In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, candidates are required to describe trends, changes, and comparisons clearly and accurately. Using a variety of phrases instead of repeating basic verbs helps you achieve a higher Lexical Resource score.
Phrases for Upward and Downward Trends
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to show an upward trend – indicates a general increase.
Example: The graph shows an upward trend in mobile phone usage between 2010 and 2020. -
to show a downward trend – indicates a general decrease.
Example: After 2015, the figures show a downward trend in coal consumption.
Phrases for Highest and Lowest Points
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to hit the highest point – to reach the maximum level.
Example: Employment levels hit the highest point in 2019. -
to hit the lowest point – to reach the minimum level.
Example: Sales hit the lowest point during the winter months. -
to reach a peak – to arrive at the highest value before a decline.
Example: Visitor numbers reached a peak in August.
Phrases for Fluctuation
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to show some fluctuation – slight ups and downs.
Example: Energy prices showed some fluctuation throughout the year. -
to fluctuate wildly – large and frequent changes.
Example: The stock market fluctuated wildly during the economic crisis.
Phrases for Stability and No Change
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to remain stable – little or no change.
Example: The unemployment rate remained stable after 2018. -
to remain static – no movement at all.
Example: The number of libraries remained static for several years. -
to remain unchanged – exactly the same.
Example: The tax rate remained unchanged over the period. -
to stay constant – stable with no noticeable variation.
Example: Water consumption stayed constant throughout the year.
Phrases for Leveling Off
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to reach a plateau – growth stops after a rise.
Example: Smartphone sales increased rapidly and then reached a plateau. -
to level off – to stop rising or falling.
Example: After a sharp increase, the figures leveled off in 2020. -
to flatten out – to become stable after change.
Example: Profits flattened out after several years of growth.
Phrases for Ranking and Comparison
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the highest – the top value.
Example: Japan recorded the highest level of life expectancy. -
the lowest – the smallest value.
Example: Rural areas showed the lowest internet usage. -
the second highest – ranked below the highest.
Example: Canada had the second highest number of immigrants. -
the third highest – ranked third overall.
Example: Germany recorded the third highest electricity consumption.
Comparison Phrases
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compared to – used to show contrast.
Example: Car ownership was higher in urban areas compared to rural regions. -
compared with – similar meaning to “compared to”.
Example: This figure was low compared with the previous year. -
relative to – shows relationship or proportion.
Example: Spending on healthcare was high relative to education.
Conclusion
Using accurate phrases such as to show an upward trend, reach a peak, remain stable, and relative to is essential for success in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. These expressions help candidates describe data clearly, make effective comparisons, and demonstrate a strong range of academic vocabulary.
