This document overviews the Writing Task 1 graph and table analysis component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic version of this exam. This document is suitable for scholars who are able to write at the intermediate, upper-intermediate and advanced levels. It is also suitable for qualified IELTS instructors and trainee IELTS tutors.

1. 1
The Free School
IELTS ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 1:
TREND ANALYSIS
Dr. Jay Jericho
jay@thefreeschool.education
Introduction
This document overviews the Writing Task 1 graph and table analysis component of the
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic version of this exam.
This document is suitable for scholars who are able to write at the intermediate, upper-
intermediate and advanced levels. It is also suitable for qualified IELTS instructors and
trainee IELTS tutors. The first document in this series is available at the link below:
http://www.thefreeschool.education/ielts-task-1.html

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The content of this document is available at this website:
http://www.thefreeschool.education/ielts-task-1-graphs.html
Table of contents
Section 1: Defining trends
Section 2: Seeking out trends
Bar graphs, line graphs, series pie-charts and data tables.
Section 3: Two-step process for analyzing graphs, pie-charts and data tables
Section 4: Trend analysis
Flat, upward trend, downward trend, stable cycle trend, downward cycle
trend, upward cycle trend and volatile data patterns.
Section 5: Quantitative data analysis
Section 6: Magnitude analysis
Section 7: Direction analysis

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Section 1: Defining trends
Some scholars struggle to analyze and discuss trends in data tables and graphs.
A trend is a pattern that sustains over time.
You need to identify whether there is a trend for:
Each classification on a bar graph

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Each line on a line graph

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Each category in a time-series collection of pie charts
Each category in a time-series data table

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Section 2: Seeking out trends:
You should first search for the largest long-term trends when you analyze time-series
data sets.
You may discuss short-term trends if these are the major pattern shown in data.
Section 3: Two-step process for analyzing graphs, pie-charts and data tables
I suggest that you use this two-step approach when analyzing quantitative time-series
data.
Step 1: Do you see one or more trends in the data?
Step 2 (a): Yes
Identify by name one or more trends and discuss them in order of prominence.
Step 2 (b): No
Discuss volatile (fluctuating) data patterns.

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Section 4: Trend and no trend data analysis
Trends
Flat
Upward trend
Downward trend
Stable cycle trend
Downward cycle trend
Upward cycle trend
No trend
Fluctuation
A discussion example of each type of trend is available at:
http://www.thefreeschool.education/ielts9.html

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Section 5: Quantitative data analysis
Quantity
You will earn a higher band score for the Task Assessment and Lexical Resource
(vocabulary) if you can quantify your discussion using numbers.
The pie chart series on the next page shows that total operating expenses for XYZ Inc
increase each year from 2013 to 2016 inclusive. Total operating expenses are $64,688 in
2013 and peak at $72,450 in 2016.

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Section 6: Magnitude analysis
Magnitude
You will earn a higher band score for the Task Assessment and Lexical Resource
(vocabulary) if you can accurately describe the relative size of a trend or pattern.
The continuous growth in finance expenses between 2005 and 2016 occurs at a faster
rate than the increase in operating expenses which likewise expands each year over the
same period.

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Vocabulary: magnitude
Minor, subtle, small
Average, medium-sized, moderate
Large, significant, substantial
Section 7: Direction analysis
Direction
You will earn a higher band score for the Task Assessment and Lexical Resource
(vocabulary) if you can accurately describe the trajectory of a trend or pattern.
The line graph on the next page shows that total operating expenses increase each year
between 2005 and 2016 inclusive.

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Vocabulary: direction
Decline, reduce, decrease, contract
Stable, steady, stagnant, flat, consistent
Increase, grow, growth, expansion
Further reading
These resources listed overleaf are available YouTube subscriber name The Free School.

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http://www.thefreeschool.education/scholarships.html
http://www.thefreeschool.education/motivation-letters.html
http://www.thefreeschool.education/scholarships.html

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http://www.thefreeschool.education/scholarships.html

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http://www.thefreeschool.education/writing-center.html
http://www.thefreeschool.education/finances.html

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http://www.thefreeschool.education/scholarships.html
http://chat.thefreeschool.education/