[VOCAB BANK] Describing Change, Comparison, Data, Processes, and Maps

Quick upgrade ladders across common IELTS themes

increase sharply

Sales increased sharply in the final quarter

rise quickly and strongly

rise steadily

The number rose steadily over the period

go up gradually and consistently

decline slightly

Interest declined slightly after May

go down a little

remain stable

Costs remained stable for three years

stay almost the same

peak at

The figure peaked at 75 percent

reach the highest point

drop to

The rate dropped to 12 percent

fall to a level

account for

Women accounted for just over half of respondents

make up a part of the total

the majority/minority

The majority supported the change

most/smaller part

roughly the same as

The two figures were roughly the same

nearly equal to

significant difference

There was a significant difference between the groups

important difference

widen the gap

The policy may widen the gap between rich and poor

make a difference bigger

narrow the gap

Training can narrow the skills gap

make a difference smaller

by contrast

By contrast, the rural figure remained low

in comparison with something different

overall trend

The overall trend was upward

general pattern

fluctuate

Prices fluctuated throughout the year

go up and down irregularly