Category: IELTS Graphs

We already have talked about dynamic graphs and how to write an overview for the dynamic graphs. Now, let us have a look at the other kind of graph i.e. the static graph.

Static graph is a graph in which the data is provided for a fixed point of time.

Let us understand how they are answered with the help of the following example.

Deaths In Someland

The following graph shows data from just one point in time. We can therefore not talk about general trends over time. Here, the major concern is over comparing data between the various sources. Here, we will be comparing the different diseases.

Now, let us first understand this graph. What are the things that you can understand by simply seeing this graph.

First, TB crosses the mark of 1.5 and hence causing the major deaths. The next major disease is diarrhea while Leprosy and AIDS cause the least number of deaths.

Now, let us try to write an overview of the graph –

The graph compares the deaths caused by six diseases in Someland with TB causing the major deaths while Leprosy effecting the least number of people. Apart from TB and Leprosy, the number of deaths are almost same for all other disease.

When we look at static graphs we should be looking for:

• What are the highest/lowest values?
• What are the most noticeable differences?
• Any similarities?
• Any significant exceptions?

What else to take into consideration?

Try making complex sentences by using sub ordinate clauses.  Complex sentences are sentences with more than one clause and they help increase our marks in the grammatical range part of the marking criteria. You can make sub ordinate clauses by using words such as ‘while’. ‘although’, ‘with’, ‘even though’, ‘whereas’ or ‘and’.

General Structure of the IELTS writing task 2

Paragraph 1- Paraphrase Sentence

Paragraph 2- Overview

Paragraph 3- Details

Paragraph 4- Details

Remember, you need not to write any conclusion.

IELTSBAND7

Overview is the most important part of the writing task 1 of IELTS. The examiner tends to read the overview of the answer first, before reading your other part of the answer. It is therefore very important for you to answer it properly. You need to write it in a way that the examiner gets a clear view of the main trends of the graph,and the other important information that can be grasped from the graph.

What Are You Expected To Write?

Now, if you want a

Band 5 – Relate details mechanically with no clear overview; there  may be no data to support the description

Band 6- Present the overview with information appropriately selected

Band 7- Present the overview clearly telling the main trends, differences and similarities.

What Is An Overview?

Overview is the paragraph that contains  a short summary of the main features. This is done by picking out the 3-4 most significant trends that you notice and then writing them plainly. You need not to either support or go against it. All you are required to do is tell them plainly in the paragraph.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

This is the sentence you will see after the main question in almost every writing task 1 of the IELTS and this is exactly what you need to do in the overview paragraph.

Let us take an example.

cumulative_emissions of GHG

Overall there are 10 regions. United States, China, European Union, Russian Federation, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Japan, Canad, Mexico and the rest of the world.Out of these, United States, Japan and European Union and the rest of the world make up the majority, with the rest of the world being the largest. Mexico and Canada  make up a very small proportion.

We can then include these things in an overview paragraph:

The pie chart is comprised of ten regions in total with United States, Japan and European Union contributing maximum to the green house emission. United States has the single biggest share and Mexico, Canada cause the least green house gas emission.

Now, here have I talked about any numbers, who is greater than the other by how much. In this paragraph i.e. the over view paragraph all that I have done is reported what I saw visually and that is exactly what you need to do in the overview paragraph.

IELTSBAND7