Interpreting Graphical Data in the IELTS: Useful Vocabulary

Data interpretation is one of the two tasks in the IELTS Academic Writing examination. The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination tests how well an individual can use the English language including in its written form. In the Academic writing, candidates are tasked to identify and describe a given data. The candidate needs to describe and show clearly how well he or she understood the data. One must understand the different kinds of graphs used and some vocabulary words to better describe the data given.

Here are different kinds of graphs used in the Academic Writing Task 1.


a.       Bar Graph/Chart
Bar graphs are very useful in comparing data. The length of the bar represents the value of something.



b.      Pie Chart
This chart is divided into different slices. Each slice represents a percentage of which all together sums up to 100%.



c.       Line Graph
Line graphs are good to represent changes in date over a period of time. It shows the highest and the lowest level of a particular data.




d.      Tables
Tables are one of the easiest data representations to show comparison among variables.

Being familiar with the different methods in showing data gives you an advantage to plan ahead what you are going to write. To make your writing effective and to show clear description, certain vocabulary words are needed to this. Here are some words you can use in interpreting your graphs.

1. Fluctuation
(noun) an instance of change
Examples:
The graph shows the fluctuation in the number of people enrolling for the Chemistry subject.
The fluctuation seen in the given data shows how people managed to adapt the changing trends.

2. Plateau
(noun) a stable level or state
Examples:
The rent increased and reached a plateau.
The decline of the shoppers has become a plateau for a year.

3.Rocket
(verb) a large rise
Examples:
Basic commodities’ prices rocketed last summer.
The interest rocketed to a high 30% in just a week.

4.       Significantly
(adverb) in an important way
Examples:
Significantly, the number of people joining the center has risen in just two months.
The numbers fell significantly making the investors pull out their money.

5.        Plummet
(verb) to decline suddenly
Examples:
The number of students participating in social activities plummeted last semester.
The population will plummet if the new rule is implemented.

The use of the right vocabulary words will better describe your data. It is important to know synonyms of rise and fall to help explain your ideas in your essay. Improve your vocabulary and write effectively in the IELTS writing test.

Know more about IELTS here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

No comments:

Post a Comment