Below are other adjectives and adverbs that can be used to describe how much change.

significant / moderate / slight / slightly

significantly moderately
slow / slowly
considerable / gradual / gradually
considerably
steady / steadily
substantial / substantially
rapid / rapidly
sharp / sharply
dramatic / dramatically

Examples
There was a dramatic decline in the number of students studying tourism.
The number of students studying tourism declined dramatically.

Words to describe quantity

 to show less than to show similar to show more than
quantity

just under around just over

well under approximately well over
less than about more than
roughly
nearly

Examples
Approximately two thirds of applicants were rejected.
Just over 55% of all household waste is recycled.

The percentage of people who study to gain a qualification (42%), is far greater than
those studying because it is necessary for their current job (8%). The number of students
who study for enjoyment is similar to those studying in order to socialize with other
people. The percentage of people who study in order to start a new career is almost three
times as many as those studying as a requirement for their current job.
 Adjective Adverb

slight slightly

gradual gradually

moderate moderately

considerable considerably

significant significantly

substantial substantially

rapid rapidly

steady steadily

sharp sharply

dramatic dramatically

From 1990 to 1993, there was a sharp fall in the number of European tourists travelling
to Australia.

From 1990 to 1993, the number of European tourists travelling to Australia fell sharply.

There was a steady decline in the number of students studying a foreign language at
high school between 1980 and 1993.

The number of students studying a foreign language at high school declined

steadily between 1980 and 1993.

Approximately twice as many criminals commit petty theft as armed robbery.

Approximately twice as many criminals commit as armed

petty theft robbery.

About two times as many

Roughly double the amount
of
Around
Nearly
A far greater percentage of criminals commit petty theft (50%) than armed robbery
(24%).

A far greater percentage of criminals than armed

commit petty robbery.
theft
proportion of
substantially higher
significantly larger
considerably
much

Between 1990 and 1995, the amount of rice harvested increased dramatically.

Between 1990 and 1995, the amount of rice which was harvested increased
dramatically.

Active Farmers harvested double the amount of rice.

Passive Double the amount of rice was harvested.

Active Manufacturers increased the production of

cassettes.
Passive
The production of cassettes was increased.

In the 1990s, car manufacturers produced twice as many luxury cars as in the 1980s.

In the 1990s, twice as many luxury cars were produced as in the 1980s.
Incorporating data using brackets
One method of incorporating data is to use brackets. Look at the following example.

Example
The percentage of criminals who commit petty theft (50%) is substantially higher than those
who commit armed robbery (24%).

Note that brackets can be used within and/or at the end of a sentence, directly after what they
refer to.

Incorporating data using a relative clause

Another method of including data is using a relative clause. Look at the following example.

Example
Petty theft, which constitutes 50% of crimes committed in this Australian city, is the
most common offence.

Note that a comma is used before and after a relative clause.

Here are some other verbs that can be used with 'which' to incorporate data.

which constitutes
is the
Drink which consists of 12% of crimes committed least
driving, which makes up in this Australian city, common.
which accounts for
Incorporating data using prepositions
Using prepositions to incorporate data is common when describing trends. Look at the
following line graph and read the example sentences. Notice how they use prepositions to
incorporate data from the graph.

Examples
Between March and June, production remained steady at approximately 800 mobile phones
per month.
During the last 2 months, production fell significantly from about 1000 mobile phones per
month to just under 350 per month.
During the last 2 months, there was a significant drop in production of about 650 mobile
phones per month.
During the last 2 months, production dropped by about 650 mobile phones per month.
Prepositions
Let's look at the following prepositions in more detail:

• From ...to
• At
• By/of

From ... to
The prepositions from and to are used to incorporate data that
shows an increase or decrease from one amount to another.

Example
A In 1998, unemployment fell from 5% to approximately 3.5%.
B During the last financial year, production rose from 50 units to nearly 90 units per day.

At
The preposition at is used to incorporate data that stays the same during a particular period of
time, or is located at one particular point – for example, at the beginning or end of a graph.
Look at the following line graph showing trends in profit over one decade and read the example
sentences. Notice how the preposition at is used to incorporate data from the graph.

Examples
At the beginning of the decade, yearly profit started at $34,000.
During the next three years, profit remained constant at approximately $35,500 per year.
By the end of the decade, the average yearly profit finished at approximately $40,000.
Here are some other verbs that can be used with at to incorporate data. Note that the tense you
use will depend on the time period shown in the graph.

