IELTS Line Graphs

• This document is about writing about line graphs for the IELTS exam
• It goes over the the key concepts, and includes examples, practice questions and useful vocabulary

Objectives

• The aim is to teach students how to write about line graphs
• Students will learn how to get interested in the topic
• Also how to activate prior knowledge of the lesson
• To access and consolidate information from various sources
• Develop collaborative spirit to work together
• And develop awareness of what is required for line graph questions

Overview of Bar Charts

• "Bar chart" refers to graphs with columns, often referred to as "column charts"
• Analysing bar charts is a common task in IELTS Writing Task 1
• Mastering bar charts can help get good marks
• Success requires correctly identifying chart types and analysis subjects
• Bar charts show changes over time or compare data between subjects
• They have two axes: one for subject/time and one for corresponding data figures

Types of Bar Charts

• There are 3 kinds of bar charts in IELTS
• Time charts (dynamic bar charts):
  • One axis shows time (years, months, quarters) and the other shows data figures
• Comparison charts:
  • One axis shows the subject, and the other is the value
  • This type of chart use different coloured bars
• Charts with more than two subjects
  • One axis represents the subject, and the other shows numbers

IELTS Bar Chart Structure

• A standard IELTS bar chart analysis includes four paragraphs:
  • Introduction: 1 sentence
  • Overview: 1-2 sentences
  • Body 1: 3-4 sentences
  • Body 2: 2-4 sentences

Approaching IELTS Bar Charts

• Time pressure and exam stress can cause confusion
• Follow these steps for effective IELTS bar chart responses

Step 1

• Understand the question; identify the chart type
• An IELTS bar chart question typically has three parts:
  • Descriptive information (general information, subjects, time if applicable)
  • Requirements (tasks based on the chart)
  • Visual (the bar chart itself)

Step 2

• Identify key features
• Reading bar charts for IELTS isn't difficult; the goal is to assess English proficiency
• Key features are generally easy to spot
• Key features depend on whether the bar chart is dynamic or static
• To define the key features, 7 questions can be used as a guide:
  • What information do the 2 axes provide?
  • Is the chart dynamic or static? (data changes over time?)
  • What is the unit of measurement? (hours, %, age)
  • What time periods appear in the chart?
  • What is the chart's title? What subject labels are present?
  • What trends are most obvious?
  • Are there noteworthy similarities?

Writing the Introduction

• The introduction should rephrase the question
• Crucially, do not copy the question verbatim; use alternative wording
• Use passive voice, synonyms, and antonyms

Writing an overview

• Give general information; provide key figures
• In the subsequent paragraph (2 sentences, 40 words), provide general information on salient points identified earlier
• Briefly highlight any data comparison, plus any general trends

Analysing Key Indicators

• Provide evidence for the salient point you have identified
• In paragraph 1 detail the or two first key details
• In paragraph 2 give more context. Write notes of the similarities you see. You should have 2 sentences

IELTS Bar Chart Vocabulary

• Using a wide vocabulary is essential for high scores.
• Variety helps you to explain with clarity the questions as well as data points
• Since you must describe the chart in 150 words it can be very hard
• The table below shows usefull vocab

Table of key vocab