In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 (describing graphs and charts), many test-takers face a common hurdle: the problem of overusing "increase" and "decrease," which makes their writing monotonous.
One of the assessment criteria for Task 1, "Lexical Resource," evaluates not just the use of correct words, but also the ability to use a variety of expressions (paraphrasing). Furthermore, mastering the use of prepositions and adverbs of degree to accurately convey numerical changes is essential for anyone aiming for a high score of Band 7.0 or above.
This article explains the paraphrasing techniques and precise grammar rules that directly lead to a higher score, categorized by task type, including graphs, maps, and processes.
1. [Describing Trends] A List of Synonyms for 'Increase, Decrease, and Remain Stable'
By using different verbs for "increase" and "decrease" based on the degree of change, you can significantly expand your expressive range. Let's look at the difference between Band 6 (Basic) and Band 7+ (Advanced).
Upward Trend
- Basic: increase, rise, grow, climb
- Advanced:
- Soar / Rocket / Surge: Used for a sharp, rapid increase.
Example: "House prices have soared this year."
- Skyrocket: Describes an even more dramatic and rapid increase (e.g., doubling in a year).
- Soar / Rocket / Surge: Used for a sharp, rapid increase.
Downward Trend
- Basic: decrease, fall, drop, decline
- Advanced:
- Plummet / Plunge: Used for a sharp, sudden fall.
Example: "The number plummeted to its lowest point."
- Dip: Used for a slight, temporary drop before recovering.
- Plummet / Plunge: Used for a sharp, sudden fall.
Fluctuation & Stability
- To fluctuate: fluctuate
Example: "The figures fluctuated over the next nine years."
- To remain stable/steady: remain stable, remain steady, stay the same
- To level off (stabilize after a rise): level off, reach a plateau
Example: "After rising for two years, the figures leveled off in 2015."
2. [Expressions of Degree] The Magic of Adjectives and Adverbs That Boost Your Score
Instead of simply writing "it increased," adding *how* it increased (quickly, slowly, significantly) dramatically improves the precision of your description.
Big/Fast Change
- Adverbs: dramatically, significantly, sharply, rapidly, steeply
- Adjectives: dramatic, significant, sharp, rapid, steep
- Collocations (Natural Word Combinations):
○ rise sharply / increase significantly
○ a sharp rise / a significant increase
Note: increase rapidly is more natural than increase steeply.
Small/Slow Change
- Adverbs: gradually, slightly, steadily, marginally, moderately
- Collocations:
○ fall slightly / rise gradually
○ a slight decline / a gradual increase
Tips: Master both patterns: Verb + Adverb and Adjective + Noun.
- Pattern A: "The price rose sharply."
- Pattern B: "There was a sharp rise in the price."
3. [Grammar Alert] The Crucial Difference Between Prepositions 'By' and 'To'
One of the most common areas where test-takers lose points in Task 1 is the use of prepositions with numerical data. Getting this wrong can lead to misrepresenting the facts.
'To' vs 'By'
- increase TO (a point): Indicates the final value or destination.
- increase BY (an amount): Indicates the margin or amount of change.
【Comparison with an Example】 If the original number was '50':
- "The number increased to 60." → The final result is 60 (a change of +10).
- "The number increased by 60." → The final result is 110 (a change of +60).
Other Important Prepositions
- At: Indicates a specific point.
- peaked at 10%
- stood at 6.5%
- Of: Used after a noun to specify a value.
- reached a peak of 20
- an increase of 5%
- Range:
- from X to Y
- between X and Y (Note: "between... to..." is incorrect!)
4. [Comparative Expressions] Phrases to Highlight Key Features in Data
The purpose of Task 1 is to compare data. Use the following phrases to emphasize the relationships between different figures.
Multiples and Fractions
- Multiples: double (verb), doubled, triple, three times as much as...
Example: "The number doubled between 2010 and 2020."
Example: "A is three times as high as B."
- Fractions: half of..., a third of...
Example: "Buses emit less than half as much CO2 as cars."
Superlatives and Emphasis
- By far the most...:
Example: "Beef was by far the most popular food."
Contrasting Conjunctions
- While / Whereas:
Example: "Canada’s population rose, whereas Australia’s remained flat."
- In contrast / On the other hand:
Example: "Youth enrollment increased. In contrast, older student enrollment declined."
5. [Maps & Processes] Essential Expressions for Non-Graph Tasks
In addition to bar and line graphs, you may also be asked to describe a map or a process. These require dedicated preparation as the vocabulary used is completely different.
Essential Vocabulary for Maps
Use cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) instead of "right" and "left," and use verbs of change in the passive voice.
- Location:
- to the north of...
- in the southeast corner
- adjacent to / next to
- Verbs of Change (Passive Voice):
- Built: was built, was constructed
- Demolished: was demolished, was knocked down
- Converted/Renovated: was converted into... (e.g., a factory was converted into a museum)
- Replaced: was replaced by...
Essential Vocabulary for Processes
Sequencing words and the passive voice are key.
- Sequence:
- Initially / First
- Subsequently / Then / Next
- Finally / Eventually
- Actions (Passive Voice):
- is heated
- is filtered
- is transported
- is separated
Example: "The mixture is heated and then is filtered to remove impurities."
Conclusion: Expand Your 'Toolbox' of Expressions to Save Time
IELTS Writing Task 1 follows set patterns. If you can not only "know" but also "master" the phrases introduced here, you can quickly write the required 150 words and save time for the more heavily weighted Task 2.
To start, try reviewing an essay you've written and begin by correcting an instance of "increase" to "soar," or changing a preposition from "to" to "by."
For Task 1 Essay Correction, Choose 'ELT'
In ELT's IELTS preparation courses, native instructors, including former IELTS examiners, will meticulously correct your Task 1 essays. They check for issues like unnatural collocations and correct preposition usage with a professional eye, guiding you toward a high-scoring essay worthy of Band 7.0 or above.
