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37802_CGTI_SB_43_Academic Writing_Task 1_1_graphs.indd   185

19/12/2014   13:24

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186

ACADEMIC WRITING

TASK 1  Line Graphs 

C

 Tips and tactics

4 

Work in pairs. Read the tips and tactics and discuss these questions. 

a  Which tips and tactics do you think are the most useful?

b  Did you use any of these tips and tactics when you answered the sample question 

in Section B? 

c  Which tips will you use in the future?

1   The first step is to look carefully at the information in the line graph. Don’t rush through 

this step. Make sure you understand the graph before you start to write.

2   Underline important words in the question and circle important points on the graph.

3   Identify what key information is being presented in the graph and which important dates, 

figures or striking features you’ll need to write about.

4   Plan your writing. You can usually divide it into three paragraphs: introduction, first main 

paragraph and second main paragraph.

5   If the line graph has more than two lines, try to arrange the data into two or three groups. 

For example, you could divide the data into rising trends and falling trends.

6   Look carefully at the timeframe that the graph covers and work out what tenses you 

need to use (past, present, present perfect or future).

7   Begin with an introductory sentence that describes the graph in general terms, but don’t 

repeat the exact wording of the question. 

8   Then describe one or two general trends shown in the graph. Don’t go into detail; just 

report the most important trends you see when you look at the graph.

9   In the first main paragraph, select and write about the features that are most important 

and interesting, for example, rising or falling trends, or where lines intersect, and include 

relevant data to support the points you make.

10   Focus on the general direction of a trend; don’t write about each change in direction of a 

line.

11   Don’t try to write about all the data in the line graph and don’t include details that are 

irrelevant to the main trends.

12   Remember, don’t try to analyse or explain the information in the graph, or do any 

calculations; just describe and report it.

13   Keep track of the time. Don’t spend more than 20 minutes on Task 1.

14   Make sure your handwriting is clear and legible.

15   Keep in mind the criteria that the examiners use to mark your response. (For marking 

criteria, see About the Academic Writing Test, page 180.)