IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary: How to Describe Trends with Examples

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)

• 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

• 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)

• 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.