Essential Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1 includes a variety of question types: line graphs, pie charts, bar charts, tables, process diagrams, map diagrams, and mixed charts.

In this article, I provides a comprehensive list of useful and common vocabulary and expressions for IELTS Writing Task 1 to help you enhance your writing skills effectively.

Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1

Phrases for Describing Data and Trends

In tasks such as line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables you are often required to describe and interpret data or trends shown in the charts.

Below are some of the most common and useful expressions to describe figures and trends.

Adverbs for Describing General Trends

Adverbs	When to use	Example
Overall, S+V	Used in the overview paragraph to highlight the main trend or general pattern.	Overall, the number of car owners increased significantly over the period shown.
As clearly seen, S+V	Used to emphasize standout data, often appearing in body paragraphs when describing clear or significant trends.	As clearly seen, sales of smartphones rose sharply after 2015.
It is clearly seen that	A passive construction – more academic in tone, suitable for objective observations drawn from the chart.	It is clearly seen that the percentage of students choosing science subjects declined steadily.
As shown	Used when directly referring to the chart, sounds natural in introductions or when giving specific descriptions.	As shown in the chart, energy consumption in residential areas accounted for the largest share.

Common Linking Phrases and Their Uses in IELTS Writing Task 1

Phrases	When to use	Example
Regarding	Used to introduce a particular group or category within the chart.	Regarding energy consumption, heating accounted for the highest proportion.
In terms of	Used to shift focus to a specific criterion such as revenue, number, percentage, or consumption level.	In terms of population size, China remained by far the largest country throughout the timeframe.
When it comes to	A semi-formal alternative, when you want to add variety and avoid repeating phrases like “in terms of.”	When it comes to renewable energy sources, solar power experienced the most rapid growth.
As regards/ With regard to	Both expressions are more formal than “when it comes to”, and useful for transitioning between different data groups.	As regards/ With regard to the sales of books, there was a slight decline after 2010.
With respect to	Has a similar meaning to “in terms of”, but sounds more academic and sophisticated.	With respect to the number of international students, the UK showed a consistent upward trend.
With reference to	Used when referring to a specific time point or data range, especially in comparative charts across years or decades.	With reference to the figures for 2010, the unemployment rate reached its peak.

Vocabulary for Describing Upward Trends in IELTS Writing Task 1

Basic vocabulary for describing an increase

Advanced vocabulary for describing a sudden increase

Vocabulary for Describing Downward Trends in IELTS Writing Task 1

Basic Vocabulary for Describing a Decrease

Verbs	Nouns
decrease	decrease
fall	fall
drop	drop
decline	decline
dip	dip

Example:

• The unemployment rate dropped significantly between 2015 and 2019.
• There was a gradual decline in the number of tourists between 2010 and 2018.

Advanced vocabulary for describing a sudden decrease

Verbs	Nouns
slump	a slump
plunge	a plunge

Example:

• Oil prices plunged from $90 to $50 per barrel within just three months.
• The unemployment rate took a plunge in 2015, reaching its lowest point of the decade.

Vocabulary for Describing Changes in IELTS Writing Task 1

When describing data in IELTS Writing Task 1, you’ll often need to show how much and how quickly something changes.

Using the right combination of adjectives, adverbs, and nouns can make your description more precise and academic.

Vocabulary for Describing Small Changes

Adjectives	Adverbs
slight	slightly
gradual	gradually
marginal	marginally
modest	modestly
moderate	moderately
minimal	minimally

Example:

• There was a moderate increase in the number of tourists between 2010 and 2015.
• The number of students increased moderately over the five-year period.

Vocabulary for Describing Large or Sudden Changes

Adjectives	Adverbs
considerable	considerably
sharp	sharply
substantial	substantially
significant	significantly
marked	markedly
exponential	exponential
remarkable	remarkably
dramatical	dramatically

Example:

• The population experienced exponential expansion during the 20-year period.
• Smartphone sales grew exponentially over the decade.

Vocabulary for Describing Stable or Unchanged Data

VOCAB

– level (flatten) out (off) at – remain stable/steady/static/unchanged/constant – reach a plateau – remain on a plateau – stabilise

Vocabulary for Describing Future Predictions in IELTS Writing Task 1

In some IELTS Writing Task 1 questions, you may be asked to describe future data or projections. These tasks often include charts that show forecasted figures rather than actual data.

Below are some useful words and phrases to help you describe predicted trends effectively.

Structure Set 1:

Predictions Expectations Anticipations Projections

show/indicate

[that] it will + V

Example:

• Recent projections show that car sales are expected to drop dramatically in 2025.
• Projections indicate that greenhouse gas emissions are likely to drop dramatically after implementing new policies.

Structure Set 2:

X is predicted to + V

X is expected to + V

X is anticipated to + V

X is projected to + V

X is forecast to + V

Example:

• Global internet users is expected to increase dramatically over the next decade.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Trend Vocabulary: Essential Vocabulary for Graphs and Charts

I has compiled a detailed list of essential vocabulary for describing Graphs and Charts in IELTS Writing Task 1.

👉 You can view the full list HERE.

Or download the free PDF version of the complete IELTS Writing Task 1 vocabulary set – covering all chart types and academic expressions 👇:

Conclusion

I hopes this guide helps you choose the right and effective vocabulary for describing trends and predictions in IELTS Writing Task 1.

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