WRITINGTASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on ths task raph below gives information from a report about the purpose and 1ey of Internet use by medical students in 2009 in one country. frequ ‘Summarise the information by selecti ‘make comparisons where relevant. and reporting the main features and Write at ‘east 180 words. i i Purposes of Intemet use om Ba at least daily woekly ‘monthly ‘occasionally never Frequency EEE r'oxmation for patient reading recommended coursework chat 182 ACADEMICWRITING [Link]WRITING TASK 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on ths task Write about the folowing topic: (On balan: , advertising is more harmful than beneficial To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge oF experience, Write atleast 250 words ACADEMIC WAITING [Link] 183Think ab CHenene Read the information about the task. Task 1 1ests your ability to look at visual information in a graph, chart, table or diagram, and identify and report the most important information in your own words, (One common way to present visual information is in the form of a line graph. On the question paper, you see a line graph with a ttl. The instructions for writing your response appear in a box above the graph. There is also 2 brief description of the information in the ine graph in the box. There is usualy a key legend] which helps you to distinguish the lines on the graph and tells you what eaci line represents Your job isto look atthe graph and Select, summarise and describe the most important information, Line graphs typically show trends. A trend is a movement of data in a general direction over time, On a line ‘graph, trends are represented by the drection o! the lines. Trends can be upward or downward or they can remain atthe same level. An important part of your response is to describe trends and to compare them. The horizontal axis usually involves units of time: days, months, years, and so on, Usually the time represented in the task isin the past, but some graphs include projections about the future. The vertical axis can show almost ‘any kind of data: costs, temperatures, rainfall amounts of some commodity, population figures, and so on. It's important to examine the graph before you write your answer, and to think about what the graph is telling you. You have to look and think earelully and choose what information to include so that your response reports, conly the key information, ‘ere ate the basic rules for writing about a line graph © Look at the graph carefully and decide what the most important information and striking features ae, & Wite 2 welrorganised overview. Include data to support the key points. 1B Use an academic register or style © White at least 160 words. ‘© Complete the task in about 20 minutes Include only the key points. Minor details or erelevant data can be left out. © Don't do any calculations or give your opinion about the information 184 ACADEMIC WAITING [Link]2 Work in pairs. Complete the sentences (1-9) with the correct Your overall task isto identify and waite about You should write You aren't required to write The graph usually has, The text box above the graph includes The numbers on the horizontal axis usualy represent The key on a line graph provides ‘The direction of the ines on a line graph shows You have about {A ‘nformation about what each line represen's B unis of time. © over 150 words D_ trends, which can be rising fang, or level E an explanation or analysis of the information on the graph. F the most important information shown inthe line graph G 20 minutes to complete the task Hattie above it TP instructions and some information about the graph, B Sample question 3 Read the instructions and answer the question. Use the rules about the task from Section A to help you. Then look at the sample answer on page 334. Which aspects of the task did you find difficult? IELTS PRACTICE TASK ‘You should spend about 20 minutes on this task Summarise the The graph below gives information about t watching television between 2004 and 2014. technology that households in one US city used for nformation by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 200,000 : —— satelite 3 ne 2 Cable % Broadcast 5 2 Oe de eet 2004 200608202 Year ACADEMIC WaiTiNG [Link]SII C Tips and tactics 4 Work in pairs, Read the tips and tactics and discuss these questions. 4. Which tips and tactics do you think are the most useful? Did you use any of these tips and tactics when you answered the sample question Section 87 ‘© Which tips will you use in the future? 1 The frst step isto look carefully atthe information inthe line graph. Don't rush through this step. Make sure you understand the graph before you start to write. 2. Underrine important words i the question and circle important points on the graph. 3. Identify what key information is being presented in the graph and which important dates, figures oF stiking features you'l need to waite about 4 Plan your writing, You can usually divide i into three paragraphs: introduction, first main paragraph and second main paragraph, 5 Ite line graph has more than two lines, try to arrange the data into two oF three groups. For example, you could divide the data into rising trends and faling ends 6 Look carefully atthe timeframe that the graph covers and work cut winat tenses you need 10 use (past, present, present perfect or future) 7 Begin with an introductory sentence that describes the graph in general terms, but don't Fepeat the exact wording of the question, B Then describe one or two general trends shown in the graph. Don't go into detail just report the most important trends you see when you look at the graph 9 Inthe frst mai paragraph, setect and write about the features thet are most important and interesting, for example, rising or faling trends, of where lines intersect, and inclide relevant data to support the points you make. 10 Focus an the general direction of a trend; don't wite about each change in direction of a line. 11. Don't ty to write about al the data in the line graph and don’t include details that are inretevant to the main wrends. 