Vocabulary to represent changes in graphs:
Example:
The economic inflation of the country increased sharply by 20% in 2008.
There was a sharp drop in the industrial production in the year 2009.
The demand for new houses dramatically increased in 2002.
Introduction + Basic/ General Trends + Details Description + Conclusion.
Each part has a specific format and therefore being equipped with the necessary vocabulary will help you to write the task 1 efficiently and will save a great deal of time.
Vocabulary for the Introduction Part:
Example :
The provided diagram shows data on employment categories in energy producing sectors in Europe starting from 1925 to 1985.
The given pie charts represent the proportion of male and female employee in 6 broad categories, divided into manual and non-manual occupations.
The chart gives information on expenditures of 4 European countries on six consumer products namely Germany, Italy, Britain and France.
Vocabulary for the General trends Part:
In general, In common, As is presented, Generally speaking, As is observed.
Example:
In general the employment opportunity has increased till 1970 and has dropped down afterward.
As is observed, the figures for imprisonment in the five mentioned countries show no overall pattern of increase or decrease rather shows the considerable fluctuation from country to country.
Generally speaking, USA had far more standard life than all the other 4 mentioned countries.
Vocabulary to show the changes:
Examples:
The overall sale of the Company has increased by 20% at the end of the year.
The expenditure of the office remained constant for the last 6 months but the profit rose by almost 25%.
There was a 15% drop in the student enrollment of the University.
The population of the country remained almost the same as it was 2 years ago.
This is a sample of IELTS listening test that you should understand the different type of assessment. Educationfocus gives away this sample at Listening: Test 1 IELTS
Here is a reading given away for practice. Download a link here Reading practice
Below are some common idioms that I have heard students use correctly in the IELTS speaking test. If you have never heard any of them before, try to find more examples of how they are used and then practice using them when you are practicing speaking. Also, understanding where they originate from can help you remember them.
If you can, have a native speaker or English teacher listen to you and tell you if you are using them correctly.
Most of these are ways to describe something, someone or how you feel. These tend to be easier to use because you can substitute the description you would normally use for the idiom.
Over the moon– to be extremely pleased or happy.
I was over the moonwhen I passed my speaking test.
Once in a blue moon– happens very rarely.
A student will get a 9 in the IELTS writing test once in a blue moon.
A piece of cake– very easy.
Getting a band 6 in the speaking test will be a piece of cake.
A drop in the ocean– a very small part of something much bigger.
Just learning idioms is a drop in the oceanwhen it comes to preparing for the speaking test.
Actions speak louder than words– it is better to actually do something than just talk about it.
Lots of people have great business ideas but do nothing about them. Actions speak louder than words, just do it.
Back to the drawing board– when you attempted to do something but failed and have to try again.
I got 4.5 in reading! Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Put all your eggs in one basket-put all your money or effort into one thing.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.You should apply to lots of different universities.
The in thing– something fashionable.
The new iPhone is really thein thingat the moment.
The real McCoy– genuine or not fake.
I don’t think her new handbag is the real McCoy.
Off the top of my head– saying something without thinking first.
Off the top of my head, I’d say about 2 or 3.
Run of the mill– average, ordinary
Apple phones are very run of the millthese days.
Soul mate– someone you trust very deeply.
My husband is not just my lover, he’s my soul mate.
Down in the dumps– sad.
I was really down in the dumps after my dog died.
Found my feet– to become comfortable doing something.
Moving to a new city was difficult as first, but I soon found my feet.
Set in their ways– not wanting to change.
My parents are quite traditional and set in their ways.
Go the extra mile– do much more than is required.
I decided to go the extra mile and move to England to really perfect my English.
A hot potato– a controversial topic.
Abortion and capital punishment are hot potatoes in my country at the moment.
Miss the boat– miss an opportunity.
I sent my application in late and I think I missed the boat.
Costs an arm and a leg– really expensive.
Those shoes must have cost an arm and a leg.
Sit on the fence– to be undecided.
I haven’t made my mind up about that issue, I’ll have to sit on the fence.
Enjoy learning!
Do you need to:
- Improve your English vocabulary quickly and effectively?This list of words was developed by the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University in Wellington.
You will notice that some words are in italics. This means that they are the most frequently occurring member of the word family.
