2. An analytical paragraph is a form of descriptive writing
which is written on the basis of an analysis of a given
chart, graph, data, outline, clues, table, etc.
The paragraph must use clear and crisp language along
with providing complete details of the chart given in the
question.
The analytical paragraph has to be written in around
100-120 words.
The question carries 5 marks.
Whatis an
Analytical
Paragraph?
4. Features ofanAnalyticalParagraph
It should be brief
and comprehensive
(include complete
information) at the
same time.
It should state facts
that are provided by
the chart/graph/cue
etc.
It is necessary to
make use of simple
and accurate
language.
It should mention
figures and
quantities
appropriately.
It is appropriate to
use the same tense
throughout the
analytical
paragraph.
No personal
observation or
response should be
provided.
It would be
preferable to use the
passive form of the
verb.
6. Introduce the
Graph
- To do this, paraphrase the title of the graph.
- Put in a time frame if there is one.
Useful Phrases:
• i. The chart given above describes…
• ii. The table suggests…
• iii. The line graph shows…
• iv. The data given provides information about…
• v. The pie chart illustrates …
•
7. Give an
Overview
- State what the main trend or trends in the graph are.
- Don’t give detail here.
- Just look for something that describes what is happening
overall.
Useful Phrases:
i. a pattern of growth ii. rapidly doubled iii. Skyrocketed iv.
striking increase,
v. Peaked vi. soaring rates vii. Declined viii. Plummeted
ix. Leveled off x. Stagnated xi. Fluctuated
xii. starting to rise
xiii. starting to fall
xiv. drop down
xv. slightly, etc.
•
8. Give the Detail
- Give more specific detail in the body paragraphs.
- Identify any similarities and differences.
- Divide it into two to three paragraphs.
Useful Phrases:
For describing quantities, use various styles like- 48% of, one-
third of, nearly one-fourth of, almost 80%, majority, on
average, twice as much, almost equal, the highest, the lowest,
very close to 2%, roughly, approximately 5% of, just under
three percent, etc.
For establishing a relationship or contrast, use phrases and
words like- relationship between, similarly, in contrast with, in
comparison to, but in the opposite case, however, whereas,
when it comes to, as opposed to, while, striking difference,
noticeable difference, etc.
For the conclusion and other connecting phrases use- overall,
subsequently, in all, in a nutshell, for the chart given,
in short, striking changes, including, therefore, etc.
13. FullModelAnswer
The line graph compares the fast food consumption of
teenagers in Australia between 1975 and 2000, a period of
25 years. Overall, the consumption of fish and chips
declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and
hamburgers that were eaten increased.
In 1975, the most popular fast food with Australian
teenagers was fish and chips, being eaten 100 times a year.
This was far higher than Pizza and hamburgers, which were
consumed approximately 5 times a year. However, apart
from a brief rise again from 1980 to 1985, the consumption
of fish and chips gradually declined over the 25 year
timescale to finish at just under 40..
In sharp contrast to this, teenagers ate the other two fast
foods at much higher levels. Pizza consumption increased
gradually until it overtook the consumption of fish and
chips in 1990. It then levelled off from 1995 to 2000.The
biggest rise was seen in hamburgers as the occasions they
were eaten increased sharply throughout the 1970’s and
1980’s, exceeding that of fish and chips in 1985. It finished
at the same level that fish and chips began, with
consumption at 100 times a year.
18. FullModelAnswer
The bar graph provides information about the most
Common sports played in New Zealand in 2002. It gives
figures for both boys and girls and clearly shows that their
participation in sports is fairly equal. However, their
sporting preferences tend to be different.
According to the graph, the most popular sport among girls
is netball, with participation rates reaching 25 per cent. A
similar percentage of boys prefer soccer, which is clearly
their favourite sport.Ten per cent of boys also enjoy playing
cricket but hardly any girls take part in this game.While
swimming is popular among both boys and girls, fewer
boys participate in this sport - about 13 per cent compared
to approximately 22 per cent of girls.
Other sports such as tennis, basketball and martial arts
have lower levels of popularity, and a significant percentage
of boys and girls say they enjoy sports not referred to on the
chart.
20. What
characteristics does
awell-articulated
analytical
paragraph display?
Steps to
writing a
good
piece
Clearly
identify and
analyze the
most
important
features
Develop clear
ideas, organize
them logically
and connect
them properly
with each
other
Support the
main points of
the
trends/argum
ents strongly
Follow
language
conventions-
sentence
formation,
grammar and
variety of
structures
