Understanding bar charts

Task one questions always come with a sentence describing the data, and instructions to summarize the key points and make comparisons.

Bar charts show information visually, making it simpler than looking at a table of numbers.

The goal is to describe the data accurately.

Writing the introduction

Paraphrase the sentence given in the task without changing its meaning. Use synonyms and change the structure slightly.

Writing an overview

Identify 2 to 4 significant trends or comparisons.

Write it simply.

Start with "Overall," and describe the main trends.

Writing the details paragraphs

Organize logically when describing data. 

Make comparisons if needed. 

Vocabulary for describing trends

Use the right words to describe data changes. 

General descriptive terms

Trend

Data

Percentage

Proportion

Segment

Category

Axis

Scale

Interval

Legend

Describing increases and decreases

Surge

Spike

Escalate

Soar

Plummet

Decline

Dip

Drop

Decrease

Fall

Describing stability

Stabilize

Maintain

Sustain

Remain steady

Level off

Consistent

Unchanged

Steady

Constant

Plateau

Describing comparisons and contrasts

Compared to

In contrast

Versus

Whereas

While

Similarly

Likewise

Opposite

Differ

Contrast

Time phrases (for line graphs and trends)

Over the period

From ... to ...

In the year ...

During

By the time

Initially

Eventually

Subsequently

Previously

Meanwhile

Describing extent

Slightly

Marginally

Moderately

Significantly

Substantially

Drastically

Sharply

Gradually

Rapidly

Slowly

Describing Frequency

Occasionally

Rarely

Frequently

Often

Sometimes

Regularly

Commonly

Always

Never

Periodically

Descriptive adjectives and adverbs

Dramatic

Steep

Gentle

Sudden

Marked

Significant

Minor

Major

Noticeable

Pronounced

Final tips

Simplify. Don’t overcomplicate. Focus on the most obvious features.

Be accurate. Describe data using the correct terms.

Follow structure. First introduction, then overview, finally the details for each component.