Learn how to write about charts.

The chart shows the sales revenue of a selection of home video entertainment formats in the USA in 2017. It also shows the percentage change from the previous year.

Online video streaming was the most popular format in 2017. US consumers spent $9.8 billion on services such as Netflix, which was a rise of 32 per cent from the previous year. For the average American, this accounted for nearly half of their spending on video entertainment at home.

At the same time, customers were moving away from the three physical formats in the chart. DVD and Blu-ray sales dropped by 14 per cent over the twelve-month period to $4.5 billion in 2017, and rent-by-post revenues went down by 20 per cent to $0.5 billion. DVD rental shops saw the largest decline, as spending fell by 21 per cent to just $0.4 billion.

Overall, there was a clear downward trend in spending on physical video formats, as they all showed relatively low sales and they were all in decline. However, there was an upward trend in paying for streaming.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

The first chart illustrates the percentage of the population who owned a smartphone from 2011 to 2016, and the second breaks the percentages down by age for 2011 and 2016.

Overall, smartphone ownership increased during the six-year period. In general, the younger people were, the more likely they were to own a smartphone. However, the most significant increases in smartphone ownership between 2011 and 2016 came from people aged 45 to 54, from 46% to 84%; from those in the 55 to 64 category, from 9% to 59%; and from those aged 65 to 74, from 5% to 50%.

The percentage of people who owned a smartphone rose steadily, starting at around 35% in 2011 and reaching about 77% by 2016. People aged 16 to 24 represented the greatest percentage of smartphone ownership in both 2011 and 2016. 75% of people aged 25 to 34 and 72% of those aged 35 to 44 owned a smartphone in 2011, rising to 88% and 86% respectively by 2016.

Although almost nobody in the 75+ age category owned a smartphone in 2011, 15% of this group owned smartphones in 2016. 

Please note: This page was designed for writing practice only. Information and statistics in the charts may not be accurate. 

Tips

1. If you are doing an exam task, read the instructions and make sure you write according to the word and time limits.
2. Start by saying what the charts show. In an exam, change the words in the question to write the first sentence of your answer, e.g. These charts show = These charts illustrate.
3. The second paragraph should provide an overview of the key features of the information.
4. The other paragraphs should describe the patterns or trends in more detail. However, only select the most important ones to write about, and don’t write about your own ideas.
5. Use linking words and a range of vocabulary to describe what you see in the charts. (You can write % or per cent, but be consistent.) 
6. Be careful to use the correct tenses to describe the time periods shown.

There are various types of charts. In the following example we show the numbers of pets in Year 7 of a school.

Types of charts

Charts	English
	table
	pie chart
	bar chart
	line graph

List with phrases to describe charts

• The pie chart is about …
• The bar chart deals with …
• The line graph (clearly) shows …
• The slices of the pie chart compare the …
• The chart is divided into … parts.
• It highlights …
• … has the largest (number of) …
• … has the second largest (number of) …
• … is as big as …
• … is twice as big as …
• … is bigger than …
• more than … per cent …
• only one third …
• less than half …
• The number … increases/goes up/grows by …
• The number … decreases/goes down/sinks by …
• The number … does not change/remains stable
• I was really surprised/shocked by the …
• So we can say …

Use of Tenses

Mind the correct use of tenses when describung a chart. If the charts deals with facts in the present (as in our example), use the Simple Present, if the facts are the past, then use the Simple Past. If there is a connection between the past and the present, use the Present Perfect.

How to describe a chart

With the following example we would like to show you how charts are described. Mind the three parts and do not repeat the global message in the conclusion.

A Pets in Year 7 at a school

We have chosen the pie chart because we think it shows the number of pets in Year 7 best.

1 Introduction

Here you say what the diagram is about. Mind the title of it and do not forget to include the source.

The pie chart is about the pets in Year 7. The chart is divided into 5 parts. It is taken from …

2 Message of the diagram

The largest number of pets are in form 7GI. There are 16 pets.
The second largest number of pets are in form 7HK. There are 8 pets.
So there are more than twice as many pets in form 7GI.
The chart shows that there are only 2 pets in form 7CS and 3 in form 7VR.