12 Remember, don't try to analyse or explain the information in the graph, or do any calculations; ust describe and report 13. Keep track ofthe time, Don't spend more than 20 minutes on Task 1 14 Make sure your handwriting is clear and legible. 18. Keepin mind the criteria that the examiners use to mark your response. (For marking entera, see About the Academie Writing Test, page 180.) D Skills-building exercises indicate The graph indicates the growth inthe service sector and the decline in the ‘manufacturing sector ‘show This graph shows hovy two programs performed over a ten-year period compare The graph compares changes in the annua! rainfall im four cities. provide/give information Information is provided/is given in ths graph about the gradual ‘growth of productivity for several firms. provide data This graph provides data about three trends’... ..., and 86 ACADEMCWaITING [Link]oa 5 Look at the title and the graph about average temperatures in Paris, Dubai and Wang invoductory sentences 10 deserve the graph in general terms Melbourne. Write four introductory sentences about the graph using introductory verbs from the box on page 186. Try to use different sentence structures and vocabulary in each sent 1 This graph shows the average temperaturec in tives cites over a two-month period, ‘Average temperatures - Paris, Dubai and Melbourne Temperature in °C — Melbourne June ura rise (v) Production costs rose to their highest level of the year in July. tise (n) There was a rise in production costs to the highest level of the year in July. 99 up (v} Between 1900 and 2000, the population went up by over a millon people. ‘grow (grew, grown) (v) The number of first-time users grew rapidly n 2015, ‘growth (n) There was a rapid growth in the number of fast-ime users in 2015. increase (v) The numbers of cyclists increased between 2005 and 2010. inerease (n) There was an inerease in the number of cyclists between 2005 and 2010. DOWN vy decline (v) The construction of new homes declined for ten years in succession decline (n) There was a decline in the number of new homes for ten years in succession 99 down (v) Ater a brief rise, imports went down again. decrease (v) Average test scores decreased at three of the schools. decrease (n) There was a decrease in test scores at throe of the schools. drop (v) In 2008, foreign investment dropped by over 20%. drop (n) In 2008, there was a drop in foreign investment of over 20% {all (fell, fallen) (v) The number of overseas students felln 2013. fall (n) There was a fallin the number of international students in 2013, SAME > stay the same The company’s market share stayed the same. remain constant For three months, the percentage remained constant. UPAND DOWN y7y fluctuate (v) The number of seasonal workers employed by the company fluctuates each year fluctuation (n) There have been fluctuations in the number of seasonal workers employed by the compary. go up and down (v) Fares have gone up and down over the last few months. ACADEMIC WAITING [Link]trends and main features ACADEMIC WRITING at (+ time of day) at noon, at 6 8. fon (+ date/day of the week) on Ist October; on Mondays: jn (+ month/season/year/decade/century) in June; in the summer; in 2014; in the 1990s; in the 21st century {for (a period of time) for ten years; for the next several months by (before or ata specific point in timel by 10th Apri by the end of 2016 until (up to 2 certain point} until December 31; until 2020; unt the beginning of 2014 {from ... tofbetween ... and {starting points and ending points) from 2001 to 2016; between Ist Janvary and 311 June before/after (+ point in time) before 5:00 p.m. after the 19th century ‘around (+ petiod of time or point in time) around 1997; for around six months during (for the duration ofa period of time] during the 1980s; during the winter; during Anil LRT 1 Wise /trom ... to) ‘The number of aplication receive ly Atrerton Unverctty rose 10.2 2 {cimbto/ oy) 3 fall tofin) 4 (a decine m / during) 5. {fluctuate / between .. and) 6 level off / around 7 8 8 lieach a peak / around) (drop fatten (stay the same/ trom... ol Number of applications received by four universities 7.900 6,000 2 5400 2 4000-| 3 5 3,000-| 5 2 2000-| 1.000 genet ge etn a 1980 198519901995 2000 2005-2010 Year — Atherton University — The University of Lakewood ~ Alstead University Lindslade College [Link]UP OR DOWN QUICKLY 4y rapidly ladv) The pumber of smartphones in use has risen rapidly over the last ten years. rapid (adi) In this decade, there was rapid increase in smartphone use, suddenly (ads). Employment figures cropped suddenly during the following ten years sudden (adi) The next decade saw a sudden decrease in employment figures sharply (adv) The price of textbooks ose sharply. sharp (ad) Thore was a sharp rise io the price of textbooks. ramaticaly (adv) Exports fell dramatically last year dramatic (ad) There was a dramatic fl in exports ast year antly adv) Property taxes rose significantly in 2014 significant (adi) There was significant rise in property taxes in 2014 steeply (adv) The number of people attending the event increased steeply in 2013. steep (adj) The year 2013 saw a steep increase inthe number of people attending the event. major (adi) A major expansion of the company’s marketing departmentis expected in the next few years. UP OR DOWN MORE SLOWLY 7y steadily (adv) The numberof toursts visiting the park rose steadily. steady (adj). The park experienced a steady increase in the number of tourists ‘gradually (adv) The population of the province gradually dectined, ‘gradual (adj) There was a gradual deciine in the population of the province. ightly (adv) Bus fares may go up slightly. slight (adj) slight increase in bus fares is expected. 