELTS writing task 1.

Take an IELTS Quiz to test your IELTS knowledge

IELTS Quizzes to test and train you on the writing task and task 2 of the IELTS test. Gap fills and multiple choice.

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How to Describe a Graph

Posted by David S. Wills | Oct 31, 2022 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 2

In IELTS writing task 1, you will be asked to describe some sort of visual data. It could be a line graph, a bar chart, a table , a map , a pie chart, or a process diagram . ( Here’s a full list.) In this article, we’re going to ignore some of these and look at how to describe a graph .

I will give you some important advice about how to analyse the data, use the right language, and structure your answer.

Note: This is a general guide to describing graphs. If you want specific instructions for each kind of graph or chart, then please see the following guides:

How to describe a line graph
How to describe a pie chart
How to describe a bar chart

Analysing the Graph

When you are given a graph to describe, you need to take a moment to understand what you are looking at. Don’t rush this. In IELTS, it should be pretty obvious what you are given because the only three graph types you have are:

Line graphs

However, you may have a graph that incorporates the first two or you could be given a line graph and a table, a bar chart and a pie chart, or any combination thereof.

Recognising the type of graph you are given is important because they serve different functions and usually require different language to describe. It’s pretty obvious what they are:

3 types of chart that could appear in ielts writing task 1

As for their functions, typically they do the following:

Line graphs show changes in values over time.
Bar charts compare different types of data.
Pie charts show a proportion of a whole value.

Of these, bar charts probably have the most diverse array of functions and can therefore be the hardest to describe, but that’s not always the case. It totally depends on what is in the data, so analyse it carefully.

Keep in mind that bar charts may present data from different points in time (like a graph does) but that the data may all come from a single point in time. There can also be various types of data included, so don’t jump to conclusions.

Choosing the Right Language

If you want to know how to describe a graph, then you need to know the right type of language to use. Of course, that will largely depend on the data in the graph. You will need different vocabulary for prices, populations, interest rates, and so on.

You also need to use grammar carefully because picking the wrong verb tense could really confuse your reader. Thus, pay attention to any clues about time. Ask yourself:

Is this data from the past, present, or future?
Does it all come from the same point in time?
Is it a prediction?

All of that will impact your description. For example, look at these three bar charts:

They all look the same, right? But each one shows a different period of time , so they would require totally different grammar.

Bar chart 1 shows information from the past.
Bar chart 2 shows information from the past and present
Bar chart 3 shows information that includes future predictions

Thus, we would use different verb tenses:

The price of corn rose from $5 in 2000 to $18 in 2015.
The price of corn has risen from $5 in 2000 to $18.
The price of corn rose from $5 in 2000 to $15 in 2020 and is expected to rise to $18.

You can see that for bar chart 1 I used the past simple tense. For bar chart 2, I used the present perfect. Then, for bar chart 3 I used the past simple and also a speculative future term: “is expected to.”

Structuring your Graph Description

For IELTS writing task 1, you need to group your data intelligently. However, there is no prescribed formula for this. In other words, there are different ways to structure your task 1 essays.

You do, however, need to include a few things:

An introduction that tells the reader what you are describing.
An overview of the data (for example, a main trend).
A detailed description of the main features.

Here are some things that you don’t need to include:

Too much information.
A conclusion.

I generally structure my task 1 reports like this:

Introduction	Introduce the graph Give an overview of the graph
Body paragraph 1	Describe the most notable data
Body paragraph 2	Describe other data

task 1 structure - how to describe a graph

Of course, this is hard to generalise because every graph is different. Sometimes you might have just one body paragraph and sometimes you might have three. You shouldn’t write too much, though, and don’t fragment your description to the point where there are lots of paragraphs or else you will not succeed in terms of Coherence and Cohesion .

You might appreciate these related resources:

How to structure a task 1 essay
A guide to grouping data for task 1

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Describing graphs, charts, diagrams and tables for band 9 in IELTS writing + Best structures and useful vocabulary

The ability to describe graphs, charts, diagrams, and tables is crucial for achieving a high score on the IELTS writing test. This skill demonstrates your proficiency in English and ability to analyze and communicate complex information clearly. This article provides a comprehensive guide on excelling in describing various types of graphs, charts, diagrams, and tables in IELTS writing.

Understanding the nuances of different types of visual data is the first step toward mastering their description. Each type of graph or chart presents unique challenges and opportunities for analysis. Here’s how to approach each one:

Line Graphs

Line graphs depict data points over time, illustrating trends, growth rates, declines, and periodic fluctuations. They can feature single or multiple lines to allow comparisons between different datasets over identical time periods, making them invaluable for showing changes and trends.

Answering Strategies

To excel in describing line graphs, consider the following strategies:

Start with paraphrasing the information provided by the line graph in your introduction. This involves rewording the graph’s title and any accompanying descriptions to introduce the topic without directly copying the text.
Include essential axis information in your introduction if necessary, such as the categories being compared (e.g., years, quantities) and the units of measurement. This sets a clear context for your analysis.
The overview or overall statement is crucial. It should summarize the main trends observed in the graph, including any significant changes or patterns. This part is considered the most important statement in your IELTS Writing Task 1, as it provides a snapshot of your analytical abilities.
Ensure that each sentence in your body paragraphs is supported by specific numbers and dates from the graph. This factual support is vital for credibility and accuracy. Double-check to make sure all the data mentioned is correct.
Use a variety of linking words to connect your ideas and ensure the coherence of your essay. Try to avoid repeating the same linking words, as a range of connectors demonstrates linguistic flexibility.
Aim for around 180 words for Writing Task 1. This is generally considered an appropriate length to adequately describe and analyze the data without being overly verbose or too brief.

Best Essay Structure

Introduction : Paraphrase the line graph’s title and introduce the main categories and units of measurement.
Overview : Provide a summary of the main trends and key features. This is the pivotal part of your essay.
Discuss each main trend in detail, including rises, falls, and periods of stability. Use data points, including numbers and dates, to support your descriptions.
Compare and contrast data where multiple lines are present, highlighting significant differences or similarities.
Conclusion : Reinforce the most significant trend(s) observed or conclude by comparing the initial and final data points.

Basic Vocabulary to Use

Increase: rise, grow, climb
Decrease: fall, drop, decrease
Stability: remain stable, level off, maintain

Advanced Vocabulary to Use

Sharp increase: surge, skyrocket, sharply rise
Gradual decrease: gradually decline, slowly fall, taper off
Long-term stability: consistently maintain, remain steady, show no significant fluctuation

Read Also : IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types and Structures + Samples

Bar charts are utilized to compare quantities across different categories or time periods. Each bar represents a category, and its height or length corresponds to its value or quantity. Bar charts can effectively showcase differences or similarities between groups.

Paraphrase the bar chart information for a concise introduction, typically fitting into one sentence.
Include units of measurement in the introduction if relevant (“Units are measured in…”).
Add essential details such as country names, category names, and dates in the introduction to set the context.
Identify key features of the bar chart, such as the highest and lowest bars, main differences, or notable trends, for the overview.
Compile key features into a coherent overview, crucial for Task Achievement score.
Ensure the essay contains more than one body paragraph, ideally two, to adequately cover the chart’s information.
Organize the information logically across paragraphs, deciding on a logical division for each paragraph’s focus.
Support each statement in the body paragraphs with specific numerical data from the chart.
Use a range of complex sentence structures to demonstrate linguistic capability and enhance readability.
Employ a variety of linking devices to articulate comparisons and contrasts, improving Coherence and Cohesion.
Linking devices examples include “whereas,” “compared to,” and “in comparison with” to structure your analysis clearly.
Practice using model answers to learn effective sentence structures and linking word applications.
Introduction : Introduce the chart by paraphrasing the title.
Overview : Offer a summary of the most significant data points or overall trends.
Detail comparisons between categories.
Discuss any noticeable trends or patterns.
Conclusion : Provide insights or implications based on the data.
High: high, higher, highest
Low: low, lower, lowest
Average: average, moderate, middle
Substantial difference: significant disparity, marked difference, considerable variance
Slight variation: minor fluctuation, slight deviation, negligible difference
Steady growth: consistent growth, steady increase, uniform rise

Read Also : Cohesive Devices for Band 9 in IELTS Writing: The ultimate guide

Pie charts display data as circular charts divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportions as a whole. Each slice’s size indicates the proportion of the part it represents, making pie charts ideal for showing the distribution or composition of a dataset.

Start by paraphrasing the pie chart information for a clear, concise introduction.
Include “Units are measured in…” if units of measurement are relevant and not previously mentioned.
Always highlight the largest and smallest proportions in the overview to provide a clear snapshot of the data distribution.
For tasks with two pie charts from different time periods, emphasize key changes or trends observed.
Use specific pie chart language such as “accounts for,” “comprises of,” and “represents” to describe data accurately.
Structure body paragraphs to focus on comparing and contrasting key changes or trends over time when describing multiple pie charts.
Point out significant proportions, including dominant or notably small categories, to give a balanced view of the data.
Mention significant categories that have seen growth or decline, supporting observations with specific data points.
Ensure the essay flows logically, starting with notable features in the overview and moving to specifics in the body paragraphs.
Use a range of linking words and phrases for cohesion and smooth transitions between points.
Support each point made with accurate data from the chart, demonstrating attention to detail and factual accuracy.
Incorporate complex sentence structures to convey comparisons and changes effectively, showcasing language proficiency.
Vary vocabulary when describing proportions and changes to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.
Introduction : Describe what the pie chart shows, including the dataset and period if applicable.
Overview : Give an overview of the distribution or the most notable proportion(s).
Compare and contrast different slices of the pie.
Discuss any notable data points or trends.
Conclusion : Sum up the key findings or the significance of the distribution.
Large part: majority, largest portion, most significant section
Small part: minority, smaller segment, least significant section
Equal parts: equally divided, similar size, comparable sections
Predominant section: overwhelmingly dominant, largest share, majority stake
Insignificant fraction: negligible portion, minor slice, insignificant piece
Proportional distribution: equitable distribution, proportional allocation, balanced share

Read Also : 15 Sentence Structures for Band 9 Writing in IELTS + Sample passage

Tables organize data in rows and columns, allowing for comparison of information across different variables. Tables can display a wide range of data types and are versatile in presenting detailed information for analysis.

Include all key features in the overview to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the table’s data; merely mentioning one key feature is not enough for a high score.
Organize your essay into structured body paragraphs, focusing on different aspects or sets of data for clarity.
Avoid detailing every single data point; instead, group details by providing averages, ranges, or summaries to convey the information efficiently.
Be selective with the information you include in your report to avoid overwhelming with too many details.
Ensure your essay exceeds 150 words but aim for it to be under 200 words to meet task requirements while maintaining conciseness.
Utilize a variety of linking devices such as “compared to,” “as opposed to,” “in terms of,” and “while” to enhance coherence and demonstrate analytical depth.
Strive for variety in sentence structures to keep the description engaging and avoid monotony.
Accept that some words will be repeated due to the limited number of synonyms for certain terms; focus on demonstrating paraphrasing skills and maintaining accuracy to show linguistic competence.
Remember, the goal is to present the table’s data in a clear, organized manner that highlights your ability to analyze and summarize complex information effectively.
Introduction : Present the table and what it represents.
Overview : Summarize the key findings or general trends observed.
Provide detailed comparisons and analyses of the data presented.
Highlight significant trends, outliers, or patterns.
Conclusion : Conclude with the implications or insights gained from the table.
Increase: rise, grow, upsurge
Decrease: fall, decline, reduction
Consistency: consistent, steady, uniform
Marked increase: significant rise, sharp increase, notable growth
Steep decline: dramatic fall, steep downturn, sharp drop
Statistical significance: statistically significant, notable discrepancy, significant divergence

Read Also : Common grammar mistakes to avoid in the IELTS writing section

Flowcharts/process diagrams

Flowcharts and process diagrams are graphical representations of a process or a sequence of steps and decisions. They depict the flow from one step to the next, using different symbols to represent actions, decisions, and outcomes, making them useful for explaining complex processes.

