Essential vocabulary to describe an IELTS writing task 1 line graph. To get a good band score you must show the examiner a range of different words to show upward and downward trends as well as key features. IELTS line graphs show change over a period of time and you must vary your language and vocabulary when you write your report.
Important: This page is about line graphs. But it is possible to use some of this language with bar charts that show change over time as well as tables or pie charts that show change over time.
This page contains:
- VERBS & NOUNS WITH PRACTICE LESSON
- ADVERBS & ADJECTIVES with PRACTICE LESSONS
- TIME PHRASES
- LINK TO MODEL LINE GRAPH
1. IELTS Line Graph Verbs & Nouns
Below are lists of verbs and nouns that can be used to describe a line graph in IELTS writing task 1. You should alter your sentences to use the noun form of the word and the verb form of the word.
Upward Trend Words
- to rise / a rise
- to increase / an increase
- to climb / a climb
- to grow / a growth
- to go up
Past Tense Verbs:
- to rise / rose
- to increase / increased
- to climb / climbed
- to grow / grew
- to go up / went up
Downward Trend Words
- to decrease / a decrease
- to drop / a drop
- to fall / a fall
- to decline / a decline
- to go down
Past Tense Verbs:
- to decrease / decreased
- to drop / dropped
- to fall / fell
- to decline / declined
- to go down / went down
- Question: Can you use the verb “increase” and the noun “an increase” in the same writing or is it considered repetition of words?
- Answer: You can definitely use the verb and noun form of the same word. This shows great flexibility that you can change word form. Your task is to show the examiner this flexibility. You will use these verbs and nouns in all line graphs because all line graphs show upward and downward trends.
Other Vocabulary
- to fluctuate / a fluctuation
- to dip / a dip
- to remain steady
- to remain stable
- to remain unchanged
- to level off
- to rocket / to soar
Peaks & Lows
- to peak at
- (reach) a peak of
- hit a high of
- hit a low of
- bottom out
- plateau
Tips: You will use the above words according to what is shown in the line graph you are given. Fluctuations are when a line goes up and down repeatedly. A dip is when the line goes down but then returns to its previous point. Nearly all line graphs will have a peak, which means the highest point. Each line only has one peak, which is good to highlight in your report. To rocket and soar are both verbs that describe extremely dramatic increases. Never use these two verbs unless the increase truly is dramatic.
Mistakes when using words will affect your band score. This includes spelling.
- Band 6 = some vocabulary errors.
- Band 7 = few vocabulary errors.
2. Practice with Nouns and Verbs
Fill in the gaps using the vocabulary above. Look at the graph below and then fill in the gaps in the sentences 1-5 below.
- IELTS Line graphs never have one line, except occasionally in a multiple task. So, this isn’t a line graph to practice with for a full model answer. For sample charts, click here: Sample Practice Charts
QUESTIONS: 1-5
Fill in the gaps with the correct nouns and verbs. You should use no more than two words for each gap.
The number of reported cases of influenza began at 40 in 1985 after which the figure (1). …………………… steadily to reach about 55 in 1987. In 1988, there was a (2) …………. in the number to below 50 before (3) ……………. to reach a (4) ………… (5) ……….. approximately 75 in 1991. After that date, the figure dropped to about 55 in the final year.
ANSWERS
Click below to reveal the answers:
Answers- rose / increased / climbed / grew / went up
- a fall / a decline / a drop / a dip / a decrease
- climbing / increasing / rising / going up / growing
- peak
- of
NOTICE: to peak at / a peak of (the preposition changes when you use the verb or noun)
.
3. Line Graph Adverbs & Adjectives
Below are useful adverbs and adjectives to describe change.
Adverbs for Line Graphs
- steadily / gradually / eventually
- slightly / marginally
- rapidly / dramatically
- significantly / considerably
- relatively
Adjectives for Line Graphs
- steady / gradual
- slight / marginal
- rapid / steep / dramatic
- considerable / significant
Adjective Definition Exercise:
What is the real meaning of these adjectives and adverbs? Below you will find a table with adjectives and meanings. Match the adjectives with the correct meaning.
| 1) rapid / steep / dramatic | A) the change took a long time |
| 2) marginal / minimal | B) a change that went from very low to very high |
| 3) steady / gradual | C) a change that went from about 50 to 100 out of 1,000 |
| 4) considerable / significant | D) a big change that happened over a very short period of time |
ANSWERS
Click below to reveal answers:
Answers- D
- C
- A
- B
.
4. Time Expressions for Periods of Change
IELTS line graphs show change over a period of time. Below are some expressions to help you describe the passing of time without too much repetition.
Time phrases:
steady / gradual = these words do not show how much change, but rather that it took a long time for the change
- over the next three days
- three days later
- after three days
- over the following three days
- the next three days show
- from…to… / between … and…
- the last year / the final year
- the first year / initially
- over the period / given period / period given
- at the beginning of the period
- at the end of the period
- over a ten-year period
- you must have an article (a/the)
- the word year has no s
- ten-year has a hyphen