3 Conclusion

So we can say that the most pets of Year 7 are in form 7GI and the least in form 7CS. There are more than 50 per cent of all the pets in one form – form 7GI.

B Population growth in Canada

This graph shows the growth of the population in Canada from 1978 to 2009. It is taken from the website about Statistics in Canada.

There are three graphs in the chart. The green graph shows the total growth of the population, the black one deals with the migrated people in Canada and the blue graph shows the natural increase of the population. In 1988/89 there was an enourmous growth. In the following years the total growth went down to about 250,000 in 1998/99. From that time on the Canadian population has been gradually growing again although the natural increase slows down. So we can say that the growth of the population in Canada is based on migration.

1. Use of the Simple Present

1.1. repeated actions

My friend often draws nice posters.

1.2. things in general

The sun rises in the east.

1.3. fixed arrangements, scheduled events

The plane flies to London every Monday.

1.4. sequence of actions in the present

First I get up, then I have breakfast.

1.5. with special verbs

I understand English.

2. Signal words

• every day
• often
• always
• sometimes
• never

3. Form

infinitive (3rd person singular he, she, it: infinitive + -s)

4. Examples

4.1. Affirmative sentences in the Simple Present

Long forms	Contracted forms
I read books.	not possible
You read books.
He reads books.

4.2. Negative sentences in the Simple Present

Do not negates a main verb in English. Always use the auxiliary do for negations and the infinitive of the verb.

Long forms	Contracted forms
I do not clean the room.	I don’t clean the room.
You do not clean the room.	You don’t clean the room.
He does not clean the room.	He doesn’t clean the room.

4.3. Questions in the Simple Present

You need the auxiliary do/does and the infinitive of the verb.

Long forms	Contracted forms
Do I play football?	not possible
Do you play football?
Does he play football?

1. Use of the Simple Past

1.1. actions finished in the past

I visited Berlin last week.

1.2. series of completed actions in the past

First I got up, then I had breakfast.

1.3. together with the Past Progressive/Continuous
The Simple Past interrupted an action which was in progress in the past.

They were playing cards, when the telephone rang.

1st action → Past Progressive → were playing
2nd action → Simple Past → rang

2. Signal words

• yesterday
• last week
• a month ago
• in 2010

3. Form

regular verbs → infinitive + ed
irregular verbs → 2nd column of the table of the irregular verbs

4. Examples

4.1. Affirmative sentences in the Simple Past – regular verbs

Long forms	Contracted forms
I cleaned my room.	not possible
You cleaned your room.
He cleaned his room.

4.2. Affirmative sentences in the Simple Past – irregular verbs

Long forms	Contracted forms
I went home.	not possible
You went home.
He went home.

4.3. Negative sentences in the Simple Past

Do not negates a main verb in English. Always use the auxiliary did (Simple Past of to do) and the infinitive of the verb for negations.

There is no difference between regular and irregular verbs in negative sentences.

Long forms	Contracted forms
I did not clean the room.	I didn’t clean the room.
You did not clean the room.	You didn’t clean the room.
He did not clean the room.	He didn’t clean the room.

4.4. Questions in the Simple Past

You need the auxiliary did and the infinitive of the verb.

Long forms	Contracted forms
Did I play football?	not possible
Did you play football?
Did he play football?

1. Use of the Present Perfect

1.1. result of actions in the past is important in the present – It is not important when the actions happened.

I have cleaned my room.

1.2. recently completed actions

He has just played handball.

1.3. states beginning in the past and still continuing

We have lived in Canada since 2012.

1.4. together with lately, recently, yet

I have been to London recently.

2. Signal words

• just
• yet
• never
• already
• ever
• so far
• up to now
• recently
• since
• for

3. Form

have/has + past participle *

4. Examples

4.1. Affirmative sentences in the Present Perfect – regular verbs

Long forms	Contracted forms
I have cleaned my room.	I‘ve cleaned my room.
You have cleaned your room.	You‘ve cleaned your room.
He has cleaned his room.	He‘s cleaned his room.