Study and understand the question first, comprehending the task, the type of the diagram, the number of steps, and the relationship between each step.
Start with the first step and describe each stage sequentially until you reach the end, ensuring a logical flow of information.
Write a single sentence in the introduction by paraphrasing the question, but remember that an overview is essential and contributes significantly to the score. This overview should offer a brief explanation using the key stages of the process.
Avoid simply transcribing diagrammatic information into words; instead, organize the data well for better understanding and clarity.
Use correct linking words to effectively transition and connect the stages of the process, enhancing the coherence of your description.
Include supporting information from the diagram to enrich the discussion in the body paragraphs, avoiding overly generic statements.
Pay attention to the speech and tense used, favoring simple present and present perfect tenses, and be mindful of using active and passive verbs appropriately.
Introduction : Introduce the process depicted by the flowchart.
Overview : Provide a brief overview of the process stages.
Detail each step in the process, including decision points.
Use sequential language to maintain clarity.
Conclusion : Summarize the outcome of the process or its overall efficiency.
Start: begin, start, initiate
Next: then, next, following
End: end, conclude, finish
Initiation: commencement, inception, initiation
Progression: subsequent step, following phase, next stage
Culmination: culmination, conclusion, finalization

Read Also : How to use Complex Sentences in IELTS writing?

Mastering the art of describing various types of graphs, charts, and diagrams is a pivotal step toward achieving your desired score in IELTS Writing Task 1. However, understanding these strategies is just the beginning. To truly excel, consistent practice and feedback are crucial.

This is where Preptical shines as an invaluable resource. By taking Preptical’s online IELTS mock tests , you gain the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a simulated exam environment. More importantly, Preptical offers personalized feedback from experienced examiners, providing you with actionable insights into your performance.

Embrace the chance to refine your skills, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and approach your IELTS preparation with confidence. Start your journey with Preptical today—it’s the best way to practice, improve, and succeed.

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15 Sentence Structures for Band 9 Writing in IELTS + Sample passage

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How To Write an IELTS Bar Chart Essay

There are 5 steps to writing a good IELTS bar chart essay:

1) Analyse the question

2) Identify the main features

3) Write an introduction

4) Write an overview

5) Write the details paragraphs

Use this simple planning process as you practice writing IELTS bar chart essays and you’ll have no problem remembering it in the exam.

Steps 1 and 2 of the planning process should take around 5 minutes. It is essential that you don’t miss these out as they are the key to writing a high-scoring essay.

On this page, I’m going to take you through the whole planning process step-by-step as we work on a practice question.

Before we begin, here’s a model essay structure that you can use as a guideline for all IELTS Academic Task 1 questions.

Ideally, your essay should have 4 paragraphs:

Paragraph 1 – Introduction

Paragraph 2 – Overview

Paragraph 3 – 1 st main feature

Paragraph 4 – 2 nd main feature

Now that we have all these tools we need, we’re ready to begin planning and writing our IELTS bar chart essay.

Here’s our practice question:

The bar chart below shows the sector contributions to India’s gross domestic product from 1960 to 2000.

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

Write at least 150 words.

Contribution as % of India's GDP

Source: EPW Research Foundation

Step 1 – Analyse the question

The format of every Academic Task 1 question is the same. Here is our practice question again with the words that will be included in all questions highlighted .

The bar chart below shows the sector contributions to India’s gross domestic product from 1960 to 2000.

Every question consists of:

Sentence 1 – A brief description of the graphic
Sentence 2 – The instructions
The graphic – chart, graph, table, etc.

Sentence 2 tells you what you have to do.

You must do 3 things:

1. Select the main features.

2. Write about the main features.

3. Compare the main features.

All three tasks refer to the ‘ main features ’ of the graphic. You do not have to write about everything. Just pick out 2 or 3 key features and you’ll have plenty to write about.

Our practice graphic is a dynamic bar chart. That is, it includes a timeline giving data from several different points in time.

So, for this question, we need to identify the main trends (that is, the general developments or changes in situation) in the three key sectors of the Indian economy – agriculture, industry and service – between 1960 and 2000.

Alternatively, a bar chart may be static with the data coming from one point in time, as in the example below. For this graphic, we would need to compare the different variables, that is, the different leisure activities favoured by Canadian boys and girls.

Step 2 – Identify the Main Features

The graphic in IELTS bar chart questions should not be difficult to interpret. Each question has been created to test your language skills, not your mathematics ability.

All you are looking for are the main features. These will usually be the easiest things to spot. As we’ve just seen, the type of key features will depend on whether the bar chart is dynamic or static.

There will be lots of information in the graphic to help you identify them. Here are some useful questions to ask?

What information do the 2 axes give?
Is it dynamic or static?
What are the units of measurements?
What are the time periods?
What can you learn from the title and any labels?
What is the most obvious trend?
Are there any notable similarities?

(I give more detail on how to use these questions, plus downloadable checklists for identifying the main features of all 7 different types of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 questions, in the lesson on How To Understand & Analyse Task 1 Questions .)

So, what main features stand out in our practice graphic?

Here's our practice IELTS bar chart again.

There are 3 main features/trends in this IELTS bar chart:

Main feature 1: The contribution of the agricultural sector dropped steadily.

Main feature 2: The contribution of the service sector increased each decade.

Main feature 3: Industry remained static from 1980 to 2000.

The general trends you select will be the starting point for your essay. You will then go on to add more detail.

With just 20 minutes allowed for Task 1, and a requirement of only 150 words, you won't be able to include many details.

We’re now ready to begin writing our essay. Here’s a reminder of the 4 part structure we’re going to use.

Step 3 – Write an Introduction

In the introduction, you should simply paraphrase the question, that is, say the same thing in a different way. You can do this by using synonyms and changing the sentence structure. For example:

Introduction (Paragraph 1):

The bar graph illustrates the relative percentage contributions made by the agricultural, industrial and service sectors to the Indian economy between 1960 and 2000.

This is all you need to do for the introduction.

Ideally, key words such as ‘sector’ and ‘contributions’ should be replaced by synonyms but there aren’t any obvious words that could be used instead so it’s fine to repeat them. It’s important that your language sounds natural so never try to force in synonyms that don’t quite fit.

Step 4 – Write an Overview (Paragraph 2)

In the second paragraph, you should report the main features you can see in the graph, giving only general information. The detail comes later in the essay. You should also make any clear comparisons you spot.

This is where we write about the general trends. Here are the ones we picked out above.

Now form these ideas into two or three sentences with a total of around 40 words. State the information simply using synonyms where possible. No elaborate vocabulary or grammar structures are required, just the appropriate words and correct verb tenses.

For example:

Overview (Paragraph 2) :

Over the whole time period, the significance of agriculture declined steadily while services grew in importance decade by decade. A different patterned emerged for industry, which initially showed a slowly increasing percentage but then plateaued from 1980 onwards.

Step 5 – Write the 1st Detail Paragraph

Paragraphs 3 and 4 of your IELTS bar chart essay are where you include more detailed information about the data in the graphic. In paragraph 3, you should give evidence to support your first 1 or 2 key features. Don’t forget to make comparisons when relevant.

Here are our first 2 main features again:

And this is an example of what you could write:

Paragraph 3 :

In 1960, agriculture contributed by far the highest percentage of GDP, peaking at 62%, but it then dropped in steady increments to a low of 12% in 2000. The service sector, on the other hand, had a relatively minor impact on the economy in 1960. This situation changed gradually at first, then its percentage contribution jumped from 28% to 43% between 1980 and 1990. By 2000 it matched the high point reached by agriculture in 1960, showing a reversal in the overall trend.

Step 6 – Write the 2nd Detail Paragraph

For the fourth and final paragraph, you do the same thing for your remaining feature/s. We have one main feature left to write about.

Here’s an example of what you could write:

Paragraph 4 :

Industry remained a steady contributor to India’s wealth throughout the period. As a sector, it grew marginally from 16% in 1960 to exactly a quarter in 1980 then remained static for the next two decades, maintaining a constant share of the overall GDP.

Here are the four paragraphs brought together to create our finished essay.

Finished IELTS Bar Chart Essay

(188 words)

This sample IELTS bar chart essay is well over the minimum word limit so you can see that you don’t have space to include very much detail at all. That’s why it is essential to select just a couple of main features to write about.

Now use what you’ve learnt in this lesson to practice answering other IELTS bar chart questions. Start slowly at first and keep practicing until you can plan and write a complete essay in around 20 minutes.

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Ielts academic writing task 1 – all lessons.

IELTS Academic Writing – A summary of the test including important facts, test format & assessment.

Academic Writing Task 1 – The format, the 7 question types & sample questions, assessment & marking criteria. All the key information you need to know.

Understanding Task 1 Questions – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 1 Essay – Discover 3 reasons why you must plan, the 4 simple steps of essay planning and learn a simple 4 part essay structure.

Vocabulary for Task 1 Essays – Learn key vocabulary for a high-scoring essay. Word lists & a downloadable PDF.

Grammar for Task 1 Essays – Essential grammar for Task 1 Academic essays including, verb tenses, key sentence structures, articles & prepositions.

The 7 Question Types:

Click the links below for a step-by-step lesson on each type of Task 1 question.

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How to describe graphs, charts, and diagrams in a presentation

Why you need to know how to describe a graph

Introduce the graph, identify key features, point out important information, share your conclusions, how do you describe a line graph, how do you describe a bar graph, how do you describe a pie chart, introductory phrases, verb tenses, essential graph terms, essential chart terms, microsoft excel online, google sheets, tableau public, improve your graph presentations with online business english tutors.

Do you have to give a presentation ? But do you know how to make it attractive to your listeners? Charts, graphs, and diagrams can help you cope with this task.

When you can articulate data clearly and compellingly, you position yourself as a knowledgeable expert. You will also need this skill to pass the IELTS , which is one of the major English-language tests for non-native English speakers in the world. One of the tasks in the exam is usually to describe and discuss a diagram or any other visuals with figures and facts. Now, let’s review some helpful vocabulary and phrases to describe charts and graphs .

A lot of presentations focus on data and numbers. Sounds boring, right? Apart from essential business presentation phrases , charts, graphs, and diagrams can also help you keep your listeners’ attention . Add them to your presentation, and you will have profound evidence-based work.

When presenting and explaining data charts, graphs, and diagrams, you should help people understand and memorize their main points. Diagrams and other visuals are excellent tools for describing trends or showing relationships between two or more items.

How to describe a graph

Once you create a fascinating graph for your presentation , it is time to know how to describe graphs, charts, and diagrams. Let’s go over the general process for how to do this.

Your first step should be to present the graph to your audience. This means covering high-level information like:

Data source

Here are some examples of how to do this:

This graph shows the relationship between X and Y.
This diagram is a visual representation of the process for…
This chart uses data from the Z Database.
The data in this graph is from 2020.

From there, you can describe the key variables that make up the graph. Graphs and charts typically have an x- and y-axis, which represent different variables. Describing these axes will help the audience understand how the graph displays data.

