Describing Graphs and Charts

DESCRIBING GRAPHS AND CHARTS

The function of a line graph is to describe a TREND pictorially. You therefore should try and describe the trend in it. If there are many lines in the graph(s), then just generally describe the trend. If there is only one or two, then use more detail. So, describe the movement of the line(s) of the graph giving numerical detail at the important points of the line.
To describe the movement, there is some language which will always be useful. Below is a list of language you can use. Check with your dictionary words that you don't understand and practice using the words/phrases so you use them in the right way. As you will see, there are a number of words which are similar in meaning. This means that you will be able to use a variety of vocabulary which gives a good impression to the examiner who will read and mark your writing. The words below are particularly useful for line graphs but they can also be used where appropriate to describe the other types of graph.

Expressing the Movement of a Line

|Verbs |Nouns |
| | |
|Rise (to) |a rise |
|Increase (to) |an increase |
|Go up to | |
|Grow (to) |growth |
|Climb (to) |a climb |
|Boom |a boom |
|Peak (at) |(reach) a peak (at) |
| | |
|Fall (to) |a fall (of) |
|Decline (to) |a decline (of) |
|Decrease (to) |a decrease (of) |
|Dip (to) |a dip (of) |
|Drop (to) |a drop (of) |
|Go down (to) |