4.2. Affirmative sentences in the Present Perfect – irregular verbs

Long forms	Contracted forms
I have gone home.	I‘ve gone home.
You have gone home.	You‘ve gone home.
He has gone home.	He‘s gone home.

4.3. Negative sentences in the Present Perfect – regular verbs

Long forms	Contracted forms
I have not cleaned my room.	I haven’t cleaned the room.
	I‘ve not cleaned the room.*
You have not cleaned your room.	You haven’t cleaned the room.
	You‘ve not cleaned the room.*
He has not cleaned his room.	He hasn’t cleaned the room.
	He‘s not cleaned the room.*

* This form is rarely used.

4.4. Negative sentences in the Present Perfect – irregular verbs

Long forms	Contracted forms
I have not gone home.	I haven’t gone home.
	I‘ve not gone home.*
You have not gone home.	You haven’t gone home.
	You‘ve not gone home.*
He has not gone home.	He hasn’t gone home.
	He‘s not gone home.*

* This form is rarely used.

4.5. Questions in the Present Perfect – regular verbs

Long forms	Contracted forms
Have I cleaned the room?	There are no contracted forms.
Have you cleaned the room?
Has he cleaned the room?

4.6. Questions in the Present Perfect – irregular verbs

Long forms	Contracted forms
Have I gone home?	There are no contracted forms.
Have you gone home?
Has he gone home?

* past participle:

• regular verbs → infinitive + -ed
• irregular verbs → 3rd column of the table of the irregular verbs

How to Describe a Graph in Writing

Graphs are a powerful way to convey data visually, but describing them effectively is crucial.

I’ll guide you through the types of graphs and practical ways to write about them, whether in essays, reports, or presentations. Let’s make data storytelling seamless and comprehensive.

Types of Graphs

Table of Contents

The first thing you need to know are the major types of graphs–and there are several.

Read on to learn the most important points about each one.

Line Graphs

Line graphs are essential for displaying changes over time.

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Each data point is plotted and connected by a line, making it perfect for tracking trends or progressions.

For instance, it’s often used in business to show quarterly sales or yearly revenue growth.

The slope of the line reveals trends – a steep rise means rapid growth, while a dip signals a decline.

Multiple lines can be included to compare trends across different categories, products, or demographics.

Always label your axes clearly, with time on the x-axis and the measured variable on the y-axis for straightforward comprehension.

Bar Graphs

Bar graphs excel in comparing different categories or groups.

Each bar represents a category’s value, offering a visual side-by-side comparison.

Their versatility makes them ideal for financial data, demographic information, or survey responses.

Vertical bars emphasize magnitude differences, while horizontal bars are useful when categories are long or numerous.

Each bar should be uniformly spaced to prevent misleading interpretations.

Use different colors or patterns for various groups to enhance readability and clarify distinctions.

Always start the y-axis at zero to accurately represent data differences and avoid exaggerating trends or disparities.

Pie Charts

Pie charts visually convey how individual parts contribute to a whole.

Each slice represents a category’s proportion, making it clear how each segment relates to others. Use them when showing relative percentages, like budget allocations or market shares.

The sum of all slices should always equal 100%, so they are not suitable for continuous data or comparisons across time.

Limit the number of slices to 5-7 for clarity.

Highlight critical slices with distinct colors or labels, and consider combining smaller segments into an “Other” category for better visualization.

Scatter Plots

Scatter plots are crucial when examining relationships between two variables.

Each point represents a pair of data, plotted on the x and y axes.

This method is particularly valuable in scientific research, economics, and marketing, helping to identify trends, correlations, or clusters.

A positive correlation shows that as one variable increases, so does the other, while a negative correlation indicates an inverse relationship.

Clusters suggest groups with shared characteristics.

A trend line can be drawn to illustrate the relationship between variables.

Scatter plots are excellent for identifying outliers that may warrant further investigation.

Histograms

Histograms look like bar graphs but represent frequency distributions for continuous data.

Data is grouped into bins, where each bar’s height shows the frequency of data points falling within that range.

For instance, histograms can reveal customer age distribution or test scores.

The bins should be of equal size, and the data continuous.