Here are some helpful phrases for identifying these variables:

The vertical axis shows…
The horizontal axis represents…
This curve illustrates…
The solid line shows…
The shaded area describes…
This colored segment is for…
The red bar…

When describing graphs, start by recognizing the main patterns, trends, or relationships they show. For example, if the chart clearly shows an increase in revenue over the past year, you should highlight that first.

To describe the movement of the line, you should use appropriate verbs , adjectives , and adverbs depending on the kind of action you need to show. For this, you should use the following vocabulary:

Verbs: rise, increase, grow, go up to, climb, boom, peak, fall, decline, decrease, drop, dip, go down, reduce, level up, remain stable, no change, remain steady, stay constant, stay, maintain the same level, crash, collapse, plunge, plummet.
Adjectives: sharp, rapid, huge, dramatic, substantial, considerable, significant, slight, small, minimal, massive.
Adverbs: dramatically, rapidly, hugely, massive, sharply, steeply, considerably, substantially, significantly, slightly, minimally, markedly, quickly, swiftly, suddenly, steadily, gradually, slowly.

You can also identify other notable information, like outliers. This shows you understand the data beyond the surface level.

Once you’ve described what you see in the graph, you need to explain what the data means. To come up with ideas, you can ask yourself questions like:

How does this data affect the future?
How can we learn from this data?
What can we do differently to improve?
What decisions should we make based on this data?

Some ways to explain your conclusions include:

Based on the graph, we can conclude that…
This chart indicates that…
As you can see, user growth has increased in the past year. This means we expect to see more users in the next six months .

This type of graph visualizes data as points on a grid connected with a line to represent trends, changes, or relationships between objects, numbers, dates, or other data . These lines show movement over time affected by the increase or decrease in the key factors.

To describe the graph, follow its progress along the horizontal access and describe whether it goes down, up, or stays the same. Here’s a sample of a line chart with the exam question for the IELTS:

The appropriate vocabulary below will help you understand how to describe such charts:

Bar graphs transform the data into separate bars or columns. Generally, these visuals have categories on the x-axis and the numbers on the y-axis. This allows you to compare statistical data between different groups over time .

Bar graphs also show which category is the largest or the smallest. Each group is independent so that the changes in one do not influence others. The bars or columns can either be drawn vertically or horizontally, as it doesn’t make any difference.

To describe the graph, follow the trend from left to right. Then explain if it goes down, up, or stays the same. The words used to describe bar charts are similar to the ones used for the line charts. Let’s have a look at the exam question for the IELTS writing test:

Here is another excellent example of writing about bar graphs prepared by the British Council as an answer to this exam question. You can also use the following vocabulary to talk about bar charts used in your presentation.

The pie chart primarily illustrates how different parts make up a whole. The best way to present your data in a pie chart is to compare each “slice” of the chart to the others to determine what share of the total each category has . The following comparison words can be used to describe a pie chart :

compared to
as opposed to
the majority of
only a small monitory
greater than

Here we have an example of a pie chart that represents how internet users aged 16+ prefer to browse the web:

The example below demonstrates the best way to summarize data by selecting and reporting the main features:

How to choose the correct language for a chart presentation

Now that you understand how to describe various charts better, let’s zoom out to the presentation in general.

To catch your audience’s attention from the very beginning, you can use the following phrases for introduction:

Let me show you this bar graph…
Let’s turn to this diagram…
I’d like you to look at this map…
If you look at this graph, you will notice…
Let’s have a look at this pie chart…
If you look at this line chart, you will understand…
To illustrate my point, let’s look at some charts…

When describing graphs, you must also be careful about grammar, especially when choosing the verb tense. When you look at the graph, ask yourself these questions:

Is this data from the past, present, or future ?
Does this graph represent the same point in time ?
Is this graph predicting the future ?

Depending on your answers, you’ll end up choosing different tenses. Let’s take a look at these bar charts:

They might look very similar, but if you look more closely, you’ll see that each bar chart represents a different time period. That means they’ll each require a different verb tense.

Bar chart 1 shows data from the past, so we would use the English past simple . For example, “Sales of SUVs increased between 2005 and 2015, then dropped by 2020.”

Bar chart 2 shows data from the past and present, so we would use the English present perfect . For example, “Sales of trucks have slowly risen since 2020.”

Bar chart 3 shows data predictions for the future, so we would use the English future simple . For example, “We expect sales of vans will decrease starting in 2025.”

Vertex (or Node) : A fundamental unit of a graph, representing a point or an entity.
Edge : A connection between two vertices in a graph, representing a relationship or interaction.
Directed graph (or Digraph) : A graph in which edges have a direction, indicating a one-way connection from one vertex to another.
Undirected graph : A graph in which edges have no direction, and the connections between vertices are bidirectional.
Weighted graph : A graph in which each edge is assigned a numerical value or weight, representing a cost, distance, or some other metric.
Degree : The number of edges incident to a vertex. In a directed graph, the degree is often split into in-degree (incoming edges) and out-degree (outgoing edges).
Adjacency : A pair of vertices is said to be adjacent if there is an edge connecting them.
Path : A sequence of vertices where each adjacent pair is connected by an edge.
Cycle : A path that starts and ends at the same vertex, forming a closed loop.
Connected graph : A graph in which there is a path between every pair of vertices.
Disconnected graph : A graph with at least two vertices that do not have a path connecting them.
Subgraph : A graph formed by a subset of the vertices and edges of a larger graph.
Graph traversal : The process of systematically visiting all the vertices and edges of a graph.
Connected components : The maximal connected subgraphs of a graph.
Tree : A connected acyclic graph, where there is exactly one path between any two vertices.
Forest : A collection of disjoint trees or disconnected components.
Graph diameter : The length of the longest shortest path in the graph.
Eulerian graph : A graph in which a single continuous path visits every edge exactly once.
Hamiltonian graph : A graph that contains a Hamiltonian cycle, which is a cycle that visits every vertex exactly once.
Isomorphic graphs : Two graphs are isomorphic if they have the same structure, i.e., the same number of vertices connected in the same way.

These terms provide a foundation for understanding and discussing graph theory, a branch of mathematics that studies the properties and relationships of graphs.

Axis : The reference lines on a chart that define the scale of the data. Typically, there’s a horizontal (x-axis) and a vertical (y-axis).
Data series : A set of related data points that are plotted on the chart. Each series is usually represented by a distinct color or symbol.
Data point : An individual value or set of values representing a specific element of the data, plotted on the chart.
Legend : A key that explains the colors or symbols used to represent different data series on the chart.
Title : A descriptive label that provides information about the content or purpose of the chart.
Labels : Descriptive text used to identify and provide context for specific elements on the chart, such as axis labels, data labels, etc.
X-Axis : The horizontal axis on a chart that represents the independent variable or categories of data.
Y-Axis : The vertical axis on a chart that represents the dependent variable or values of the data.
Bar chart : A chart that uses rectangular bars of varying lengths to represent and compare data values.
Line chart : A chart that displays data points using a series of connected line segments, useful for showing trends over time.
Pie chart : A circular chart divided into slices, each representing a proportion of the whole data set.
Scatter plot : A chart that displays individual data points on a two-dimensional graph to show the relationship between two variables.
Area chart : Similar to a line chart but with the area below the line filled with color to represent the cumulative effect of the data.
Stacked bar/Column chart : A bar or column chart in which the various data series are stacked on top of each other.
Histogram : A chart that displays the distribution of a dataset, showing the frequency of different values or ranges.
Doughnut chart : Similar to a pie chart but with a hole in the center, often used to display multiple sets of data.
Bubble chart : A scatter plot in which a third dimension of the data is shown through the size of markers.
Axis scale : The range and increments on an axis, determining how data values are displayed.
Gridlines : Lines on the chart that help in reading values and aligning data points.

Understanding these terms can enhance your ability to interpret and create effective visualizations.

6 tools for creating graphs and charts

Here are some of the best tools you can use to create graphs and charts, depending on your needs.

Cost: Free for basic features; full features available starting at $6.99/month for personal use
Best use cases: Financial modeling and analysis, budgeting and financial planning

Microsoft Excel Online is the cloud adaptation of the renowned spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel.

It’s also especially known for its ability to craft charts and graphs, making data visualization straightforward. Its integration with other Microsoft Office tools online ensures seamless data management and collaboration.

Cost: Free for individual users; G Suite for businesses starting at $6/user/month
Best use cases: Collaborative projects, data collection through Google Forms, real-time data sharing and editing

Google Sheets is a versatile, cloud-based spreadsheet tool that’s part of Google’s suite of office applications.

While it offers functionalities similar to Excel, its seamless integration with other Google services like Google Drive and Google Forms sets it apart. The chart-making capabilities are robust, with various templates and customization options.

Cost: Free for public use; Tableau Desktop for private and professional use starting at $70/user/month
Best use cases: Advanced data visualization, business intelligence and analysis, public data sharing and storytelling, interactive dashboards

Tableau Public is a premier data visualization tool catering to beginners and professionals. You can transform raw data into interactive and aesthetically pleasing dashboards and visualizations.

One of its unique features is the ability to publish and share these visualizations with a broader audience online. The tool supports drag-and-drop functionality, making it user-friendly even for those without a technical background.

Cost: Free for basic use; professional cloud services starting at $20/month
Best use cases: Scientific and engineering projects, integration with programming languages for custom visualizations

Plotly is a dynamic online platform dedicated to data visualization and analysis. It supports a myriad of chart types, from basic line charts to intricate 3D plots. What sets Plotly apart is its interactive nature; viewers can hover over data points, zoom in, and pan across charts.

The platform also offers APIs for various programming languages, allowing developers to integrate and customize visualizations in their applications.

Cost: Free for basic use; advanced features with Canva Pro starting at $12.95/user/month
Best use cases: Social media graphs, marketing and promotional materials, infographics for blogs and websites

Although predominantly recognized as a graphic design tool, Canva also boasts a suite of features for creating graphs and charts. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can design custom charts without any design experience.

Canva’s vast library of free templates and design elements, combined with its charting capabilities, makes it a go-to tool for visually appealing data representation. It’s especially popular among marketers, bloggers, and social media enthusiasts.

Cost: Free for basic use; paid plans starting at $19/month
Best use cases: Infographics for digital marketing, interactive reports and presentations

Infogram is a digital tool for crafting infographics, charts, and maps. It simplifies the process of turning data into engaging visual stories.

One of its standout features is the ability to make interactive visualizations, enhancing user engagement. With a user-friendly interface and many design options, Infogram is a favorite among journalists, educators, and businesses aiming to present data compellingly.

When creating charts for your presentations, keep them as simple as possible. Charts, graphs, and diagrams should explain themselves. Use the vocabulary in this article to describe your graphs and help your audience understand the importance of your data.

If you want to prepare for an important presentation in English, consulting with an expert is always a great idea . Here at Preply, you can find a massive database of online business English tutors who are always ready to answer all your questions about language learning and help you deliver a presentation like a pro.

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Candice Benjamin is an English teacher with more than 6 years of online teaching experience. Candice has taught English to children and adults alike of various levels, ensuring that each achieves their respective goals. Candice specializes in the IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge exams and creates courses and strategies specific to the needs and goals of each student, to help them achieve their desired grade. Candice is patient and determined to produce significant results for her students.

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Academic practice
General practice
Task 1 Academic
Task 1 General
Task 2 (essay)

Vocabulary to describe graphs

Introducing the graph

gives information about/on ...
provides information about/on ...
illustrates ...
compares ...
explains why ...
describes ...
draws the conclusion of (a survey) ...

Example : The pie charts provide information on the proportion of males and females working in agricultural sector.

