Understanding the trends in sales of different types of office furniture over a given period is a recurring topic in the IELTS Writing Task 1. It requires the ability to interpret and describe graphical data accurately and concisely. Over the past two decades, numerous exam candidates have encountered similar topics in their IELTS exams, making this an essential area to master. In this lesson, we’ll examine a hypothetical task based on the keyphrase “Sales of Different Types of Office Furniture (2000-2023)”. We’ll provide a model answer, and subsequent sections will analyze vocabulary, grammar, and best practices for achieving a high band score.
Example Task
The given line graph shows the sales of four categories of office furniture (chairs, desks, filing cabinets, and bookshelves) from 2000 to 2023. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Main Body
A. Selected Task Analysis
The selected task requires candidates to describe the trend in sales for four different types of office furniture: chairs, desks, filing cabinets, and bookshelves, spanning from 2000 to 2023. The goal is to summarize key changes, identify any significant patterns, and compare the data where appropriate.
B. Model Answer
The line graph illustrates the sales of four categories of office furniture (chairs, desks, filing cabinets, and bookshelves) from 2000 to 2023. Overall, the sales of desks increased significantly over the period, while those of filing cabinets showed a clear decline. Chairs and bookshelves exhibited more variable trends.
In 2000, desks and chairs had similar sales figures, around 40,000 units each. Desks sales saw a steady rise, reaching a peak of 120,000 units in 2020 before slightly declining to 110,000 units in 2023. Chairs, on the other hand, experienced fluctuations, peaking at 80,000 units in 2005, then fluctuating between 60,000 and 90,000 units thereafter, and finally settling at 85,000 units in 2023.
Filing cabinets started at 60,000 units in 2000 and experienced a downward trend, reaching a low of 20,000 units in 2023. Bookshelves saw a modest increase from 30,000 units in 2000 to a peak of 55,000 units in 2015 but then declined to 35,000 units by 2023.
Comparing the categories, desks demonstrated the most substantial growth, while filing cabinets recorded a consistent decrease. Chairs showed the most variability, whereas bookshelves had a minor overall increase but a downward trend towards the end of the period.
Word count: 213
C. Key Considerations and Tips for Writing
- Analysis of the Graph: Ensure that you identify and summarize the main trends without missing significant details. Comparisons help in highlighting distinctive changes between different categories.
- Structure and Coherence: Divide the information into logical paragraphs. Start with an introduction of the graph, followed by an overview of the trends, and then detailed descriptions of each category.
- Grammar and Vocabulary: Use varied sentence structures and appropriate vocabulary, including verbs like “increase,” “decrease,” “fluctuate,” and phrases like “steadily rise” or “sharply decline.”
D. Useful Vocabulary and Grammar Points
Vocabulary
-
Fluctuate (Verb) /ˈflʌktʃueɪt/: To rise and fall irregularly.
Example Sentence: The sales of chairs fluctuated between 60,000 and 90,000 units. -
Peak (Verb/Noun) /piːk/: To reach the highest point.
Example Sentence: Desk sales peaked at 120,000 units in 2020. -
Decline (Verb/Noun) /dɪˈklaɪn/: To become smaller, fewer, or less.
Example Sentence: Filing cabinets sales saw a clear decline over the period. -
Modest (Adjective) /ˈmɒdɪst/: Medium, not large or significant.
Example Sentence: Bookshelves saw a modest increase. -
Consistent (Adjective) /kənˈsɪstənt/: Acting or done in the same way over time.
Example Sentence: Filing cabinets recorded a consistent decrease.
Grammar Point
-
Comparative Structures: When writing about data comparisons, using comparative structures is essential.
Example: Desks showed a more significant increase than bookshelves. -
Complex Sentences: Incorporating complex sentences helps demonstrate language proficiency.
Example: Despite the increase in desk sales, chairs did not show a similar trend, fluctuating throughout the period.
Conclusion
Describing trends in IELTS Writing Task 1 requires a careful analysis of data, structured presentation, and a range of vocabulary and grammar. When approaching tasks like comparing office furniture sales from 2000 to 2023, focus on major trends, fluctuations, and comparisons to produce a cohesive and comprehensive report. By mastering these skills, you will be well-prepared to achieve a Band 7 or higher in your IELTS exam.