DESCRIBING CHARTS AND GRAPHS
When we try to describe a chart or a graph, quite often we're so worried about getting the facts and the data correct that we forget to focus on the language and the grammar we are using.
The lesson today will focus on the language and grammar you use in describing graphs or charts.
Language
Let’s look at language first.
Graphs and charts show / compare facts.
Example:
· The two graphs show the number of people employed by the company in 2000 and 2010.
· The graph compares average working hours in the UK and the US.
When we are talking about the figures or statistics in the chart or graph, we can use – suggest that / indicate.
Example:
· The statistics suggest that people in rural areas are healthier.
· These figures indicate that the company is growing in size each year.
If figures go up - we use increase or rise.
If figures go down - we use decrease, fall, drop.
If figures stay the same - we use remain steady or show little change or show no change.
If figures go up and down a lot - we use fluctuate.
DO NOT use these verbs to describe a chart or graph:
❌ demonstrate ❌ display ❌ tell
Grammar
Now, let’s move on to looking at the grammar you use when describing charts and graphs.
It’s really important to look at the dates in the chart or graph.
If the dates are in the past you will need to use the past simple.
For example
· In 2002 the figures increased from 25% to 30%.
· Temperatures fell in May.
· The price of oil remained steady during that period.
· The cost of electricity fluctuated during those five years.
We can also change these verbs into nouns. You do this by starting the sentence with: There was / were …
If the dates start in the past but go up to a date in the present then you will need to use the present perfect. So, if there is a connection between the past and now, you will need to use have + past participle.
Let’s adapt the examples above to show you how to do this. For example
· The figures have increased from 25% to 30%.
· Temperatures have fallen over the last few years.
· The price of oil has remained steady during this period.
· The cost of electricity has fluctuated over the past five years.
Again, we can change these verbs into nouns. This time you need to start with There has been …
Introducing the graph
Vocabulary to describe graphs
The graph/table/pie chart/bar chart/diagram ...
· gives information about/on ...
· provides information about/on ...
· shows ...
· illustrates ...
· compares ...
· explains why ...
· describes ...
· draws the conclusion of (a survey) ...
Example: The pie charts provide information on the proportion of males and females working in agricultural sector.
Types of changes
Nouns
a rise (of)
an increase (of)
a growth (of)
a peak (of)
a surge (of)
Example: a rise of prices
a fall (in)
a decrease (in)
a decline (in)
a dip (in)
Example: a fall in prices
a fluctuation (of)
a variation (in)
Example: a fluctuation of prices
Verbs
to rise
to increase
to surge
to grow
to peak
Large rises:
to rocket
to soar
to leap (->leapt)
to fall
to decrease
to decline
to dip
to dive
to plunge
Large falls:
to plummet
to fluctuate
to vary
Description of changes
Adverbs
sharply
suddenly
rapidly
abruptly
dramatically
significantly
considerably
markedly
wildly
Example: the prices rose sharply
slightly
gently
gradually
steadily
modestly
marginally
Example: the prices increased modestly
Adjectives
sharp
sudden
rapid
abrupt
dramatic
steep
significant
considerable
marked
substantial
spectacular
Example: there was a considerable growth
slight
gentle
gradual
steady
consistent
modest
marginal
Example: there was a gradual decline
Useful phrases
a small fraction, a small number, a small minority
a large portion, a significant majority
nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter, around two thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly one in ten, approximately a third
