Using the correct tense https://ieltsonline.com.au/ieltsmaster/writing/Writing_Task_1/lang_focus...
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Using the correct tense
Task 1 Language Focus Using the correct tense is important in your Task 1 answer. The tense you use will depend on the time period
indicated in the Task 1 diagram. In most cases you will need to use either the simple past or the simple
Using appropriate vocabulary to
present tense. Although less common, in some cases you may need to use the present perfect tense.
describe trends
Words describing downwards trends Here, these three tenses will be covered:
Words describing little or no change The simple present tense
Other words to describe trends The simple past tense
The present perfect tense
Words to describe "how much" change
Words to describe quantity The simple present tense
Labeling a graph
The simple present tense is used to describe a diagram in Task 1 that does not indicate a time period
Describing data or that describes the present. Look at how the simple present tense is used in the following sentences.
Using a variety of sentence structures
for Task 1 Example
Comparing the structures The percentage of criminals who commit petty theft (50%) is substantially higher than those who commit
armed robbery (24%).
Changing adjectives to adverbs
Changing verbs to nouns
Using different sentence structures
to describe trends
Exceptions to the rule
Sentence structures for comparing data
Comparing data of different amounts
Comparing data of similar amounts
Using a variety of sentence
structures to compare data
Using a passive structure
The passive in relative clauses
Active versus passive structures
Active or passive?
Using a passive structure
Other examples
Including data in your report
Prepositions The number of males who are employed in administrative work is far less than the number of females.
Using prepositions to incorporate The amount of tooth decay in adults increases dramatically after the age of 45.
data
Using the correct tense The simple past tense
Using the correct tense
The simple past tense is used to describe a diagram when the time period is in the past. Look at how
Summary the simple past tense is used in the following sentences.
Example
Task 2 Language Focus
Practice Tests From 1972 to 1985, the production of cassettes increased dramatically.
Question Bank
Assessment Tasks
Other examples
From 1972 to 1985, there was a dramatic increase in the production of cassettes.
The number of luxury cars that were produced fluctuated slightly between 1990 and 1997.
The number of females who were employed in management positions in 1995 was substantially higher than
in 1985.
Before 1995, 73 percent of visa applications were accepted.
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Using the correct tense https://ieltsonline.com.au/ieltsmaster/writing/Writing_Task_1/lang_focus...
The present perfect tense
The present perfect tense is used to describe a trend from a particular time in the past to now. This
tense is less common in Task 1, but you should still know how to use it.
First, look at the following simple line graph. What type of information does it show?
This line graph gives us information about the yearly birth rate in one country from 1995 to the present day.
We can see from the graph that there has been a significant increase in the birth rate since 1997.
Let's look at some example sentences that describe this trend.
Since 1997, the birth rate has increased substantially.
Since 1997, there has been a substantial increase in the birth rate.
To describe a trend from a particular time in the past to now, we must:
show the time period using the word 'since'
use present perfect: has/have + past participle.
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.
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