Transcript Describing Graphs, Tables and Charts

BEC Writing
Describing
Tables, Charts and Graphs
How to approach
BEC Writing Test Part One
• This part tests your ability to write a short report
expressing information which you are given in graphic
form, such as bar charts, pie charts and graphs.
• Read the instructions carefully so that you know what
you are required to do: this is usually to describe or
compare the information in the graphic input. Underline
the keywords in the instructions.
• Make an outline plan of the report.
• Start with a brief description of what the report is about.
• You can use suitable headings if you wish.
• Try to use a wide range of appropriate vocabulary and
grammatical structures.
• You should not invent any information for this part.
How to approach
BEC Writing Test Part One
• Check that you have written your answer in 120-140
words (multiply the number of lines by the average
number of words per line: don't waste time counting
every word).
• After writing, read what you have written, correct
mistakes and make improvements. If you want to add
anything, use a sign. Put a line through anything you
want to omit. You should not rewrite your answer.
• Make sure the examiner will be able to read your answer.
Use a pen and your normal handwriting (do not write in
capital letters).
• You should spend about 20-25 minutes on this part.
Four graphic forms
• Table
• Pie chart
• Bar chart
• (Line) graph
A table is a set of facts and figures
arranged in columns and rows. A table is
a very useful way of organising numerical
information.
What is a chart?
• A chart is a diagram that makes
information easier to understand by
showing how two or more sets of data
are related.
• There are two common types of chart,
a pie chart and a bar chart.
A pie chart is a circle divided into
segments. It is usually used to show
percentages.
A bar chart is a diagram containing
bars or columns that makes
information easier to understand by
showing the difference between two
or more sets of numbers or
measurements.
A graph is a diagram containing lines
or curves, which shows the trends
of two or more sets of numbers or
measurements.
2. Describing trends in graphs
What is a trend?
• Trends are the changes or movements in
facts and figures over a period of time.
• There may be upward and downward
trends.
• Trends may happen at different pace
and with different momentum.
• Trends can be described by verbs, nouns,
adjectives and adverbs.
Verbs to describe downward
movement
decline
decrease
drop
fall
slide
weaken
lose ground
dive
plummet
plunge
crash
collapse
take a fall
Verbs to describe upward
movement
grow
rise
increase
climb
gain
strengthen
surge
jump
soar
rocket
go through the roof
Verbs to describe stability
flatten out
hold steady
level off
even off
bottom out
stabilise
recover
bounce back
rally
Adjectives to specify the pace or
degree of changes
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•
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•
•
•
slow
gradual
steady
slight
moderate
marginal
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•
•
•
•
rapid
fast
Sharp
dramatic
exponential
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•
•
•
heavy
massive
enormous
remarkable
• nervous
• perilous（危险的）
• disastrous
Quarterly change of production
Example 1:
The production started from 20 in the first
quarter. It then climbed sharply but flattened
off in the next two quarters at a level of
around 70. Since then, it has plummeted
back to 20 again towards the end of the year.
Example 2:
Production grew more and more rapidly over
the first three quarters and then reached a
peak of 70 in the third quarter. Since then, it
has quickly dropped to 20 in the last quarter .
Example 3:
Production grew dramatically in the first
quarter, but then it reached a plateau of
about 70, which lasted from the second to
the fourth quarter.
Example 4:
Production peaked at 70 in the first quarter,
and then slid slowly but steadily over the
year to 40.
Example 5:
Production started the year in a stable
position of 70, but then plunged in the third
quarter to 20. Since then it has flattened out
at that level.
Example 6:
Starting the year at 70, production fell
considerably over the first three quarters,
reaching a low of 20. Since then it has
staged a partial recovery by ending the year
at 40.
Example 7:
Production has been fluctuating from 30 to
50 all year around.
Example 8:
Production held steady at the level of 70 in
the first three quarters, but fell sharply in the
last to reach a low of 20.
Example 9:
After a considerable drop in the first two
quarters, production bottomed out at 20.
Since then it has started to bounce back,
reaching 50 in the last quarter.
Example 10:
Production has experienced a strong, steady
growth over the whole year, climbing from
20 to the peak of 70.
Example 11:
There has been a slight increase in
production over the year, rising from 60 to
70.
Example 12:
There was a rapid drop in production (from
70 to 20) in the first quarter, but it bottomed
out at about 20 in the remainder of the year.
3. Single line graph
3.1 Structure
• Three-phase structure: introduction – body
– conclusion
• Choosing information: comprehensive but
selective
• Logical and usually chronological: using
connective words; describe the trends
period by period
Three-phase structure:
• Introduction: 1 paragraph, 2 standard
opening sentences, present + past tense
• Body: 1-3 paragraphs, past/present
perfect tense
• Conclusion: 1 paragraph, 1-2 sentences,
past tense
Choosing information:
• Comprehensive: describe the whole graph
fully
• Selective: focus on the major trends only,
divide the graph into main parts
Connective words:
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•
•
•
The graph shows …
The graph represents …
As can be seen from the graph,
As indicated by the graph,
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However,
In contrast,
In comparison,
After, before, until
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In sum,
To sum up,
In concluding,
In conclusion,
From the graph it can be safely concluded that…
We are safe in concluding that …
3.2 Vocabulary
• Use a variety of sentence structures and words
• Be diverse in word classes: verbs, nouns,
adjectives and adverbs
• Avoid repetition
• Describe the difference between the two levels
• Describe the end points
• Use of prepositions: by, of, to
• Express approximation appropriately