1 (adj) There were minor fluctuations in the value of raw materials. NENT ESTES TCE OTT EI ACADEMICWRITING — 169 [Link]190 ACADEMIC WAITING 7 Look at the graph about stuclents stuclying languages at university. Write two sentences about each language. Use vocabulary from any of the language boxes on pages 186-189 to help you. Try to write about main trends or significant features. French The number of students ctudying French increased somewhat from 1890 fo 995. Number of students studying languages at one university in the UK 450 400 — French — Spanish — German — Chinese — Polish — Arabic Number of students 2005 «20102015 ‘Some line granhs make predictions about the future, When you are descrbing @ projection, ‘you should use language that indicates thal these activities take place in the future and that ‘the datais uncertain ‘might + infinitive The costs of doing business in Country 8 might rise next year ‘mays infinitive Government revenues may go down again during the next quarter will + probably + infinitive According to the graph, the number of websites will probably double over the next fev years. is + probably + going to + infinitive There is probably going to be an inerease in the umber of television dramas this autumn, noun + is predicted A sudden increase in tourism is predicted. is predicted + to+ infinitive The number of tourists is predicted to rise, noun + is expected A decline in the average age is expected. noun + is expected + to + infinitive The average age is expected to go down. Itis expected thats clause It is expected that the average age will decrease. SMM ee Tea ee [Link](QUEM © Look at the graph showing worldwide tice consumption, Welt Using the right tense to describe Projectons, Understanding the task Tene ntonces about the four projections. Remember to use language from the box on page 190 to indicate that the data is uncerts 1 According to Drojecton | rice consumption around the world is expected to graw to over 520 metric tonnes, Four estimates of worldwide rice consumption 6007 i s00| 3 — Projection $ 400 — ae ar E ao : rojection 2 om Projection 3 3. —= Projection 4 2 im g 0 1 7 1 7 < ‘1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 Year Work in pairs. Look at the line graph below and answer the question The graph below gives information about marriage and divorce in the United Kingdom from 1956 to 2006. Marriage and divorce g —Allmarriages First marriages fe] Divorces a —Remarriages 1956 1966 197619861995 2006 Year Number of marriages /divorees (thousands) 8 1. What basic information does the graph provide? 2. What do the four lines on the graph indicate? 3. What is measured on the vertical axis? What unit of measurement is used? 4 What is measured on the horizontal axis? 5 What trends do you see nthe graph? 6 What are some of the mos: important features of this graph? 7. Should you try te report on all she changes in direction that you see in the graph? Why?/Why nor? ACADEMICWRITING — 191 [Link]lage and divorce on page 181 again. Answer the questions. (CUEEMEEE] 10 L00k at the graph about m | Wwting an Which of these statements about the graph (A or 8) do you think is the best introductory introductory sentence? Why isi better? see This graph provides information about martiage and divorce inthe United eseibrs she man Kingdom from 1956 to 2006, ‘tends 8 This graph indicates the changing nature of marriage, divorce and remariage ‘over 2 period of five decades. 2. Which of these statements best describes the main trends of the graph? Why is it better? A In general, we soe that the number of marriages declined cramatically over this period, while the number of divorces and remarriages sight\y increased. 8 Overal, the mariage rate went from about 405,000 per year to less than 300,000 2 year, while the number of divorces went from about 30,000 a year to about 180,000. 11 Look carefully at the graph below and answer the questions. (3-5 minutes} Identiving he 1 What is the overal purnose ofthe graph? important points 2 What are one or wo important points about the population in and key features in @ the United States? b Nigeria? Japan? grap 31 Wha pins of comparson can yeu make aout eranges in pepuationn these tree | ‘countries? The graph below gives historical information and projections about changes in population in the United States, Nigeria and Japan. Population changes in three countries United States Millions of people 1960 1975 2000 2025 2050 Year 12 Now write your answer. (10-15 minutes) 1 Write an introductory statement (based on the information inthe text box above the graph) ‘and describe the main trends shown in the graph in paragraph 1 2. Give details about changes i population in the three countries n the nex: paragraph, Remember to use the appropriate tenses (past and future for predictions), 3. Compare the population changes in the third paragraph 13 Check your work. Look for mistakes in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Make sure that you have used the correct tenses, and used a good variety of language for descilbing ‘graphs. (3-5 minutes) 14 Work in pairs. After you have finished, look at the model answer on the DVD-ROM. Compare your answers with the model answer and think about the marking criteria, (See page 180 for marking criteria) 192 ACADEMIC WRITING [Link]IELTS PRACTICE TASK You should spend about 20 minutes on this task The graph below gives information about how teenagers (aged 12-19) in o United States communicated with each other. ‘Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. tate in the Write at least 160 words. How teenagers in one US state communicated % of all teenagers 10 0 v T Nov 2006 Now 2007 Feb 2008 ‘Sep 2009 Year Text messages —— Calls on cell phones = = Tak face-to-face Email | feel confident about writing responses for Task 1 Line Graphs, I di OX, but | stil need to do more work on writing responses forTask 1 Line Graphs. | need more practice with writing responses for7ask 1 Line Graphs. | need to focus on ACADERAIC WRITING [Link]