Types of changes

a rise (of)

an increase (of)

a growth (of)

a peak (of)

a surge (of)

Example : a rise of prices

a fall (in)

a decrease (in)

a decline (in)

Example : a fall in prices

a fluctuation (of)

a variation (in)

Example : a fluctuation of prices

to increase

Large rises:

to leap (->leapt)

to decrease

Large falls:

to fluctuate

Description of changes

dramatically

significantly

considerably

Example : the prices rose sharply

Example : the prices increased modestly

significant

considerable

substantial

spectacular

Example : there was a considerable growth

Example : there was a gradual decline

Useful phrases

a small fraction, a small number, a small minority

a large portion, a significant majority

nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter, around two thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly one in ten, approximately a third

Useful Vocabulary for Writing an IELTS Graph Essay

ielts graph vocabulary - image by Magoosh

When it comes to IELTS writing task 1, 25% of your marks are for the range of words you use. That means IELTS graph vocabulary is a very important component to review as you prepare for the Writing Task 1. You can start by checking out this IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary guide . And below, I’ll provide an overview of words and useful phrases to incorporate into your writing so that you can get top marks on the lexical resource category and a high band score overall. Basically, the better your IELTS writing chart vocabulary, the higher score you’ll get. It’s not hard, but there is a clear formula to doing well.

How to Use IELTS Graph Vocabulary in Writing Task 1

Because IELTS writing task 1 involves describing a graph or chart of some type, it will help to have a handle on IELTS writing chart vocabulary — words and phrases that help you write about the information on the chart or graph.

How are graphs described in IELTS? Let’s walk through the best vocabulary for the task, step by step.

1. Start With Introduction Phrases

Often ESL students start their essay with ‘The graph shows…’. While this is fine, the verb ‘shows’ could be replaced by a more exciting and high-level vocabulary word. Here are four different prompts to start your essay:

Get a higher IELTS score? Start your online IELTS prep today with Magoosh.

The graph illustrates the trends in…
The graph reveals information about the changes in…
The graph provides the differences between…
The graph presents how X has changed over a period of…
DO NOT write the word below or above in your introduction. i.e. The graph above/below shows…

2. Add Suitable Adverbs

Adverbs help express a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, and degree, and can greatly add some color and interest to your writing as well as show off your range of vocabulary. Unlike adjectives (which describe nouns), adverbs describe verbs, or actions. Here’s a great list of adverbs to use:

Adverb	Meaning
Approximately	Almost, but not completely exact; roughly
Dramatically	By a quick and large amount
Erratically	In a way that is uneven or irregular
Gradually	By slow degrees
Markedly	Noticeably, significantly
Significantly	In a way that is worthy of attention; importantly
Slightly	To a small degree
Slowly	At a slow speed, not quickly
Steadily	In a regular or even way

3. Use Appropriate Synonyms

Again using a variety of nouns and verbs for words like rise and fall will help increase your overall score. Here are some suggestions:

Rise (Noun)	Rise (Verb)	Fall (Verb)	Fall (Noun)	Fluctuate (Verb)
Climb	Increase	Collapse	Decline	Be erratic
Increase	Climb	Decline	Decrease	Be fitful
Improve	Leap	Decrease	Deterioration	Vary
Jump	Pick up	Deteriorate	Dip	Rise and fall
Leap	Surge	Dip	Drop
Move upward	Growth	Drive	Plunge
Rocket		Drop	Freefall
Skyrocket		Go down	Slide
Soar		Plummet	Slip
Shoot up		Plunge	Dive
Pick up		Slide	Reduction
Surge		Slip (back)	Slump
Recover		Slump
		Take a nosedive

4. Add Time Phrases

Below are some excellent time phrases with sentence examples:

Time Phrase	Example Sentence
Between…and	Between 1982 and 1992 there was a steady drop.
From…to	From 1992 to 1996 there was a dramatic increase.
In the year…	In the year 2020, unemployment spiked.
During/over the period	During the 1980s, trends stayed consistent.
over the latter half of the year/century/decade/period	Over the latter half of the century, more women entered the workforce.
over the next/past/previous…	Over the previous year, work-from-home rates sharply increased.
days/weeks/months/years/decades	For several weeks, stock prices have remained stable.
by…	By 1997, market growth had stabilized.

Using IELTS Graph Vocabulary in a Model Essay

Look at the sample IELTS writing Task 1 graphs on the British Council website . Below is my model answer with useful words in bold:

The bar charts illustrate the trends in computer ownership, with a further classification by level of education, from 2002 to 2010.

Over the period, it can be observed that there was a significant surge in the percentage of the population that owned a computer. In the year 2002, only about 58% of the population owned a computer, whereas by 2010 , this gradually increased to where over three-quarters of individuals had a home computer.

Looking at the information by level of education reveals that higher levels of education correspond to higher levels of computer ownership in both of those years. In 2002, a significantly low percentage of the population who did not finish high school had a computer, but this figure skyrocketed by 2010, going from 15% to over 40%. There were also dramatic climbs , of approximately 30 percentage points, for those with a high school diploma or an unfinished college education (reaching 65% and 85%, respectively, in 2010).

To conclude, during the last decade, there has been a substantial growth in computer ownership across all educational levels.

Other IELTS Graph Vocabulary Resources

Keep in mind that IELTS writing task 1 may contain one of several different types of infographic: a bar chart, pie chart, line graph, diagram, etc. Regardless of the type, you’ll want to have a good handle on IELTS writing chart vocabulary.

For more specific guides to the different kinds of graphs, charts, and graphics you may find on IELTS writing task 1, check out the following resources:

How to Describe a Bar Chart
How to Describe a Pie Chart
How to Describe a Map
How to Describe a Process Diagram

You can also check out Magoosh’s IELTS linking words PDF for transitions between ideas. Hopefully you’ll start to incorporate some of these key words and phrases, as well as the above suggestions, in your IELTS Task 1 Writing. If you still don’t feel comfortable doing so, consider dedicating more time to your IELTS studies with Magoosh’s fun, engaging IELTS prep for extra practice.

Eliot Friesen-Meyers is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Magoosh IELTS and TOEFL. He attended Goshen College (B.A.), New York University (M.A.), and Harvard University (M.T.S.), gaining experience and skills in curriculum development, ESOL instruction, online teaching and learning, and IELTS and TOEFL test prep education. Eliot’s teaching career started with Literacy Americorps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later, taught ESL programs at Northeastern University, University of California-Irvine, and Harold Washington College. Eliot was also a speaker at the 2019 TESOL International Conference . With over 10 years of experience, he understands the challenges students face and loves helping them overcome those challenges. Come join Eliot on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram . Recent blog posts Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

View all posts

More from Magoosh

ielts writing task 2 introduction vocabulary - image by Magoosh

11 responses to “Useful Vocabulary for Writing an IELTS Graph Essay”

I would like to get sample of all types of graph eassy

IELTS Liz offers a pretty good range of graphs and charts for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) . You can also get a nice selection of these on the official IELTS websites . And last but not least, Magoosh offers a good selection of these types of questions with a Magoosh IELTS Premium subscription. 🙂

Thank you Magoosh for the comprehensive guide. I’m a subscriber to you GMAT course and is now checking out IELTS.

Wanna ask, I read and watched many other sources that says we should not write a conclusion. However, yours did.

So, is it permissible or not permissible?

The concluding sentence is optional–if you have time to write a concluding sentence after writing and reviewing your essay, then it looks good to have a concluding sentence. If you don’t have time to write a concluding essay or you’d rather focus on other parts of your essay, then it’s totally fine to leave it out. You can read more about this in our Complete Guide to IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

“Growth” is not an noun? Because in the board it’s saying that it is a verb

Thanks for pointing this out! It seems like a mistake on our part. We should probably change that to “grow”. I’ll make a note for our writing team to make this change 🙂

I appreciate you very much. Your blog on Useful Words for Writing an IELTS Graph Essay was the outstanding blog ever. You have given so much good information about the new english words & grammar in your post, which will help me in future. Always keep data like this on your website

I have two significant questions. The first one is related to the unit of measurement in over view. Is it academic? And the second one is of conclusion. Do we need to write conclusion?

Hi Aakash, I’m afraid I don’t understand your first question. Can you please provide some more information? For your second question: a conclusion is not necessary. You can add one if you’d like, but it’s more important to spend time analyzing the graph.

This is one of the best among the essay I’ve read recently.

Thanks for the feedback! 🙂

How to score high on a bar graph question in writing task 1

The bar graph task 1 essay accounts for a third of your marks in the writing test so we recommend spending around 20 minutes on it, as this is a third of your time. There are a couple of different structures you can follow when describing an IELTS bar chart .

A strategy for bar graph questions

Essay structure, or how you organise your answer, is very important in academic writing. Today we will teach you a new method – a structure where you assign each sentence of your text to a topic – kind of the opposite of what you usually do when writing task 2 . It may look a little confusing, but this method really works! Just follow our lead for IELTS task 1.

Remember that bar chart and bar graph are synonyms and you can use the phrases interchangeably. Although each bar graph will be different, you are not required to be an expert on the information it shows, just to summarise the information, identify trends and make comparisons. Each bar graph IELTS question is different, so look at as many bar graph examples as you can and practice this strategy until you feel really confident.

How to choose information from the bar graph?

Note that this method is quite flexible and these sentences don’t necessarily need to go in this particular order. You must write them in a way that makes your bar chart description flow naturally. Think about which sentences go together in each body paragraph as well as the introduction paragraph and conclusion. You may also have to repeat a few sentences using different data if you find your graphic contains more information or find a way to mention different groups in one sentence. The structure above is a rough guide to get you started. Once you have looked at the example and are comfortable with this structure, you can use this example as a model to describe different bar charts and answer as many bar graph questions as you can. Just remember to get feedback while you are testing your ideas otherwise, it’s quite difficult to improve.

A bar graph sample question and answer

Now that we have figured out what we want to write about in the description of the bar graph, it’s time to put our data selection skills to use and make comparisons where relevant. It is easy to get lost in all of the information provided by a bar chart as there can be so much data. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind what you are looking for when you are analyzing the chart.

Sample Answer Bar Graph Essay

Sample answer analysis.

In this essay, the introduction paragraph restates the writing prompt. It is not the overview paragraph, which can be either the first or the last paragraph. In this case, the overview appears at the end in which the writer states the overall trends of the bar graph. While the horizontal axis contains information relating to the question keywords, it’s important not to overlook the vertical axis and state clearly how the data is given (for example, is it as percentages, in kilos, or tonnes, or hours?) Make sure you have included this information in the first part of the essay.

You will also notice that the body paragraphs consist of a breakdown of the main features in order of age group to show and compare the difference in amounts of each food category consumed as people grew older, placing the final age group into its own body paragraph. This is because the data showed that there was a fairly significant upward trend in one food type (pulses) that the writer wanted to highlight. And finally, as previously mentioned, the conclusion part of this essay includes the overview, which should consist of a sentence or two about general trends.

Some notes on structure

Click here for more free IELTS bar chart sample essays . You can also find sample IELTS task 1 questions here .

Tips on describing a bar graph in IELTS

Bonus tips to score high on ielts bar graph questions.

Check out one of our free lessons here by clicking on the following link !

Video: How to describe a bar graph

Frequently asked questions (faqs), how to describe bar graph in ielts task 1, how to write task 1 bar graph, how do you write a description of a bar graph, audio tutorial: how to describe a bar chart for the ielts exam, sample bar chart questions and model answers.

