Writing Task 1 Academic – Session 2 – How to Distinguish Trend Charts and Comparison Charts

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, it is common for you to get a chart/graph with details on it. No matter what form the chart is in, there are only 2 approaches: A trend chart report and a comparison chart report. Failure to identify correctly the type of chart will result in a massive reduction in your Task Achievement and Coherence and Cohesion scores.

Understanding the Trend Chart

Characteristics

• Focus: Illustrates the changes of one or more than one category over time.
• Representation: Typically presented in the form of a line graph, showing the rise, fall, or stability of a trend. However, it sometimes comes in the form of a bar graph.
• Common Elements: Time is often represented on the x-axis, and the value is on the y-axis.

Strategies for Analysis

1. Identify Time Periods: Note the time intervals (days, months, years) represented on the x-axis.
2. Highlight Peaks and Troughs: Identify high points (peaks) and low points (troughs) to understand the overall trend.
3. Describe the Overall Trend: Mention whether the variable is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
4. Note Any Anomalies: Identify any unusual fluctuations or sudden changes in the trend.

Cracking the Code of Comparison Charts

Characteristics

• Focus: Highlights the similarities and differences between two or more categories.
• Representation: Often presented as bar graphs, pie charts, or tables, with categories for comparison.
• Common Elements: Each category is represented separately, and the emphasis is on comparing values across categories.

Strategies for Analysis

1. Identify Categories: Understand the groups or items being compared, often represented on the x-axis.
2. Compare Values: Analyze the lengths of bars, proportions in pie charts, or numerical values in tables to compare the variables.
3. Highlight Disparities: Point out significant differences or similarities between categories.
4. Provide a Balanced Overview: Offer a brief summary of the main comparisons before delving into specific details.

Recognizing the Difference

Key Distinctions

• Trend Chart: Focuses on the changes of a category over time. The chart may include multiple categories.
• Comparison Chart: Emphasizes the similarities and differences between two or more categories within a specific time frame. Most tables and pie charts are comparison charts.

Strategies for Task Response

• Trend Chart: Emphasize the temporal changes and patterns observed over the given time periods.
• Comparison Chart: Highlight the variations and contrasts between different categories or groups.