TIPS for “Data Commentary” Test:
1. In the first paragraph, give basic details about the chart including what it shows,
where it refers to and when. Change the words in the question to write the first
sentence of your answer. Example: “These charts show” = “These charts
illustrate”.
2. When you describe chart data, be specific. Mention the category and figure.
Example: Online video streaming was the most popular format in 2017. US
consumers spent $9.8 bilion…
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.
Example: There was a rise of 32 per cent from the previous year.
4. If several categories show the same trend, talk about them together.
Example: Customers were moving away from the three physical formats in the chart.
5. State the units of measurement. Example: US customers spent $9.8 bilion.
6. Write a conclusion. Say what we learn from the data overall.
7. The 2nd paragraph should provide an overview of the main points the graph shows
(imagine you’re describing the results to someone who can’t see the graph).
8. The other paragraphs should describe the main patterns or trends in more detail.
However, you don’t need to describe all the information in the diagrams but only
select the most important ones to write about, and don’t write about your own
ideas.
9. 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). Use precise vocabulary like
“steadily declined” and “a sharp increase” to describe trends. Use linking
expressions like “while”, “in contrast”, “however”, “but” or “instead” to make
comparisons, use “similarly”, “in the same way” or “also” to show similarities.
10. Don’t repeat vocabulary. Use different words and phrases with the same or similar
meanings. Example: Playing games = gaming.
11. Be careful to use the correct tenses to describe the time periods shown.
12. Plurals when speaking about groups > they / them (not he/she):
Example: 50% of the students are taking English as first language;
50% of the cake is missing.
MODIFIERS:
-For comparatives: MUCH
-For superlatives: BY FAR
