54.1 – Vocabulary to describe graphs
54.1.1 – Introducing the graph
The graph/table/pie chart/bar chart/diagram …
- gives information about/on …
- provides information about/on …
- shows …
- illustrates …
- compares …
- explains why …
- describes …
- draws the conclusion of (a survey) …
Example: The pie charts provide information on the proportion of males and females working in the agricultural sector.
54.1.2 – Types of changes
54.1.3 – Nouns
a rise (of)
an increase (of)
a growth (of)
a peak (of)
a surge (of)
Example: a rise in prices
a fall (in)
a decrease (in)
a decline (in)
a dip (in)
Example: a fall in prices
a fluctuation (of)
a variation (in)
Example: a fluctuation of prices
54.1.4 – Verbs
to rise
to increase
to surge
to grow
to peak
Large rises:
to rocket
to soar
to leap (->leapt)
to fall
to decrease
to decline
to dip
to dive
to plunge
Large falls:
to plummet
to fluctuate
to vary
54.1.5 – Description of changes
Adverbs
sharply
suddenly
rapidly
abruptly
dramatically
significantly
considerably
markedly
wildly
Example: the prices rose sharply
slightly
gently
gradually
steadily
modestly
marginally
For example, the prices increased modestly
Adjectives
sharp
sudden
rapid
abrupt
dramatic
steep
significant
considerable
marked
substantial
spectacular
For example, there was a considerable growth
slight
gentle
gradual
steady
consistent
modest
marginal
For example, there was a gradual decline
54.1.6 – Useful phrases
a small fraction, a small number, a small minority
a large portion, a significant majority
nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in the region of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter, around two-thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly one in ten, approximately a third