Take a look at these bar chart model answers to help you prepare

How To Write a Line Graph Essay: Step By Step Guide

Post author By admin
March 13, 2024

Have you ever stared at a line graph in a textbook, wondering how to turn that squiggly line into a compelling essay? Fear not, fellow learners! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to write a stellar line graph essay, even if you’re new to data analysis or academic writing. So, let’s start with a guide on how to write a line graph essay?

Table of Contents

Why Line Graphs Matter

Data surrounds us, from weather patterns to social media trends. Line graphs are a fantastic tool to visualize changes over time, making them crucial in various fields like science, economics, and even social media marketing. Understanding how to interpret and write about line graphs is a valuable skill for academic success and beyond.

How To Analyze the Graph?

Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take a close look at your line graph. It’s like deciphering a secret code! Here’s what you need to identify:

The Big Picture: What’s the title? Does it give you a clue about the subject matter?
Axes in Action: Identify the X-axis (horizontal) and Y-axis (vertical). What information do they represent? Are there units of measurement (e.g., years, dollars)?
Labels for Clarity: Look for labels for each line on the graph. What do they represent? Are there any legends or keys explaining the lines?
Time Traveler: What time frame does the graph cover? Is it a few months, years, or even decades?
The Ups and Downs: This is where the magic happens! Analyze the trends. Does the line generally increase, decrease, or fluctuate? Are there any specific peaks or drops?

How To Write a Line Graph Essay?

Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets of the graph, let’s craft your essay.

Introduction: Setting the Scene (100-120 words)

Hook: Start with a captivating sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. This could be a surprising fact related to the graph’s topic or a thought-provoking question.
Keyword Introduction: Mention the importance of line graphs and how they help us understand data.
Thesis Statement: Briefly state that you’ll be analyzing the line graph and explaining the trends you observe.

Did you know that smartphone usage has skyrocketed in the last decade? This essay will analyze a line graph depicting this trend, exploring the reasons behind the increase and its potential impact on society.

Overview Paragraph: The Big Picture (80-100 words)

Briefly paraphrase the title of the graph and describe what it depicts.
Highlight the main trends you observed – is there a steady increase, a sharp decline, or something else?
Mention any interesting comparisons between the lines on the graph (if applicable).

The line graph titled “Global Smartphone Usage 2010-2020” reveals a significant rise in smartphone users over this decade. The data shows a steady upward trend, with a slight acceleration in recent years. Notably, the graph also shows a difference in the growth rates between developed and developing countries.

Body Paragraphs: Diving Deeper (300-400 words each)

This is where you showcase your detective skills and explain the trends you identified. Here’s what to focus on in each body paragraph:

Pick a Specific Trend: Choose a key trend you observed in the graph (e.g., a constant increase, a sudden drop).
Support Your Claims: Use evidence from the graph! Mention specific years, numbers, or percentages to illustrate your points.
Explain Why: Don’t just describe, explain! What factors might be contributing to the trend? Consider possible causes related to the topic of the graph.

One significant trend is the steady rise in smartphone users globally. According to the graph, the number of users doubled between 2010 and 2020, from 1 billion to 2 billion. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing affordability of smartphones, the development of user-friendly apps, and the expansion of internet access in many regions.

Conclusion: Wrapping it Up (80-100 words)

You can optionally add a final thought or prediction about the future based on the graph’s data.

In conclusion, the line graph clearly demonstrates the explosive growth in smartphone usage over the past decade. This trend is likely to continue as technology advances and internet access becomes more widespread. Understanding these changes is crucial for businesses, educators, and policymakers to adapt and shape the future of technology and its impact on society.

Key Points To Enhance Reader Experience

Visuals: Consider including an image of the line graph you’re analyzing (with proper attribution if necessary). Annotating specific trends on the image can further enhance understanding.
Real-world Examples: Where relevant, connect the data in the line graph to real-world examples to add context and make your essay more relatable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: How To Write a Line Graph Essay

Just Describing, Not Explaining: Don’t simply describe the trends in the graph. Analyze them and explain why they might be happening.
Ignoring the Title and Labels: The title, axes labels, and any legends are crucial for interpreting the data. Make sure you use the information they provide in your essay.
Making Up Data: Don’t invent information or draw conclusions that aren’t supported by the graph. Stick to the facts!

Bonus Tips: How To Write a Line Graph Essay

Transition Words for a Smooth Flow: Transition words like “however,” “furthermore,” and “in addition” will help connect your ideas and create a logical flow in your essay.
Vary Your Sentence Structure: Don’t be afraid to mix up short and long sentences to keep your writing engaging.
Proofread and Edit: Once you’ve finished writing, take the time to proofread your essay for any grammatical errors or typos. Double-check that your data and interpretations align with the graph.

Additional Tips for Advanced Line Graph Essay Writing

Compare and Contrast: If your line graph has multiple lines, delve deeper into the comparisons between them. Analyze how they rise, fall, or interact with each other.
Consider External Factors: Are there any external events or developments that might explain the trends in the graph? Think outside the box and explore these connections.
Acknowledge Limitations: No data source is perfect. Briefly mention any limitations of the data presented in the graph, such as the timeframe or sample size.

By following these steps and incorporating these tips for How To Write a Line Graph Essay, you’ll be well on your way to writing compelling line graph essays that demonstrate your analytical and communication skills.

Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you analyze line graphs and write about them, the more confident you’ll become. So grab your data, get ready to explore trends, and write those essays like a pro!

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Academic IELTS Task 1 – Useful Vocabulary for Graphs and Diagrams

To get a high score in Task 1 writing of the academic IELTS you need to give accurate and strong description and analyses for the provided graph(s) or diagram. In this minimum 150 word essay it is easy to keep repeating words and numbers. However, this is not good to achieve a high score. In order to get a great band level on this section of the IELTS, you must use a variety of vocabulary that not only describes but also emphasizes the changes, similarities and differences in the data. You should review and practice the vocabulary below. For lots more help with IELTS visit and join today, click here: AEHelp IELTS full course

These verbs are alternatives to the basic rise and fall vocabulary. One benefit of using them is that sometimes they help you avoid repeating too many numbers. If you have a strong verb, you don’t always have to give the exact figure.


soar	the use of water soared in March
leap	the prices leapt to 90% in one year
Climb	populations climbed to over one million by 1980
Rocket	use of cars rocketed in the first decade
Surge	a surge of migration is seen in November

“Soar “and “rocket” are both very strong words that describe large rises. “Rocket” is more sudden. You probably do not need to qualify these verbs with adverbs.
“Leap” shows a large and sudden rise. Again, you probably do not need to qualify it with an adverb.
“Climb” is a relatively neutral verb that can be used with the adverbs below.


Sink	The cost of housing sunk after 2008
Slip back	Use of electricity slipped back to 50 in May
Dip	Divorce rate dipped in the 60s
Drop	A drop in crime can be seen last year
Plummet	Tourists to the city plummets after September

“Plummet” is the strongest word here. It means to fall very quickly and a long way.
“Drop” and “drop” are normally used for fairly small decreases
“Slip back” is used for falls that come after rises
“Drop” and “Dip” are also frequently used as nouns: “a slight dip” “a sudden drop”

Adjectives and adverbs

This is a selection of some of the most common adjectives and adverbs used for trend language. Please be careful. This is an area where it is possible to make low-level mistakes. Make sure that you use adjectives with nouns and adverbs with verbs:

a significant rise – correct (adjective/noun)
rose significant ly – correct (adverb/verb)
a significantly rise – wrong

Please also note the spelling of the adverbs. There is a particular problem with the word “dramatically:

dramatically – correct
dramaticly – wrong
dramaticaly – wrong

Adjectives of Degree


Significant	A significant change	Significantly	Changed significantly
Dramatic	A dramatic shift	Dramatically	Sifts dramatically
Sudden	A sudden rise	Suddenly	Has risen suddenly
Substantial	A substantial gain	Substantially	Gained substantially
Sharp	A sharp decrease	Sharply	Had decreased sharply

“sudden” and “sharp” can be used for relatively minor changes that happen quickly
“spectacular” and “dramatic” are very strong words only used for big changes

Steady Adjectives


Consistent	A consistent flow	Consistently	Flowed consistently
Steady	A steady movement	Steadily	Moved steadily
Constant	Constant shift	Constantly	Sifted constantly

Small adjectives


Slight	A slight rise	Slightly	Rose slightly
Gradual	A gradual fall	Gradually	Has fallen gradually
Marginal	A marginal change	Marginally	Had changed marginally
Modest	A modest increase	Modestly	Increases modestly

“marginal” is a particularly useful word for describing very small changes

Other useful adjectives

These adjectives can be used to describes more general trends


Upward	By looking at the five data points, there appears to be a clear upward pattern in prices
Downward	Over the past quarter century there is a downward trend in use of pesticides
Overall	The overall shift in the market seems to favour the use of nuclear power

“overall” can be used to describe changes in trend over the whole period: very useful in introductions and conclusions
“upward” and “downward” are adjectives: the adverbs are “upwards” and “downwards”

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41 responses to “academic ielts task 1 – useful vocabulary for graphs and diagrams”.

Thank you very much for sharing . I am sure that it is going to be very helpful.

yeah u right isaac caculo.

That is absolutely useful

that is absolutely useful.i need one information .

if i buy the full course, can i get my writing corrected every time?

Thank you very much

what mean plz?

thank you!!

Is very useful,but I need more practice

Hi. My exam will be next Saturday. Im not really confident for it. Can you help me in such a short time?

Using correct verbs and adjectives in describing changes is a great help in making good mark in academic writing task 1.

Hi mate I’ve brought only test material because I didn’t know on first place how to buy full course if I knew it I would have brought full course preparation However, I’ve got no time left have exam after 5days All I need to know can I pay rest of my remaining amount and get full course preparation instead of paying full course preparation fee. I will be grateful for early reply.cheers

hello sir I didn’t get any of your mail

Thanks I’ve brought full course now what I need to know if I would submit my writing task essay 2 how long do u take time for respond

Thanks I’ve bought full course now what I need to know if I would submit my writing task essay 2 how long do u take time for respond**

Hello, AE team. Could you help me please? I have made my first attempt on IELTS writing task 1. Could you please assess the probable score of it. The line graph represents information about the yearly profits of three bakeries in London during a 10-year period. Overall, the biggest earnings were received by Robbie’s Bakery in 2010, while Lovely Loaves experienced a significant decline in the end. In 2000, the most lucrative bakery was Lovely Loaves, earning a bit more than 80,000 pounds a year. This was far higher than Robbie’ Bakery, which yielded about 55,000 pounds, and Bernie’s Buns, which made the annual profit of 20,000 pounds. However, the yearly income of Lovely Loaves fluctuated from 2000 to 2004 and finally it experienced a dramaric fall in 2010. In sharp contrast to this, the two other bakery’s earnings trended upwards. The annual receipt of Robbie’s Bakery remained constant from 2000 to 2005, a period of 5 years. Then, they started to rise in 2006 and reached the highest point of more than 100,000 pounds in 2010. Bernie’s Buns income was at the level of 20,000 pounds in 2000. Then, there was a 6-year period of fluctuation until 2007, when the yearly profit began to increase, exceeding that of Lovely Loaves in the same year and reaching the rate of around 65,000 £ in 2010.

*the two other bakeries’ earnings

Hello, I use some of this words in my writing but unfortunately I did not get more than 5.5 so would to know if it has a Strategy to use the world effectively to improve my soured??

after paying through western union for full online course how to activate account to get access to full online course

Are they typos that are keep appearing as “Sifted” in examples?