Adjust the number of bins according to data spread: too many create a confusing graph, while too few obscure patterns. Unlike bar graphs, histograms shouldn’t have gaps between bars unless there are no data points in that range.

11 Ways to Describe a Graph in Writing

Now let’s go through 11 ways that I’ve found to clearly and cleverly describe graphs in all your writing.

Shape

Describing the graph’s shape provides immediate visual insight into trends and patterns.

A linear trend suggests consistent data, while a curved line indicates shifts in growth rate.

Peaks represent rapid growth periods, whereas valleys highlight declines. Flat sections may signal stabilization.

If describing a bar graph, look for patterns like pyramid shapes or skewed distributions.

Pie charts often have distinct shapes when grouped segments stand out.

Highlighting these forms helps readers understand data dynamics quickly.

Examples:

1. “The line graph’s shape is linear, showing a consistent rise in revenue.”
2. “The bar graph forms a pyramid, indicating balanced age distribution.”

Size

Quantify the graph’s data range by focusing on its extremes.

Determine the minimum and maximum values to illustrate fluctuations, whether significant or moderate.

Emphasize the overall range to offer perspective on the extent of the trends.

For instance, large differences between bars or peaks highlight strong growth, while small variations suggest stability.

Providing size context gives your audience a sense of proportion, making the data’s impact more meaningful.

Examples:

1. “The graph’s highest point is $12 million, contrasting sharply with its lowest at $1 million.”
2. “Temperature shifts varied by 40°C, from -20°C in winter to 20°C in summer.”

Line

When describing line graphs, analyze the lines for clues about trends.

Is the line smooth or jagged?

A smooth line suggests stable growth, while jagged lines imply sudden changes.

Pay attention to the slope: a steep incline or decline represents rapid shifts, while a shallow slope signals gradual changes.

Highlight sections where lines intersect, converge, or diverge, indicating crucial turning points or contrasts between data sets.

Examples:

1. “The line sharply inclines in Q2, then plateaus in Q3 due to seasonal trends.”
2. “The two lines cross each other in September, revealing a pivotal shift.”

Axis Labels

Accurate axis labeling clarifies the data categories and units used.

For line graphs, the x-axis typically denotes time or specific groups, while the y-axis indicates the measured value.

Bar graphs require clear labels to identify the represented categories.

Scatter plots often show correlations, so it’s essential to label both variables accurately.

Incorrect labeling can lead to confusion, so ensure your axes directly correspond to the data presented.

Examples:

1. “On the bar graph, the x-axis shows months, and the y-axis tracks monthly revenue.”
2. “The scatter plot’s x-axis measures advertising expenses, while the y-axis records sales.”

Trend

Identifying and describing trends helps readers grasp the graph’s narrative.

Is there a general upward or downward trajectory? Are trends consistent, fluctuating, or mixed?

An upward trend signifies growth, while downward trends indicate decline.

If trends fluctuate significantly, highlight potential causes like seasonality or market changes.

Trends can also differ between data sets in the same graph, so compare trends side by side.

Examples:

1. “The graph reveals an upward trend in quarterly revenue, suggesting steady business growth.”
2. “Despite fluctuations, the overall trend is downward, indicating reduced consumer interest.”

Comparisons

When comparing multiple data sets in the same graph, focus on similarities and differences.

Highlight which sets lead or lag, noting by how much.

Compare growth rates, peak times, or relative sizes between bars or lines. Emphasize differences that are statistically significant or exceed expectations.

Highlight where data sets converge or diverge, offering insights into critical market trends or strategic opportunities.

Examples:

1. “Product A outsold Product B, particularly in Q2 and Q3.”
2. “While Company X’s revenue plateaued, Company Y showed remarkable growth.”

Anomalies

Identifying anomalies brings attention to unexpected data points that break the pattern.

Outliers, significant spikes, or dips can indicate errors, market disruptions, or seasonal effects.

Comparing these to broader trends can help interpret their significance.

Outliers might need verification, especially if they contradict the general pattern. Recognizing anomalies also guides corrective actions or further analysis.