These verbs are used to show data that is located at one particular point – for example, at
the beginning or end of a graph:

(to) start at 15,000 (to) peak at 55,000 (to) finish at 10,000

(to) begin at (to) reach a peak at (to) end at
(to) commence at

These words show that data stays the same during a particular period of time:

(to) remain constant at...

(to) remain steady at...15.000
(to) remain the same at...

By / of
The prepositions by and of are used to incorporate data to show how much something has
increased or decreased, that is, the difference between two amounts of data.

For example, if the production of paper fell from 50% to 30%, then we can say that:

• Production decreased by 20%.

• There was a decrease of 20% in production.

Note that by is used after a verb (decreased), while of is used after a noun (a decrease).
Since 1997, there has been a substantial increase in the birth rate.

Note that it is incorrect to write:

From 1997 to now, the birth rate increased substantially.

OR
From 1997 to now, there was a substantial increase in the birth rate.
Example question

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The illustration below shows a cassette player with the different parts needed to use it.

Write a report for a university lecturer, describing how to use a cassette player.

You should write at least 150 words.

Sample answer
The illustration is of a cassette player, which is used to play or record sound such as music
or speech. A cassette player consists of several parts: a cassette deck, various types of
control buttons, a counter, a built-in microphone, and a plug.
In order to use a cassette player, first insert the plug into the power point and switch it on.
Next, press the eject button to open the cassette deck. Insert the cassette and close the
cover. To play the cassette, use the control buttons located at the front of the cassette
player. These buttons can be used to play, fast forward, rewind or stop the cassette. Also,
the volume can be varied using the volume control, located at the right-hand side of the
cassette player.
To record speech or music onto the cassette, press the record button. For the best result,
speak or direct the sound towards the built-in microphone. When you have finished playing
or recording, press the stop button. Then push the eject button and remove the cassette
from the cassette deck.
 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph shows how many people were employed in the Australian mining
industry from 1900 to 1990.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.

Now let's look at the sample answer.

Introduction:

• the topic of the graph (what)

• the time span (when)
• the place (where)
• the unit of measurement.

Paraphrase >

• The • graph • shows • the number of

• This • line • illustrates employees in the
graph • describes mining industry
• bar • indicates in Australia.
graph • represents
• diagram
• chart
• table

This line graph illustrates the number of employees in thousands in the mining
industry in Australia between 1900 and 1990.
Body:
At the beginning of the century more than 60,000 people were employed in this
sector, but by the end of the first decade this fell to only 40,000. The number of
employees continued to decline throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s, but at a much
lower rate than previously, reaching a low of 30,000 in 1940. This was followed by
a dramatic growth to 50,000 in the next 10 years. However, from 1950 onwards the
decline began again and was marked by a sharp drop at the beginning of the 1960’s
after which the rate of decline slowed. By 1990, only 15,000 people were working in
this sector.
Overview:

• Overall, • To summarize • In summary

• In sum,

Overall, it is clear that employment in the Australian mining industry declined

significantly throughout this century, although there was a peak in the number of
employees in 1950.
This line graph compares the number of hours of Internet use per week with
the amount of money earned in thousands annually in households in Australia.

The bar graph represents the rates of unemployment in percentages in Victoria in 1998
according to gender and place of birth.

chart > graph

shows > represents
sex > gender
by > according to
unemployment rates > rates of unemployment
birthplace > place of birth
The graph below shows the percentage of employees in each occupation
absent from work for at least one day in the first week of July in 1999 due to injury
or illness.

These two pie charts compare how the percentage of the labor force was distributed in
1932 and 1992 in Great Britain.

the > these

show > compare
workforce > labor force
the distribution > was distributed

Note that the use of time markers here is very important. They make your answer
cohesive, and they signal each new trend. Remember to vary the time markers you use.
For example, in the sample answer for Australian mining industry employees the time
markers used are: at the beginning of the century, by the end of the first decade,
throughout the 1920s and 1930s, this was followed by, from 1950 onwards, at the
beginning of the 1960s, by 1990.
Body Plan

The most significant trend in this time period Most significant trend - use
was the increase in the use of cars. of cars increased

In 1950, only about 5% of travelers used a car Supporting data:

to go to and from work, but this rose to 25% 1950 - about 5%
in 1970 and to over 35% in 1990. 1970 - 25%
1990 - 35%