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IELTS Sample

20 Recent IELTS Graph samples with answers

The chart below shows how much money is spent in the budget on different sectors by the uae government in 2000..

The charts below show the growth in the population in some of the world’s largest cities as well as the population distribution in urban and rural areas.

Growth in the population in largest cities

The average prices per kilometre of clothing imported into the European Union from six different countries in 1993 and 2003 are shown in the bar chart below.

Prices of clothing imported into the European Union

The bar charts below show the number of hours each teacher spent teaching in different schools in four different countries in 2001.

The line graphs below show the production and demand for steel in million tonnes and the number of workers employed in the steel industry in the UK in 2010.

Production and demand for steel in the UK in 2010

The bar charts and line graph below show the results of a survey conducted over a three-year period to discover what people who live in London think of the city.

What people who live in London think of the city

The pie charts below show the online sales for retail sectors in New Zealand in 2003 and 2013.

The number of tourists visiting Malaysia and Dubai from 1995 to 2003 is presented below.

The bar chart below shows the estimated sales of jeans for two companies next year in Turkey. The pie chart shows the projected market share of the two companies in jeans at the end of next year.

The graph below shows a survey result of 4000 participants who expressed what important aspects they have learned from the internship they have completed.

What important aspects internship students have learned

The graph below shows the top priorities by business companies in the USA in 2016.

The graphs below show the average monthly expenditure on children’s sports and participation in different sports in the UK from 2008 to 2014.

Expenditure on children’s sports & participation in sports, UK

The pie charts below show the online shopping sales for retail sectors in Australia in 2010 and 2015.

The bar chart below shows Scotland’s exports to the rest of the UK and the rest of the world for the year 2014.

Scotland’s exports to the rest of the UK and world

The chart below shows the changes in sales of four different types of books from 2002 to 2012.

The diagram shows the procedure for university entry for high school graduates.

The chart below shows Morocco’s income from different economic sectors in 2003 as well as its income from fishing from 1982 to 2003.

The bar chart below shows the proportions of English men and women of different ages who were living alone in 2011. The pie chart compares the numbers of bedrooms in these one-person households.

English men and women who were living alone in 2011

The diagram below shows the life cycle of a salmon, from egg to adult fish.

The table below shows the worldwide market share of the notebook computer market for manufacturers in the years 2006, 2007 and 2014.

Academic Writing Task 1

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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Figures and Charts

What this handout is about.

This handout will describe how to use figures and tables to present complicated information in a way that is accessible and understandable to your reader.

Do I need a figure/table?

When planning your writing, it is important to consider the best way to communicate information to your audience, especially if you plan to use data in the form of numbers, words, or images that will help you construct and support your argument. Generally speaking, data summaries may take the form of text, tables or figures. Most writers are familiar with textual data summaries and this is often the best way to communicate simple results. A good rule of thumb is to see if you can present your results clearly in a sentence or two. If so, a table or figure is probably unnecessary. If your data are too numerous or complicated to be described adequately in this amount of space, figures and tables can be effective ways of conveying lots of information without cluttering up your text. Additionally, they serve as quick references for your reader and can reveal trends, patterns, or relationships that might otherwise be difficult to grasp.

So what’s the difference between a table and a figure anyway?

Tables present lists of numbers or text in columns and can be used to synthesize existing literature, to explain variables, or to present the wording of survey questions. They are also used to make a paper or article more readable by removing numeric or listed data from the text. Tables are typically used to present raw data, not when you want to show a relationship between variables.

Figures are visual presentations of results. They come in the form of graphs, charts, drawings, photos, or maps. Figures provide visual impact and can effectively communicate your primary finding. Traditionally, they are used to display trends and patterns of relationship, but they can also be used to communicate processes or display complicated data simply. Figures should not duplicate the same information found in tables and vice versa.

Using tables

Tables are easily constructed using your word processor’s table function or a spread sheet program such as Excel. Elements of a table include the Legend or Title, Column Titles, and the Table Body (quantitative or qualitative data). They may also include subheadings and footnotes. Remember that it is just as important to think about the organization of tables as it is to think about the organization of paragraphs. A well-organized table allows readers to grasp the meaning of the data presented with ease, while a disorganized one will leave the reader confused about the data itself, or the significance of the data.

Title: Tables are headed by a number followed by a clear, descriptive title or caption. Conventions regarding title length and content vary by discipline. In the hard sciences, a lengthy explanation of table contents may be acceptable. In other disciplines, titles should be descriptive but short, and any explanation or interpretation of data should take place in the text. Be sure to look up examples from published papers within your discipline that you can use as a model. It may also help to think of the title as the “topic sentence” of the table—it tells the reader what the table is about and how it’s organized. Tables are read from the top down, so titles go above the body of the table and are left-justified.

Column titles: The goal of column headings is to simplify and clarify the table, allowing the reader to understand the components of the table quickly. Therefore, column titles should be brief and descriptive and should include units of analysis.

Table body: This is where your data are located, whether they are numerical or textual. Again, organize your table in a way that helps the reader understand the significance of the data. Be sure to think about what you want your readers to compare, and put that information in the column (up and down) rather than in the row (across). In other words, construct your table so that like elements read down, not across. When using numerical data with decimals, make sure that the decimal points line up. Whole numbers should line up on the right.

Other table elements

Tables should be labeled with a number preceding the table title; tables and figures are labeled independently of one another. Tables should also have lines demarcating different parts of the table (title, column headers, data, and footnotes if present). Gridlines or boxes should not be included in printed versions. Tables may or may not include other elements, such as subheadings or footnotes.

Quick reference for tables

Tables should be:

Centered on the page.
Numbered in the order they appear in the text.
Referenced in the order they appear in the text.
Labeled with the table number and descriptive title above the table.
Labeled with column and/or row labels that describe the data, including units of measurement.
Set apart from the text itself; text does not flow around the table.

Table 1. Physical characteristics of the Doctor in the new series of Doctor Who

	Height	Age (yrs.)
Ninth Doctor	6’0”	41
Tenth Doctor	6’1”	35
Eleventh Doctor	5’11”	25

Table 2. Physical characteristics of the Doctor in the new series of Doctor Who

	Personal Appearance	Wardrobe
Ninth Doctor	Close-cropped hair Blue eyes Slightly stockier build	Black leather jacket Dark colored, v-necked shirts Black combat boots
Tenth Doctor	Longer, mussed-up hair Brown eyes Very thin build	Beige trench coat Pin-striped suit and tie Chuck Taylors
Eleventh Doctor	Longer, side-swept hair Green eyes Slightly stockier build	Brown tweed jacket Bow tie and suspenders Black Boots

Using figures

Figures can take many forms. They may be graphs, diagrams, photos, drawings, or maps. Think deliberately about your purpose and use common sense to choose the most effective figure for communicating the main point. If you want your reader to understand spatial relationships, a map or photograph may be the best choice. If you want to illustrate proportions, experiment with a pie chart or bar graph. If you want to illustrate the relationship between two variables, try a line graph or a scatterplot (more on various types of graphs below). Although there are many types of figures, like tables, they share some typical features: captions, the image itself, and any necessary contextual information (which will vary depending on the type of figure you use).

Figure captions

Figures should be labeled with a number followed by a descriptive caption or title. Captions should be concise but comprehensive. They should describe the data shown, draw attention to important features contained within the figure, and may sometimes also include interpretations of the data. Figures are typically read from the bottom up, so captions go below the figure and are left-justified.

The most important consideration for figures is simplicity. Choose images the viewer can grasp and interpret clearly and quickly. Consider size, resolution, color, and prominence of important features. Figures should be large enough and of sufficient resolution for the viewer to make out details without straining their eyes. Also consider the format your paper will ultimately take. Journals typically publish figures in black and white, so any information coded by color will be lost to the reader. On the other hand, color might be a good choice for papers published to the web or for PowerPoint presentations. In any case, use figure elements like color, line, and pattern for effect, not for flash.

Additional information

Figures should be labeled with a number preceding the table title; tables and figures are numbered independently of one another. Also be sure to include any additional contextual information your viewer needs to understand the figure. For graphs, this may include labels, a legend explaining symbols, and vertical or horizontal tick marks. For maps, you’ll need to include a scale and north arrow. If you’re unsure about contextual information, check out several types of figures that are commonly used in your discipline.

Quick reference for figures

Figures should be:

Labeled (under the figure) with the figure number and appropriate descriptive title (“Figure” can be spelled out [“Figure 1.”] or abbreviated [“Fig. 1.”] as long as you are consistent).
Referenced in the order they appear in the text (i.e. Figure 1 is referenced in the text before Figure 2 and so forth).
Set apart from the text; text should not flow around figures.

Every graph is a figure but not every figure is a graph. Graphs are a particular set of figures that display quantitative relationships between variables. Some of the most common graphs include bar charts, frequency histograms, pie charts, scatter plots, and line graphs, each of which displays trends or relationships within and among datasets in a different way. You’ll need to carefully choose the best graph for your data and the relationship that you want to show. More details about some common graph types are provided below. Some good advice regarding the construction of graphs is to keep it simple. Remember that the main objective of your graph is communication. If your viewer is unable to visually decode your graph, then you have failed to communicate the information contained within it.

Pie charts are used to show relative proportions, specifically the relationship of a number of parts to the whole. Use pie charts only when the parts of the pie are mutually exclusive categories and the sum of parts adds up to a meaningful whole (100% of something). Pie charts are good at showing “big picture” relationships (i.e. some categories make up “a lot” or “a little” of the whole thing). However, if you want your reader to discern fine distinctions within your data, the pie chart is not for you. Humans are not very good at making comparisons based on angles. We are much better at comparing length, so try a bar chart as an alternative way to show relative proportions. Additionally, pie charts with lots of little slices or slices of very different sizes are difficult to read, so limit yours to 5-7 categories.

The chart shows the relative proportion of fifteen elements in Martian soil, listed in order from “most” to “least”: oxygen, silicon, iron, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, aluminum, sodium, potassium, chlorine, helium, nitrogen, phosphorus, beryllium, and other. Oxygen makes up about ⅓ of the composition, while silicon and iron together make up about ¼. The remaining slices make up smaller proportions, but the percentages aren’t listed in the key and are difficult to estimate. It is also hard to distinguish fifteen colors when comparing the pie chart to the color coded key.

The chart shows the relative proportion of five leisure activities of Venusian teenagers (tanning, trips to Mars, reading, messing with satellites, and stealing Earth cable). Although each of the five slices are about the same size (roughly 20% of the total), the percentage of Venusian teenagers engaging in each activity varies widely (tanning: 80%, trips to Mars: 40%, reading: 12%, messing with satellites: 30%, stealing Earth cable: 77%). Therefore, there is a mismatch between the labels and the actual proportion represented by each activity (in other words, if reading represents 12% of the total, its slice should take up 12% of the pie chart area), which makes the representation inaccurate. In addition, the labels for the five slices add up to 239% (rather than 100%), which makes it impossible to accurately represent this dataset using a pie chart.

Bar graphs are also used to display proportions. In particular, they are useful for showing the relationship between independent and dependent variables, where the independent variables are discrete (often nominal) categories. Some examples are occupation, gender, and species. Bar graphs can be vertical or horizontal. In a vertical bar graph the independent variable is shown on the x axis (left to right) and the dependent variable on the y axis (up and down). In a horizontal one, the dependent variable will be shown on the horizontal (x) axis, the independent on the vertical (y) axis. The scale and origin of the graph should be meaningful. If the dependent (numeric) variable has a natural zero point, it is commonly used as a point of origin for the bar chart. However, zero is not always the best choice. You should experiment with both origin and scale to best show the relevant trends in your data without misleading the viewer in terms of the strength or extent of those trends.