Examples:

1. “A sudden spike in Q1 2023 was due to a successful marketing campaign.”
2. “The outlier data point in November appears inconsistent with historical trends.”

Gaps and Inconsistencies

Gaps or inconsistencies highlight where data is incomplete or missing, complicating analysis.

Gaps might result from system errors, data unavailability, or incomplete data sets.

Label these gaps clearly to prevent misinterpretation. Inconsistencies may also arise from misaligned data categories, differing collection periods, or varied data sources.

Understanding and explaining these gaps or inconsistencies is crucial for accurate reporting.

Examples:

1. “Data gaps between Q3 and Q4 make trend analysis challenging.”
2. “Sales data for Europe is inconsistent, possibly due to reporting delays.”

Units

Understanding and conveying the unit of measurement is essential for accurate interpretation.

Whether it’s dollars, percentages, or thousands of items, units contextualize data and allow accurate comparisons.

Inconsistent units across multiple graphs can lead to confusion, so ensure they’re uniformly labeled.

For continuous data, specify the increments used along the y-axis.

Examples:

1. “Profits are measured in millions of dollars along the y-axis.”
2. “Population size is recorded in thousands, revealing a significant growth trend.”

Colors and Patterns

Effective color and pattern use make graphs more readable.

Use contrasting colors to distinguish between data sets or groups. Patterns can help differentiate data if colors are not an option.

Avoid overusing color, which can cause confusion or distract from key insights.

Ensure that color choices align with industry standards or audience preferences, and label colors/patterns clearly.

Examples:

1. “Blue represents the North region, while green highlights the West.”
2. “The dotted line marks international sales, while the solid line shows domestic trends.”

Purpose

Clarify the graph’s primary purpose – whether it’s to compare, analyze trends, or identify correlations.

Knowing the graph’s goal helps focus on the most relevant insights.

For comparisons, emphasize differences and similarities.

For trends, focus on direction and consistency. Correlation graphs should highlight relationships between variables.

Clearly stating the graph’s purpose enables the audience to understand the intended takeaway.

Examples:

1. “The bar graph compares the revenue of different departments over five years.”
2. “The scatter plot correlates customer satisfaction scores with net promoter scores.”

Here is a good video about how to describe a graph:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/4lxA7lo9GLU?feature=oembedYouTube Video by Skyrocket English — How to Describe a Graph

Paragraph Examples of Describing a Graph

Here are three examples of how to describe a graph in a paragraph.

Line Graph Analysis

The line graph displays quarterly revenue growth from 2019 to 2023. We see a steady increase from Q1 2019 to Q4 2020, followed by a sudden decline due to the pandemic. Revenue rebounded quickly in Q1 2021 and remained on an upward trajectory since, suggesting economic resilience despite setbacks.

Bar Graph Analysis

The bar graph compares monthly sales of three products over a year. Product A consistently outperformed the others, with notable peaks in summer months. Product B showed more stable growth, while Product C had fluctuating sales, possibly due to seasonal demand.

Pie Chart Analysis

The pie chart illustrates the market share of five smartphone brands. Brand X holds the largest share at 40%, followed by Brand Y at 25%. The remaining three brands together capture 35%, highlighting intense competition.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe a Graph in Writing

Describing graphs is crucial for clear data communication.

Remember to identify the graph type, focus on key features, and adapt language for the audience. Let your graph’s story shine.

Tips

1. In the first paragraph, give basic details about the chart including what it shows, where it refers to and when.
2. When you describe chart data, be specific. Mention the category and figure, e.g. Online video streaming was the most popular format in 2017. US consumers spent $9.8 billion …
3. A trend is a change over time. To describe trends, focus on what is increasing or decreasing compared to some time in the past, e.g. … which was a rise of 32 per cent from the previous year.
4. If several categories show the same trend, talk about them together, e.g. customers were moving away from the three physical formats in the chart.
5. State the units of measurement, e.g. US consumers spent $9.8 billion.
6. Many of the verbs for up and down trends can also be used as nouns, e.g. Spending fell by 21 per cent = There was a 21 per cent fall in spending. (You can write % or per cent, but be consistent.)
7. Write a conclusion. Say what we learn from the data overall.