On the other hand, there was a decrease in Different trend - travelling

the number of people travelling on foot. on foot decreased

In 1950, about one in three people walked to Supporting data:

and from work, but this fell to around 20% in 1950 - 35%
1970 and to a very low 5% in 1990. 1970 - around 20%
1990 - around 5%

Similarly, travelling by Similar trend - travelling by

bike declined dramatically in this period bike decreased
from approximately 26% in 1950 to around
4% in 1990. Supporting data:
1950 - 26%
1970 - 22%
1990 - 4%

Regarding bus travel, the trend was quite Different trend - bus travel
different. increased then decreased

The popularity of the bus first increased to Supporting data:

25%, and then declined to about the same 1950 - 20%
level in 1990 as in 1950 (22%). 1970 - 25%
1990 - 18%
 Body Plan

It is significant that managers and Trend - lowest rate of

administrators had the lowest absenteeism
rate of absenteeism, recording only
Support - 3.25%
around 3.25% absent.

This was nearly 1% less than Trend - second lowest

the next lowest rate of rate of absenteeism
absenteeism, which was for
Support - just over
professional occupations at just over
4%
4%.

Crafted and related occupations, Trend - next lowest rate

associate professional and technical,
Support - 4.3%,
and selling had similar rates at 4.3%,
4.4%, 4.5%
4.4%, 4.5% respectively.

On the other hand, the highest Trend - highest rate

rate of absenteeism was found in
Support - 6%
personal and protective occupations,
plant and machine operatives and
clerical and secretarial jobs. All of
these had absent rates of just below
6%.
 To introduce a trend that is the same Similarly, also

To introduce a trend that is different However, on the other

hand, in contrast

To introduce a new category or a new With regard to, regarding,

graph turning to

...respectively
To incorporate data
...the former...the latter

To contrast data but

Sample 1
At the beginning of the century more than 60,000 people were employed in this
sector, but by the end of the first decade this fell to only 40,000. The number of employees
continued to decline throughout the 1920s and 1930s, but a much lower rate than previously,
reaching a low of 30,000 in 1940. This was followed by a dramatic growth to 50,00 in the
next 10 years. However, from 1950 onwards the decline began again and was marked by a
sharp drop at the beginning of the 1960s, after which the rate of decline slowed. By 1990,
only 15,000 people were working in this sector.

Sample 2
The most significant change in this time period was the increase in the use of cars. In 1950
only about 5% of travelers used a car to go to and from work, but this rose to 25% in 1970
and to over 35% in 1990. On the other hand, there was a decrease in the number of people
travelling on foot. In 1950, about one in three people walked to and from work, but this fell
to around 20% in 1970 and to a very low 5% in 1990. Similarly,, travelling by bike declined
dramatically in this period from approximately 26% in 1950 to around 4% in
1990. Regarding bus travel, the trend was quite different. The popularity of the bus first
increased to 25% and then declined to about the same level in 1990 as it had been in 1950
(22%).

Throughout this period, by far the largest number of students came from Asia. However, the
number of Asian students declined from 64 841 in 1996 to 43 220 in 1998, a decrease of
around 30%. Similarly, there was a fall in the number of European students from 6 695 in 1996
to 4 378 in 1998. It is, however, interesting to note that this number peaked at 8 012 in 1997
before almost halving the next year. In contrast, the number of Central and South American and
African students rose, although they still made up an insignificant proportion of the overall total.
In 1932, 25% of people were unemployed. Of those who had a job the largest percentage worked
in the industrial sector (45%), followed by similar percentages in the services and in the
agriculture and fishing sectors at 15% for the former and 12% for the latter. Only 3% of the
population were employed by the government.

Turning to 1992, there were major changes in the distribution of the workforce. Most significantly,
a far lower percentage of people were unemployed (10%). Similarly, the percentage of workers in
the industrial sector declined dramatically to a very low 15%. The rate in the agriculture and fishing
sectors also decreased, but only slightly to 8%. In contrast, the size of the government sector and
that of the services sector increased substantially, the former to 15% and the latter to 52%.
In general, it can be said that in the period 1950 to 1990 the use of cars to travel to
and from work increased dramatically, while the popularity of other forms of transport
either declined or remained constant.

