📈 IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Vocabulary for Describing Trends

One of the key skills in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is being able to describe trends and changes in data clearly and precisely. Whether you’re dealing with line graphs, bar charts, or tables, using accurate vocabulary is essential for scoring well in the Lexical Resource and Coherence & Cohesion criteria.

📘 Why Trend Vocabulary Matters

Many Academic Task 1 visuals show change over time or comparisons between categories. The examiner is looking for your ability to describe increases, decreases, patterns, and stability using formal, varied, and precise language.

🔑 Key Verbs for Trends

💡 Useful Nouns

📏 Adverbs and Adjectives for Precision

📑 Sample Sentences

📌 Synonyms and Variety

To avoid repetition, use a mix of verbs and nouns. For example:

🧪 Practice Exercise

Below is a description using repetitive language. Rewrite it using better vocabulary variety:

"The number increased from 2000 to 2005. It increased again in 2010. In 2015, it increased slightly and increased to a peak in 2020."

Improved version:

"The number rose steadily from 2000 to 2005, followed by a further rise in 2010. In 2015, it climbed slightly and then peaked in 2020."

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🧠 Final Tip

Before the exam, create your own vocabulary chart with synonyms and example sentences. Practice writing short descriptions of simple trends until you feel confident switching words and using modifiers naturally.

Good vocabulary not only improves your Lexical Resource score — it also makes your report easier to read and more professional. Master this language, and you’ll be better equipped to handle any data-based Task 1 prompt on test day.

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