Describing trends accurately is essential for achieving a high band score in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. Candidates must use a wide range of vocabulary to explain data clearly and avoid repetition.
Upward Trends (Positive Change)
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a rise – a general increase over time.
Example: There was a rise in the number of students enrolling in university between 2010 and 2015. -
an increase – a formal term for upward movement.
Example: The chart shows an increase in electricity consumption over the 20-year period. -
a surge – a sudden and dramatic increase.
Example: There was a surge in online shopping during the final quarter of the year. -
a growth – a steady or long-term increase.
Example: The graph illustrates a growth in population from 1990 to 2020. -
a peak – the highest point reached.
Example: Car sales reached a peak in 2018 before declining sharply.
Stable or Irregular Trends
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a fluctuation – frequent ups and downs.
Example: Oil prices experienced a fluctuation throughout the decade. -
a variation – differences in level or amount.
Example: There was a variation in rainfall amounts across the six regions. -
a period of stability – little or no change.
Example: After 2012, the unemployment rate entered a period of stability. -
a plateau – when figures level off after rising or falling.
Example: Sales figures increased initially and then reached a plateau in 2020.
Downward Trends (Negative Change)
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a fall – a general decrease.
Example: There was a fall in tourism numbers during the winter months. -
a decrease – a formal term for reduction.
Example: The data shows a decrease in air pollution levels after 2015. -
a decline – a steady or long-term fall.
Example: The industry has experienced a decline in profits since 2010. -
a dip – a small or temporary fall.
Example: The number of visitors saw a dip in February before recovering in March.
Conclusion
Mastering IELTS Writing Task 1 trend vocabulary such as rise, surge, fluctuation, decline, and plateau helps candidates describe data accurately and achieve a higher lexical resource score. Using these words correctly can significantly improve clarity and coherence in academic writing.
