Describing Visual Data - C1 English Writing — Explanation

Describing Visual Data at C1 Level

Describing visual data requires selection, comparison and synthesis. A strong C1 response does not report every number mechanically. It identifies the dominant patterns, groups related details and uses precise language to show changes, proportions and relationships.

Types of Visual Data

You may need to describe line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, maps or diagrams. First establish what is measured, the unit, the time period and whether the figures are historical, current or projected.

Planning Your Response

1. Read the title, axes, legend, dates and units.
2. Identify two or three features that define the overall picture.
3. Group categories with similar or contrasting patterns.
4. Select figures that support comparisons; do not copy every value.
5. Check whether forecasts require future or probability language.

A Four-Paragraph Structure

1. Introduction

Paraphrase what the visual presents without giving reasons or opinions: The chart compares..., The table provides data on....

2. Overview

Summarise the most important patterns without excessive detail. Mention the highest and lowest categories, the dominant direction of change and any striking exception.

3. Details Paragraph 1

Develop one logical group with carefully selected values. Use direct comparisons and state units accurately.

4. Details Paragraph 2

Cover the remaining categories or time periods, highlighting contrasts, convergence, overtaking or stability.

Model Description

Model based on the leisure bar chart in Exercise 2:

The bar chart compares the average number of hours people devoted each week to five leisure activities in 2005 and 2025.

Overall, television viewing declined substantially, whereas exercise, socialising, reading and gaming all became more common. Exercise recorded the largest absolute increase and, by 2025, nearly matched television as the leading activity.

In 2005, respondents spent 20 hours a week watching television, twice as much time as they devoted to exercise. Socialising accounted for seven hours, while reading and gaming were less prominent at five and four hours respectively.

By 2025, television had fallen by seven hours to 13. In contrast, exercise climbed sharply to 18 hours and socialising more than doubled to 15. Reading also doubled, reaching 10 hours, while gaming rose more moderately to six.

Useful Language for Visual Data

What the Visual Shows

illustrates; compares; presents; provides a breakdown of; traces changes in

Increases and Decreases

rise, climb, grow, surge; fall, decline, drop, dip. Use by for the amount of change and to for the final figure.

Degree and Speed

marginally, slightly, gradually, steadily, considerably, sharply, dramatically

Stable and Changing Positions

remain stable; level off; fluctuate; peak at; reach a low of; overtake; exceed; converge; rank first

Comparisons and Proportions

twice as high as; three times the figure for; a marginally larger share; respectively; accounted for; represented; constituted

Forecasts

is projected to; is forecast to; is expected to; will probably; may

Linking Expressions

overall; by contrast; whereas; meanwhile; similarly; respectively; with regard to; turning to

What to Avoid

• Do not explain causes unless the task asks you to.
• Do not include personal opinions.
• Do not list every figure in the order it appears.
• Do not call a small movement “dramatic”.
• Do not omit units, dates or forecast status.
• Do not repeat the same verb throughout the response.

Final Checklist

Check that your response contains a clear overview, accurate figures, meaningful comparisons, varied trend language, logical grouping and an objective formal register.