IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary & Key Phrases

Vocabulary and key phrases for IELTS Writing Task 1, covering trends, comparisons, processes, and map descriptions.

To surge / To soar

To increase sharply or rise dramatically

To plummet / To plunge

To fall or drop sharply and drastically

To reach a peak / To peak at

To hit the highest point in a trend

To hit a trough / To bottom out

To reach the lowest point before rising again

To fluctuate / Fluctuation

To vary or go up and down repeatedly

To remain steady / To level off

To stay stable or flatten out after a period of change

A substantial increase

A large or significant rise

A gradual decline

A slow and steady decrease

Overall, it is clear that…

An introductory phrase used to open the Overview paragraph in IELTS Writing Task 1.

The chart illustrates/depicts…

An introductory phrase used to paraphrase the prompt in the Introduction section.

The most noticeable feature

A key phrase used to highlight the main observation in the Overview paragraph.

Show an opposite trend

A comparative phrase used to contrast two main categories moving in reverse directions.

To double / To triple

To increase by two times or three times

Approximately a half / A third

Fractions used to describe data proportions

Substantially higher than…

A comparative term indicating one figure is significantly greater than another (Collocation: significantly/substantially higher).

The vast majority / The lion's share

The largest portion or majority of data (Collocation: constitute the vast majority).

In the initial stage / Firstly

Opening phrases used to describe the first step of a process diagram.

Subsequently / Followed by

Sequencing words used to describe subsequent steps in a process flow.

To be demolished / Flattened

Terms used in map descriptions to denote the removal or destruction of structures.

Replaced by / Give way to

Phrases used in map descriptions to indicate changes in land use or replacement of features.

To experience a downturn

To undergo a decrease or negative movement in trend (Collocation: experience a sharp downturn).

To rebound / To recover

To bounce back or recover strongly after a drop (Collocation: rebound strongly to…).

Roughly equal / Comparable

Terms used to describe two values that are nearly identical in amount (Collocation: be roughly equal in terms of…).

To account for / To make up

Phrases used to state the proportion or percentage that a category constitutes (Collocation: account for 45% of total…).

To be expanded / Enlarged

Terms used in map descriptions to denote the physical growth or expansion of an area or building.

Situated to the north/south of

Directional location phrases used when describing changes on maps.

As is observed from the chart

A transitional phrase used to introduce data observations from a visual diagram.

A moderate change

A small to medium change in data (Collocation: show a moderate increase).

To overtake / To surpass

To pass or exceed another category's figure (Collocation: overtake [category] in [year]).

Approximately / Roughly

Adverbs used for presenting estimated or non-exact numerical figures.

To culminate in / To end with

Phrases used to indicate the final stage of a process diagram.

To be converted into / Transformed

Terms used to describe a transformation of form, state, or function in processes or maps.

To hover around

To stay consistently near a specific figure or percentage (Collocation: hover around 20% throughout…).

To show an upward trend

To exhibit a general pattern of continuous increase (Collocation: exhibit/show an upward trend).

Respectively

An adverb used to present figures in the exact order of the mentioned subjects.

In stark contrast / Conversely

Phrases used to introduce sharp or opposite comparisons between figures.

Is projected to rise

A phrase used to describe future trends or projected numerical increases.

To be constructed / Erected

Terms used in map descriptions to state the building or installation of new facilities.

To experience a steep drop

To undergo a sharp and rapid reduction (Collocation: undergo/experience a steep drop).

Simultaneously / Concurrently

Adverbs used to indicate two steps or actions in a process occurring at the same time.