The graph shows the number of male and female spaceship crew members for five different popular television series: Star Trek (1965), Battlestar (1978), Star Trek: TNG (1987), Stargate SG-1 (1997), and Firefly (2002). Because the television series are arranged chronologically on the x-axis, the graph can also be used to look for trends in these numbers over time.

Although the number of crew members for each show is similar (ranging from 9 to 11), the proportion of female and male crew members varies. Star Trek has half as many female crew members as male crew members (3 and 6, respectively), Battlestar has fewer than one-fourth as many female crew members as male crew members (2 and 9, respectively), Star Trek: TNG has four female crew members and six male crew members, Stargate SG-1 has less than one-half as many female crew members as male crew members (3 and 7, respectively), and Firefly has four female and five male crew members.

Frequency histograms/distributions

Frequency histograms are a special type of bar graph that show the relationship between independent and dependent variables, where the independent variable is continuous, rather than discrete. This means that each bar represents a range of values, rather than a single observation. The dependent variables in a histogram are always numeric, but may be absolute (counts) or relative (percentages). Frequency histograms are good for describing populations—examples include the distribution of exam scores for students in a class or the age distribution of the people living in Chapel Hill. You can experiment with bar ranges (also known as “bins”) to achieve the best level of detail, but each range or bin should be of uniform width and clearly labeled.

XY scatter plots

Scatter plots are another way to illustrate the relationship between two variables. In this case, data are displayed as points in an x,y coordinate system, where each point represents one observation along two axes of variation. Often, scatter plots are used to illustrate correlation between two variables—as one variable increases, the other increases (positive correlation) or decreases (negative correlation). However, correlation does not necessarily imply that changes in one variable cause changes in the other. For instance, a third, unplotted variable may be causing both. In other words, scatter plots can be used to graph one independent and one dependent variable, or they can be used to plot two independent variables. In cases where one variable is dependent on another (for example, height depends partly on age), plot the independent variable on the horizontal (x) axis, and the dependent variable on the vertical (y) axis. In addition to correlation (a linear relationship), scatter plots can be used to plot non-linear relationships between variables.

The scatter plot shows the relationship between temperature (x-axis, independent variable) and the number of UFO sightings (y-axis, dependent variable) for 53 separate data points. The temperature ranges from about 0°F and 120°F, and the number of UFO sightings ranges from 1 to 10. The plot shows a low number of UFO sightings (ranging from 1 to 4) at temperatures below 80°F and a much wider range of the number of sightings (from 1 to 10) at temperatures above 80°F. It appears that the number of sightings tends to increase as temperature increases, though there are many cases where only a few sightings occur at high temperatures.

XY line graphs

Line graphs are similar to scatter plots in that they display data along two axes of variation. Line graphs, however, plot a series of related values that depict a change in one variable as a function of another, for example, world population (dependent) over time (independent). Individual data points are joined by a line, drawing the viewer’s attention to local change between adjacent points, as well as to larger trends in the data. Line graphs are similar to bar graphs, but are better at showing the rate of change between two points. Line graphs can also be used to compare multiple dependent variables by plotting multiple lines on the same graph.

Example of an XY line graph:

The line graph shows the age (in years) of the actor of each Doctor Who regeneration for the first through the eleventh regeneration. The ages range from a maximum of about 55 in the first regeneration to a minimum of about 25 in the eleventh regeneration. There is a downward trend in the age of the actors over the course of the eleven regenerations.

General tips for graphs

Strive for simplicity. Your data will be complex. Don’t be tempted to convey the complexity of your data in graphical form. Your job (and the job of your graph) is to communicate the most important thing about the data. Think of graphs like you think of paragraphs—if you have several important things to say about your data, make several graphs, each of which highlights one important point you want to make.

Strive for clarity. Make sure that your data are portrayed in a way that is visually clear. Make sure that you have explained the elements of the graph clearly. Consider your audience. Will your reader be familiar with the type of figure you are using (such as a boxplot)? If not, or if you’re not sure, you may need to explain boxplot conventions in the text. Avoid “chartjunk.” Superfluous elements just make graphs visually confusing. Your reader does not want to spend 15 minutes figuring out the point of your graph.

Strive for accuracy. Carefully check your graph for errors. Even a simple graphical error can change the meaning and interpretation of the data. Use graphs responsibly. Don’t manipulate the data so that it looks like it’s saying something it’s not—savvy viewers will see through this ruse, and you will come off as incompetent at best and dishonest at worst.

How should tables and figures interact with text?

Placement of figures and tables within the text is discipline-specific. In manuscripts (such as lab reports and drafts) it is conventional to put tables and figures on separate pages from the text, as near as possible to the place where you first refer to it. You can also put all the figures and tables at the end of the paper to avoid breaking up the text. Figures and tables may also be embedded in the text, as long as the text itself isn’t broken up into small chunks. Complex raw data is conventionally presented in an appendix. Be sure to check on conventions for the placement of figures and tables in your discipline.

You can use text to guide the reader in interpreting the information included in a figure, table, or graph—tell the reader what the figure or table conveys and why it was important to include it.

When referring to tables and graphs from within the text, you can use:

Clauses beginning with “as”: “As shown in Table 1, …”
Passive voice: “Results are shown in Table 1.”
Active voice (if appropriate for your discipline): “Table 1 shows that …”
Parentheses: “Each sample tested positive for three nutrients (Table 1).”

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

American Psychological Association. 2010. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association . 6th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Bates College. 2012. “ Almost everything you wanted to know about making tables and figures.” How to Write a Paper in Scientific Journal Style and Format , January 11, 2012. http://abacus.bates.edu/~ganderso/biology/resources/writing/HTWtablefigs.html.

Cleveland, William S. 1994. The Elements of Graphing Data , 2nd ed. Summit, NJ: Hobart Press..

Council of Science Editors. 2014. Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers , 8th ed. Chicago & London: University of Chicago Press.

University of Chicago Press. 2017. The Chicago Manual of Style , 17th ed. Chicago & London: University of Chicago Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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SBI PO Syllabus 2024 for Prelims and Mains, Detailed Exam Pattern

SBI PO Syllabus 2024 and Exam Pattern have been shared in the article below. Check the SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern for prelims and Mains exam here.

Table of Contents

Candidates who are preparing for the SBI PO Exam should go through the SBI PO Syllabus 2024 and the exam pattern. Having a better and deeper understanding of the syllabus helps candidates prepare for the SBI PO exam better way.

There are 3 major sections in the SBI PO Syllabus- Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and Reasoning. The SBI PO exam will be conducted in 3 different stages Prelims, Mains, Interview & Group Discussion. Candidates can go through this article to get the details of the SBI PO Syllabus and detailed Exam Pattern for both Prelims and Mains.

SBI PO Syllabus 2024

The SBI PO Syllabus for the Prelims and the Mains Exam is almost the same. There is only a slight change in the Mains Section with two extra sections added i.e. General and Banking Awareness . However, the level of difficulty of the SBI PO Mains Paper is a little higher than the Prelims.

The time has come that the candidates aspiring for SBI PO should boost their preparation with the SBI PO Syllabus as SBI has released over 2000 vacancies for the SBI PO 2024 recruitment. If you want to excel in the SBI PO exam, then prepare according to the latest SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern.

SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024: Highlights

The details of the SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern have been tabulated below. Check the stage-wise details for the upcoming SBI PO Exam here.


Exam Conducting Body	State Bank of India (SBI)
Post	Probationary Officer (PO)
Selection Process
Marks Segregation SBI PO Exam
Duration of Exam
Marking scheme	1 mark each for every correct answer in the Online Test
Negative marking	1/4th of the marks assigned to the question in MCQ
Mode of Examination	Online For Paper I and Paper II
Language of examination	English Hindi English Language paper has to be attempted in English.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2024

The following points are the highlights of the SBI PO Prelims Exam:

There will be three sections.
Category-wise merit list will be drawn based on the aggregate marks scored in the Preliminary Exam.
There will be no sectional cut-off . However, there will be an overall cut-off.
There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

The SBI PO Prelims Exam will have 3 sections:

Quantitative Aptitude

English Language



1	English Language	30	30	20 minutes
2	Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20 minutes
3	Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 minutes

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2024

The preliminary examination of the SBI PO exam comprises Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. The complete details of the heading and sub-heading of the sections asked in the Preliminary Exam of the SBI PO exam are discussed below:


Logical Reasoning	Simplification	Reading Comprehension
Alphanumeric Series	Profit & Loss	Cloze Test
Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test	Mixtures & Allegations	Para jumbles
Data Sufficiency	Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices	Miscellaneous
Coded Inequalities	Work & Time	Fill in the blanks
Seating Arrangement	Time & Distance	Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting
Puzzle	Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere	Paragraph Completion
Tabulation	Data Interpretation	Vocabulary
Syllogism	Ratio & Proportion, Percentage	Sentence Improvement
Blood Relations	Number Systems	Word Association
Input-Output	Sequence & Series	Error Spotting
Coding-Decoding	Permutation, Combination &Probability	Verbal Ability

SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2024

Candidates meeting the required cut-off in SBI Prelims will be eligible to appear for the Mains Exam. There are changes in the Mains Section with an increase in the weightage of General Economy/ Banking Awareness and the duration of the test will be 3 hours.

The Descriptive Test has a duration of 30 minutes with a score of 50 marks . This test is conducted to test the writing skills of candidates via Letter Writing and essay Writing.




1	Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	40	50	50 minutes
2	General Economy/ Banking Awareness
3	English Language	35	40	40 minutes
4	Data Analysis & Interpretation	30	50	45 minutes

5.	English Language (Letter Writing & Essay)	02	50	30 minutes
6

The following points are the highlights of the SBI PO Mains Exam:

All the questions will be objective.
This main paper will have four sections for a total of 200 marks.
The duration of the SBI PO Mains Exam will be 3 hours.
The objective test will have separate timing for every section.
There will be no sectional cut-off . There will be only an overall cut-off.
There will be a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect Multiple Choice Question.
The Descriptive Paper of 50 marks is compulsory to attempt.

Note: The descriptive paper of a candidate will be checked only if they qualify in the Objective test as per the qualifying marks decided by the Bank.

SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2024

The Mains Examination of the SBI PO exam comprises 4 sections:

Data Analysis & Interpretation
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
General/Economy/Banking Awareness
The SBI PO Mains syllabus comprises a descriptive test as well. The descriptive test consists of two questions, one letter writing and one essay each of 25 marks making a total of 50 marks.
Candidates need to score passing marks in the descriptive test as well to qualify for the SBI PO mains exam.

The complete syllabus is discussed below:

Data Analysis

The following topics are covered under the Data Analysis section:

Tabular Graph,
Line Graph,
Radar Graph Case-let,
Missing Case DI,
Let it Case DI,
Data Sufficiency,
Probability,
Permutation and Combination

The following topics are covered under the Reasoning section:

Verbal Reasoning,
Circular Seating Arrangement,
Linear Seating Arrangement,
Double Lineup,
Scheduling,
Input-Output,
Blood Relations,
Directions and Distances,
Ordering and Ranking,
Coding and Decoding,
Coded Inequalities,
The course of Action,
Critical Reasoning,
Analytical and Decision Making

The following topics are covered under the English Language section:

Reading Comprehension,
Vocabulary,
Verbal Ability,
Word Association,
Sentence Improvement,
Para Jumbles,
Cloze Test,
Error Spotting,
Fill in the blanks

General Awareness/ Economy/ Banking Awareness

The following topics are covered under the Economy section:

Financial Awareness
Current Affairs
General Knowledge
Static Awareness
Banking and Financial Awareness

Computer Aptitude

The following topics are covered under the Computer Aptitude section:

Keyboard Shortcuts,
Computer Abbreviation,
Microsoft Office,
Computer Hardware,
Computer Software,
Operating System,
Networking,
Computer Fundamentals/ Terminologies,

SBI PO Descriptive Test

The Descriptive Paper which lasts for 30 minutes and is worth 50 marks tests candidates’s English skills through letter writing and essay writing. After passing the preliminary and main exams, candidates move on to the interview phase of the SBI PO exam. The final merit list is determined by the marks obtained in both the main exam and the interview.

