4 sample sentences & vocabulary to describe trends in IELTS Writing

Vocabulary to describe trends in IELTS Writing Task 1 is crucial, and you need to have a clear understanding to achieve a high band score. In addition, knowing how to use sentence patterns flexibly is important. You must combine proper grammar structures to match the style of the essay. So let's refer to some "standard" sentence structures and vocabulary to describe trends in IELTS Writing below to apply them to your writing!

I. Sample sentences to describe trends in IELTS Writing

1. Introduction sentence patterns

X = the table/chart/graph/diagram/maps

1X + (shows/Illustrates/depicts/indicates/describes) + (How + clause/Noun phrase)

Example: The diagram shows how sugar is produced from sugar canes.

X + provides/gives + information + about N/on how S + V

Example: The chart gives information about the number of people

2. Trend sentence patterns

Trend structure 1:

There + be + adj + noun + in + noun phrase

Example: 

• There was a slight increase in the cost of renting an apartment
• There has been a considerable drop in the number of people in rural areas

Trend structure 2:

Noun phrase + V + Adv

Example:

• The cost of renting an apartment increases slightly
• The price of petrol rose dramatically 

Trend structure 3:

Noun phrase + witnessed/saw/experienced + a/an + adj + noun

Example:

• The cost of renting an apartment witnessed a significant growth

II. Vocabulary to describe increasing/strongly increasing trends in IELTS Writing

Certainly, we all encounter difficulties in finding synonyms at times, for example, to avoid repeating words like "increase" or "decrease." In fact, when compared to Task 2, IELTS Writing Task 1 has simpler requirements and is somewhat "easier." However, to score well in Task 1, you need to thoroughly understand the requirements of each task type. In addition, it involves writing style, and how to analyze the prompt.

Especially, it's important to use vocabulary in a way that avoids repetition. You must create diversity in your writing. Let's "pocket" some useful vocabulary to describe increasing trends in IELTS Writing Task 1.

1. Vocabulary to describe increasing/strongly increasing trends

1.1. The verbs that describe an upward movement

• Rise: To move or go upward; to increase in value, quantity, or level. Example: The number of participants in the study rose steadily over the years.
• Increase: To become larger in size, quantity, or intensity; to go up in value or amount. Example: The temperature increased by 5 degrees Celsius over the course of the day.
• Grow: To become larger, more advanced, or more developed; to increase in size, number, or extent. Example: The population of the city grew rapidly over the past decade.
• Climb: To go up or ascend; to increase steadily or gradually. Example: The stock prices climbed steadily throughout the trading day.
• Go up: To move or progress in an upward direction; to increase. Example: The cost of living has been going up consistently in recent years.
• Edge up: To increase slightly or gradually; to move or progress slowly upward. Example: The interest rates edged up by 0.25% in the latest economic report.

1.2. The verbs that describe a strong upward movement

• Rocket: To increase extremely rapidly and dramatically; to surge or skyrocket. Example: The stock prices rocketed after the company announced record profits.
• Jump: To increase suddenly and significantly; to make a large leap. Example: Sales jumped by 50% compared to the previous quarter.
• Soar: To rise or increase rapidly and to a great height; to escalate quickly. Example: The inflation rate soared to double digits within a few months.
• Creep up: To increase slowly and gradually, often with a slight or incremental rise. Example: The interest rates crept up by 0.1% over the course of several months.
• Peak / Reach a peak: To reach the highest point or maximum level; to achieve the pinnacle. Example: The demand for the product peaked during the holiday season.

2. Vocabulary to describe decreasing/strongly decreasing trends

2.1. The verbs to describe the decreasing trend

• Fall: To move downward or descend; to decrease in value, quantity, or level. Example: The temperature fell rapidly in the evening.
• Decrease: To become smaller or less in size, quantity, or intensity; to go down in value or amount. Example: The number of participants decreased over time.
• Reduce: To make smaller or diminish in size, quantity, or intensity; to lower or lessen. Example: The company implemented cost-cutting measures to reduce expenses.
• Decline: To gradually become smaller, weaker, or less in value, quantity, or level. Example: The demand for traditional newspapers has been declining due to digitalization.
• Go down: To move or progress in a downward direction; to decrease or become lower. Example: The unemployment rate has been going down steadily.
• Drop: To fall or decrease suddenly and significantly; to experience a sharp decline. Example: The stock prices dropped after the negative news was announced.

2.2. The verbs to describe the strongly decreasing trend

• Slump: To experience a significant and prolonged decline or decrease. Example: The economy slumped during the recession, leading to job losses.
• Plunge: To fall or drop suddenly and steeply, often indicating a rapid decrease. Example: The stock market plunged after the unexpected announcement.
• Slip back: To regress or decline after making some progress. Example: The company's sales slipped back to previous levels after a brief increase.
• Slip down: To gradually move downward or decline gradually and continuously. Example: The team's performance slipped down the rankings over the course of the season.
• Plummet: To fall or drop rapidly and dramatically, often indicating a sharp decrease. Example: The temperature plummeted overnight, leading to frosty conditions.
• Bottom out: To reach the lowest point or level before starting to improve. Example: The housing prices have finally bottomed out after months of decline.

3. Vocabulary to describe stable trends

• Stabilize: To become stable or reach a state of equilibrium; to maintain a steady condition. Example: The prices of the commodity have stabilized after a period of volatility.
• Remain/Stay unchanged/the same/stable/steady/constant: To stay the same; to not experience any alteration. Example: The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5% for the third consecutive month.

4. Vocabulary to describe fluctuating trends

• Fluctuate - Fluctuation: The act or instance of fluctuating; a variation or change in levels or values. Example: The stock market experienced significant fluctuations throughout the day.
• Vary - Variation: The act or instance of varying; a difference or deviation from a standard or expected value. Example: There was a wide variation in the prices of different brands of smartphones.
• Volatile - Volatility: The state or quality of being volatile; the tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably. Example: The cryptocurrency market is known for its high volatility. 

Please refer to the suggested sample sentences and vocabulary above to describe trends in IELTS Writing, provided by PREP, to fully conquer the IELTS Writing Task 1 section. PREP wishes all candidates a brilliant and successful exam, achieving high band scores as per their targets!"