Overall, it would seem that managers and administrators are the least likely to be absent from
work, while plant and machine operators and personal and protective staff are the most likely to
call in sick.
 Geographical Area 1996 1997 1998

Asia 64, 841 59, 857 43, 220

Europe 6, 695 8, 012 4, 378

Central and South 839 1, 392 1, 345

America

Africa - 126 499

Total 72, 375 69, 387 49, 442

To summarize, although there was a slight increase in the number of students from some
regions, there was a major decline in the total number of international students from 1996 to
1998.

Overall, there was a major decline in the students of Asia and Europe studying foreign language
in 1998 than in 1996, but the enrollments of American and African students seem to increase
during the period.

In general, over the last 60 years there have been major changes in the relative size of the
major employment sectors in the British economy.

To conclude, there was a major change in the labor sector in Great Britain in 1992 comparing
to the data of 1932 as the unemployment and the industry work declined largely while service
became a popular work sector.
Australian Political Campaign Spending (1999 - 2002)(Aus. $ billion)

New South
Victoria Queensland Tasmania
Wales
1999 18 16 11 5
2000 19 17 12 5
2001 25 19 13 6
2002 27 21 14 7

The table indicates how much money was spent in Introduction:

AUS$ billions on political campaigns in 4 different Introduces both the table and the
States in Australia from 1999 to 2002, while the bar bar graph.
graph shows the amount spent in all of Australia in
this period.

New South Wales and Victoria spent more on Body:

campaigns than Queensland or Tasmania. In New A description of the table that
South Wales, this amount increased each year from includes the trends and
18 billion in 1999 to 27 billion in 2002. Similarly, the support data of the spending
Victorian spending rose, but not as dramatically, from in each state.
16 to 21 billion. Spending in Queensland and
Tasmania increased also, but only slightly, from 11 to
14 billion for the former, and 5 to 7 billion for the
latter.

With regard to all of Australia, there was a slight A description of the bar graph that
increase in spending between 1999 and 2000 from includes the trends and
approximately 58 billion dollars to about 62 billion the support data of Australian
dollars. This amount jumped to nearly 82 billion in spending.
2001 and finished at a high of almost 84 billion in
2002.

In summary, it is clear that although there was only a Overview:

slight increase in spending on political campaigns in A brief summary of both the table
some Australian States during this period, there was a and the graph.
significant increase in Australia overall.
This chart illustrates how a company recruits its employees.
Firstly, a list of job requirements is drawn up by the company’s human resources department.
These requirements are then included in an advertisement that is placed in a newspaper. An
application form is picked up by anyone who is interested in the job. After an application form
has been collected, it is completed and returned to the office by the applicant. Before a
decision is made, all application forms are opened and assessed. At this stage the application
may be rejected or an applicant may be invited for an interview. If the applicant is rejected, a
letter is sent thanking them for their interest. After this, the selected applicants are
interviewed and a successful candidate and a runner up are chosen. The successful candidate
is offered the job, but if they do not accept, the runner up is given the opportunity.
The diagram below shows the typical stages of consumer goods
manufacturing.

This chart illustrates how consumer goods go through various steps in the manufacturing
process.

The flow chart below shows the stages involved in grain processing.

This diagram illustrates how ripened grain is processed in preparation for food manufacturing.
Feature
1. Use present tense and passive
voice. Passive voice is used to focus
on the process, not the person doing
the action.
2. Add sequence markers to
introduce each step. This makes
your writing very clear.
Body
Sample 1
The ripe fruit is picked.
The ripe fruit is washed.
The ripe fruit is dried.
Sample 2
First, the ripe fruit is picked.
Next, it is washed.
Finally, it is dried.

The most common sequence markers

• First • The first step • At the same
• Next / stage is time
• Then • The next step • At this point
• After that / stage is
• Finally • The final step
/ stage is

Feature Body
3. Link steps using and, after, Sample 3
before. This makes your writing First the ripe fruit is picked.
more complex and avoids repetition Next it is washed and then dried.
of the subject.
or

First the ripe fruit is picked.

After it is washed, it is dried.

or

First the ripe fruit is picked.

4. Finally, add extra information.
This will make your report more
informative. Use your own
knowledge or information from the
diagram to help you. Click here to
see what kind of information to add.
Before it is dried, it is washed.
Sample 4
First the ripe fruit is picked from the
trees (place), using special
equipment that allows the workers to
reach the top branches (method).
After it is washed thoroughly to
destroy bacteria (purpose), it is put
in ovens (place) and dried.
The diagram illustrates how garbage such as glass, food, rubber, steel, cans, iron, paper, non-
ferrous metals, plastic, wood and aluminum can be sorted and recycled.