SBI PO Interview 2024

Psychometric Test- The Bank may conduct a Psychometric test for personality profiling, of those candidates who will be shortlisted for Phase III. The findings of the test may be placed before the Interview panel to have a thorough perspective on the candidates.

This is the final stage of selection for successful candidates who qualify for the first two phases of the SBI PO exam. The Group Discussion accounts for 20 marks while the Interview is for 30 marks.

The aggregate marks of all the candidates clearing both the Objective Tests and Descriptive tests will be arranged in descending order in each category.
The decided number of candidates in each category, as governed by the Bank will be called for Group Exercises and interviews.
The qualifying marks in Group Discussion & Interview will be as decided by the Bank.

SBI PO 2024 Final Selection

The final score for the SBI PO Exam is calculated keeping the below points in mind:

Marks secured in the Preliminary Exam (Phase-1) will not be considered for selection
Candidates must qualify for Phase-2 and Phase-3 separately to be eligible
Marks secured by the candidates in the SBI PO Mains Exam (out of 250 marks) are converted to out of 75 and marks secured in Group Exercises & Interview (out of 50 marks) are converted to out of 25. This makes the new total score (Mains + GD/PI) to be 100
The aggregate score out of 100 is used for the final merit list for each category. Candidates with top merit rank in each category are finally selected.

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Q1. What is the marking scheme for SBI PO Syllabus 2024?

Ans. There will be three sections: Prelims, Mains, GD, and PI. Prelims will be of 100 marks, Mains of 250 marks including the Descriptive Test while GD & PI will be of 20 and 30 marks respectively.

Q2. Is there a negative marking in SBI PO 2024 Exam?

Ans. Yes, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty to arrive at a corrected score.

Q3. What is the structure of the SBI PO Descriptive Test?

Ans. The description test is based on the English Language, in which a candidate has to write a Letter and an Essay for 50 Marks.

Q4. What are the criteria for final selection as an SBI PO?

Ans. The final selection will be made based on the marks secured in the SBI PO Mains and GD & PI.

Q5. What kind of topics will be asked for SBI PO GD and PI?

Ans. The topics will cover the issues of burning issues of national and international interest. The topics can be related to NPI, Natural Calamity, Women Empowerment, Digitization, etc.

Q6. How can I prepare for SBI PO Exam Online?

Ans. You can study online by visiting adda247.com You will get video lectures, E-books, Books, and other materials as well.

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How to Describe a Graph in Writing [+ 22 Examples]
Providing size context gives your audience a sense of proportion, making the data's impact more meaningful. Examples: "The graph's highest point is $12 million, contrasting sharply with its lowest at $1 million.". "Temperature shifts varied by 40°C, from -20°C in winter to 20°C in summer.".
How to Describe an IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Graph
Introduce the Graph. You need to begin with one or two sentences that state what the IELTS writing task 1 shows. To do this, paraphrase the title of the graph, making sure you put in a time frame if there is one. Here is an example for the above line graph: The line graph compares the fast food consumption of teenagers in Australia between 1975 ...
Graph Description essay
Graph description is related to the section of findings, where researchers often present their data in graphs, or tables, or charts and provide a description to highlight the major trends. Graph description is a basic and important skill in academic writing. Steps in writing a graph description Structure of graph description.
How To Write a Line Graph Essay
Here is the 5 steps process I recommend for planning and writing IELTS line graph essays: 1) Analyse the question. 2) Identify the main features. 3) Write an introduction. 4) Write an overview. 5) Write the details paragraphs. I'm going to take you through the whole process step-by-step as we work on a practice question.
How to Describe a Graph
Structuring your Graph Description. For IELTS writing task 1, you need to group your data intelligently. However, there is no prescribed formula for this. In other words, there are different ways to structure your task 1 essays. You do, however, need to include a few things: An introduction that tells the reader what you are describing.
Describing graphs, charts, diagrams and tables for band 9 in IELTS
Best Essay Structure. Introduction: Paraphrase the line graph's title and introduce the main categories and units of measurement. Overview: Provide a summary of the main trends and key features. This is the pivotal part of your essay. Body Paragraphs: Discuss each main trend in detail, including rises, falls, and periods of stability.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Graph Description Example
So, let's take a look at one example of a graph description in IELTS Writing Task 1. We will analyze the examples from official materials made by the creators of IELTS. Graph 1. Bar chart ; The chart below shows the total number of minutes (in billions) of telephone calls in the UK, divided into three categories, from 1995-2002.
PDF IELTS Academic: Lexis for describing graphs
An activity which helps students use a range of suitable lexis for describing graphs. The session can be used for IELTS preparation or for more general academic writing skills. Time required: 60-70 minutes . Additional materials required: sample task: One copy per student, or display on the board :
IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Describe a Bar Chart
To effectively write about an IELTS Writing Task 1 bar chart, follow these tips. 1. Start by Reading the Title. First and foremost, you should read the title. Often, I have students report on the essay in an inverted order because they didn't read the bar chart title. For example, an IELTS Writing Task 1 bar chart that I give students has the ...
IELTS Bar Chart
There are 5 steps to writing a good IELTS bar chart essay: 1) Analyse the question. 2) Identify the main features. 3) Write an introduction. 4) Write an overview. 5) Write the details paragraphs. Use this simple planning process as you practice writing IELTS bar chart essays and you'll have no problem remembering it in the exam.
Describing Graphs
The graph from The Office of National Statistics (2015) shows GDP growth in the UK over the years 1990 to 2015. The y axis is the percentage of growth while the x axis is the individual 15 years. Analysis: Overall, GDP has remained reasonably stable from 1993 to 2007 and again in 2013 to 2015 within the 2-4% range.
How to describe graphs, charts, and diagrams in a presentation
Vertex (or Node): A fundamental unit of a graph, representing a point or an entity. Edge: A connection between two vertices in a graph, representing a relationship or interaction. Directed graph (or Digraph): A graph in which edges have a direction, indicating a one-way connection from one vertex to another.
PDF INTRODUCTION to writing a graph description
graph description For the IELTS writing test, you are required to complete two writing tasks. Task 1 is some kind of data report, while Task 2 is an essay. You are probably already familiar with how to write an essay, but less familiar with the format and content of a report. So let's look at an example of a graph description, then break it ...
Vocabulary to describe graphs
Useful phrases. a small fraction, a small number, a small minority. a large portion, a significant majority. nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter, around two thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly one in ten, approximately a third. IELTS Task 1 vocabulary: describing graph.
Useful Vocabulary for Writing an IELTS Graph Essay
IELTS Vocabulary. When it comes to IELTS writing task 1, 25% of your marks are for the range of words you use. That means IELTS graph vocabulary is a very important component to review as you prepare for the Writing Task 1. You can start by checking out this IELTS writing task 1 vocabulary guide. And below, I'll provide an overview of words ...
How to describe a bar graph in IELTS Academic Task 1
How to score high on a bar graph question in writing task 1. A horizontal or vertical bar chart could appear on your IELTS academic task 1. You may also get a stacked bar chart question which includes a lot more data than a vertical bar chart. The bar graph task 1 essay accounts for a third of your marks in the writing test so we recommend ...
How To Write a Line Graph Essay: Step By Step Guide
Bonus Tips: How To Write a Line Graph Essay. Transition Words for a Smooth Flow: Transition words like "however," "furthermore," and "in addition" will help connect your ideas and create a logical flow in your essay. Vary Your Sentence Structure: Don't be afraid to mix up short and long sentences to keep your writing engaging.
Useful Vocabulary for Graphs and Diagrams
Academic IELTS Task 1 - Useful Vocabulary for Graphs and Diagrams. To get a high score in Task 1 writing of the academic IELTS you need to give accurate and strong description and analyses for the provided graph (s) or diagram. In this minimum 150 word essay it is easy to keep repeating words and numbers. However, this is not good to achieve ...
Describing a graph of trends over time
Look at the exam question, line graph and answer and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. Instructions. Do the preparation exercise first. Then read the exam question and answer and do the other exercises. ... Describing a graph of trends over time - essay 509.41 KB. Describing a graph of trends over time - writing practice 379.48 ...
20 Recent IELTS Graph samples with answers
Recent IELTS Graph 20: The table below shows the worldwide market share of the notebook computer market for manufacturers in the years 2006, 2007 and 2014. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Answer: The table gives information about the percentages of international market shares of different notebook computer brands in ...
Figures and Charts
Every graph is a figure but not every figure is a graph. Graphs are a particular set of figures that display quantitative relationships between variables. Some of the most common graphs include bar charts, frequency histograms, pie charts, scatter plots, and line graphs, each of which displays trends or relationships within and among datasets ...
SBI PO Syllabus 2024 for Prelims and Mains, Detailed Exam Pattern
The Descriptive Test has a duration of 30 minutes with a score of 50 marks. This test is conducted to test the writing skills of candidates via Letter Writing and essay Writing. SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024: Mains: S.No. Section: No. of Questions: Maximum Marks: ... Tabular Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Bar Graph, Radar Graph Case-let, Missing Case ...

How to Describe a Graph in Writing [+ 22 Examples]

Types of Graphs

Line Graphs

Scatter Plots

11 Ways to Describe a Graph in Writing

Axis Labels

Comparisons

Gaps and Inconsistencies

Colors and Patterns

Paragraph Examples of Describing a Graph

Line Graph Analysis

Bar Graph Analysis

Pie Chart Analysis

Final Thoughts: How to Describe a Graph in Writing

How to Describe an IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Graph

Steps to Respond to a Task 1

Introduce the Graph

Give an Overview

Give the Detail

Full Model Answer:

More Task 1 Academic Lessons:

Describing an IELTS task 1 graph over time

IELTS Table: Tips and techniques for a high score.

Prepositions in Graphs Quiz: Between; from; to; at; of; in; with; by

Describing IELTS Graphs: Tips to avoid a common mistake

Learn Compare and Contrast Language for IELTS Graphs

IELTS Task 1 Line Graph Structure Using Groups

Useful Language for IELTS Graphs

Describing Graph Trends Using the Language of Change

IELTS Process Diagram Strategies and Tips

Tips for Organising an IELTS Line Graph

Which Tenses for IELTS are the Most Important?

IELTS Bar and Line Graph: How to describe two graphs together

IELTS Pie Chart Strategies and Tips for a Band 7, 8 or 9

Writing Tips for a Graph in the Future in IELTS Academic

Take an IELTS Quiz to test your IELTS knowledge

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How to Describe a Graph

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Describing graphs, charts, diagrams and tables for band 9 in IELTS writing + Best structures and useful vocabulary

Line Graphs

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Best Essay Structure

Basic Vocabulary to Use

Advanced Vocabulary to Use

Flowcharts/process diagrams

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How To Write an IELTS Bar Chart Essay

Step 1 – Analyse the question

Step 2 – Identify the Main Features

Step 3 – Write an Introduction