IELTS Writing Task 1 Trend Phrases and Comparisons (With Examples)

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.