Vocabulary for Describing Trends
When addressing trends, you will frequently need phrases that capture describe increases, decreases, fluctuations, and stability.
Increase Vocabulary: rise, climb, grow, escalate, soar, surge, upward trend
Example: “The sales of electric cars rose steadily from 2010 to 2020.”
Decrease Vocabulary: drop, fall, decline, dip, plummet, decrease, downward trend
Example: “The company’s profits declined sharply in the last quarter.”
Fluctuations Vocabulary: fluctuate, vary, oscillate, zigzag, volatile
Example: “The number of tourists fluctuated considerably during the holiday season.”
Stability Vocabulary: stabilize, remain constant, maintain, plateau
Example: “Unemployment rates remained stable over the five-year period.”
Comparative Vocabulary
Task 1 usually involves comparing figures, hence it’s important to have phrases that clearly show similarities and contrasts.
Comparing Similarities: similarly, likewise, identical to, comparable, akin to, resembles
Example: “The rainfall in March was similar to that in April.”
Highlighting Differences: in contrast, however, on the other hand, differs, unlike, varies
Example: “In contrast, city populations in Europe grew, while those in Asia declined.”
Describing Degrees of Change
Using adverbs and adjectives can help you to vary the degrees of increase or reduction in your descriptions of changes.
Small Changes: slightly, marginally, minimally, modestly
Example: “The birth rate increased slightly in 2021.”
Moderate Changes: moderately, noticeably, relatively, significantly
Example: “House prices rose moderately over the three-year period.”
Large Changes: sharply, dramatically, substantially, significantly
Example: “Internet usage increased dramatically in urban areas.”
Time-Based Vocabulary
Discussing trends over time is key to Task 1. These words help to characterise several points throughout time.
Beginning Periods: initially, at the beginning, starting at, early on
Example: “Initially, the number of applicants was low.”
Midpoints: midway through, in the middle, during, in the next stage
Example: “The economy saw moderate growth midway through the decade.”
End Periods: finally, at the end, ultimately, by the end
Example: “By the end of the year, the population had increased by 10%.”
Linking Words and Phrases
Using linking words supports flow and coherence—qualities the examiner will be assessing. Think about them to clearly organise your descriptions.
Addition: additionally, also, moreover, in addition
Contrast: however, on the other hand, whereas, while
Cause and Effect: because of, due to, therefore, as a result
Example: “As a result of improved technology, production increased significantly.”
Example Task 1 Description:
“Between 2015 and 2020, the production of renewable energy rose sharply, with wind and solar energy showing the highest growth rates. In contrast, coal-based energy sources declined significantly. Initially, wind energy constituted a small portion of total energy production, but by the end of the period, it accounted for nearly half of all energy produced.”
While developing a strong vocabulary for IELTS Academic Task 1 requires practice, adding these key words can help you to show a high lexical range, increase clarity, and raise your score. Practice explaining several data kinds and keep in mind to alter your wording to fairly represent distinct trends and changes. Good luck!