After the refuse has been transported in trucks to a recycling factory, it is transferred to a conveyer
belt. The first stop on the belt is at the shredder where the refuse is cut into small bits. Next, it is
conveyed to the primary air classifier. Here the lighter paper and plastic are sorted from the refuse
and then collected in a compactor. After that, steel cans and iron are attracted by the magnet in
the magnetic separator and are sent to a collector. The remaining refuse is passed through a
trommel screen which does not allow the glass, food and non-ferrous metals to pass through, so
these items are gathered in another collector. All that is left is the aluminum, wood, rubber and
plastic and this is carried to the secondary air classifier and then to a collector. Finally, the
compactor and collectors are sent to different sections to be prepared for recycling.
The illustration is of a cassette player, which is used to play or record sound such as music or
speech. A cassette player consists of several parts: a cassette deck, various types of control
buttons, a counter, a built-in microphone, and a plug.
In order to use a cassette player, first insert the plug into the power point and switch it on.
Next, press the eject button to open the cassette deck. Insert the cassette and close the cover.
To play the cassette, use the control buttons located at the front of the cassette player. These
buttons can be used to play, fast forward, rewind or stop the cassette. Also, the volume can be
varied using the volume control, located at the right-hand side of the cassette player.
To record speech or music onto the cassette, press the record button. For the best result, speak
or direct the sound towards the built-in microphone. When you have finished playing or
recording, press the stop button. Then push the eject button and remove the cassette from the
cassette deck.
Introduction:

A has a main parts: a ____,

cassette number
is made distinct sections: a ____,
player of
up of
separate a ____.
several
consists
and a
of four
____.
is
comprised
of
A hair drier is a machine designed for the purpose of drying wet hair. It is comprised of several
distinct parts: a plug, an on/off switch, a fan, a fan motor and a heating element.

This hair drier needs electricity to work and operates quite simply. First, the plug must be
inserted into a power point and switched on. There is also a switch located on the handle of the
hair drier, which must be switched on in order to supply electricity.

Inside the hair drier are a fan and a fan motor. The switch on the handle controls the fan motor,
which spins the fan positioned at the back of the hair drier. This fan draws air inside the hair
drier and forces it over a heating element to heat the air. Finally, the hot air is blown out through
the front of the hair drier. You can direct the flow of hot air by adjusting the attachment.
The map illustrates the development of the town of Bellingham between 1950 and 1990. This
expansion occurred because of a steady increase in population during that time.

Between 1950 and 1965, the town of Bellingham was comparatively small, and at this time, was
accessible only by major roads. After 1965 however, a railway line was introduced and as a result
the town doubled in size. In the late 1960s a school was established close to the railway station.

Further development occurred alongside the railway line and one of the major roads between 1975
and 1984. In 1985, a freeway was built and between 1985 and 1990 the town of Bellingham grew
dramatically due to government assisted housing development alongside the freeway, railway line
and major roads. By 1990, the size of Bellingham had increased considerably and included medical,
educational and recreational facilities, as well as more transport facilities.
 History of Bobby’s Bakehouse
1930 Small corner store bread 2 staff
cakes

1938 Moved business to larger location 10 staff

+ breads
cakes
Bought food production equipment muffins
1943 Investment in technology and more 35 staff
equipment
breads
+ cakes
muffins
Research into health and nutrition tarts
1950 Built storage and distribution 120 staff
facilities
breads
cakes
muffins
tarts
biscuits
pies
1970 Opened 16 bakehouses in Britain 3500 staff
and the United States

The diagram shows the expansion of Bobby's Bakehouse over a period of 70 years.

Bobby's Bakehouse began as a small corner store in 1930. It employed two staff and sold a small
range of cakes and breads. In the late 1930s, the business moved to a larger location. Food
production equipment was installed to produce a wider choice of products and eight more
staff were employed.

In 1943, the company invested in additional technology and equipment. They also began their own
research into health and nutrition and as a result, a wider variety of new and healthier
products was produced.

In 1950, Bobby's Bakehouse expanded to include storage and distribution facilities. Muffins and
tarts were added to the range of products and the business employed 120 staff. By 1970, Bobby's
Bakehouse had become so successful that a further 16 bakehouses were opened in Britain and
the United States. By this time, the company was employing over 3500 staff members.