VIII. Graph description (ielts format)

1) Definition

Graph description is a 150 words’ report based on a some graphic information which typically comes in one of five forms – a line graph, bar graph, pie chart, table or diagram illustrating a process.

2) SKILLS TESTED

This task tests your ability to:

- objectively describe the information given to you;

- compare and contrast report on a topic without the use of opinion;

- express yourself adequately.

3) STRUCTURE

The order of presenting the material should be most clear and logical. Your report should be structured simply with an introduction, body and conclusion.

In Introduction use two standard opening sentences to introduce the graph and your report. These opening sentences should make up the first paragraph. Sentence one should define what the graph is about; that is, the date, location, what is being described in the graph etc. - parameters of the graph. Sentence two (and possibly three) might sum up the overall trend.

In the Body of the report describe the graph or graphs in detail, fully, i.e. describe the trends - summarise it by dividing it into main parts. Give examples that relate directly to the given information to support your statements present passive voice

At the endsummarize your report with one or two sentences to draw a relevant conclusion. significant comments, a potential solution, an overall summary of the ideas, future implications.

4) TIPS

- Use a variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary so that the writing is not repetitive.

- Use tenses appropriately.

- Remember that the graph shows the information in the present time.

- Use connectives to make the writing flow cohesive (‘while’, ‘however’, etc.).

- Don’t give your opinion.

- Keep to the suggested timing: there are more marks possible for essay than for graph description.

- Use the style/ language of report writing generally and of each of the five types of report.

- Don’t write less than 150 words (but there is no maximum number of words).

- Don’t copy sentences from the graph, they will not be assessed by the examiner.

- Remember that illegible handwriting will reduce your final score.

- Make sure that you have followed the instructions carefully.

- Be sure that you have written what you intended and that no important ideas are missing.

5) SAMPLE

The graph below gives information about the preferred leisure activities of Australian children. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown. You should write at least 150 words.

Model answer:

The graph shows the preferred leisure activities of Australian children aged 5-14. As might be expected, it is clear from the data that sedentary pursuits are far more popular nowadays than active ones. Of the 10,000 children that were interviewed, all the boys and girls stated that they enjoyed watching TV or videos in their spare time. In addition, the second most popular activity, attracting 80% of boys and 60% of girls, was playing electronic or computer games. While girls rated activities such as art and craft highly – just under 60% stated that they enjoyed these in their spare time – only 35% of boys opted for creative pastimes. Bike riding, on the other hand, was almost as popular as electronic games amongst boys and, perhaps surprisingly, almost 60% of girls said that they enjoyed this too. Skateboarding was relatively less popular amongst both boys and girls, although it still attracted 35% of boys and 25% of girls.

(157 words)