Learn the academic vocabulary you need to describe graphs, charts and statistical trends in English — an essential skill for university writing and presentations.
Choose the correct verb to complete each sentence about data trends.
1 Between 2015 and 2023, the number of electric vehicles on the road from 1.2 million to over 40 million.
2 After the tax increase, consumer spending by 12% in a single quarter.
3 The exchange rate between $1.10 and $1.25 over the course of the year.
4 Average temperatures at around 21°C during the summer months.
5 When the new smartphone was released, daily downloads to over 5 million within 48 hours.
6 After years of steady growth, oil production at 100 million barrels per day in 2019.
7 In the third quarter, retail sales slightly before recovering in December.
8 Over the coming decade, demand for skilled IT workers is projected to steadily.
Choose the correct adverb or adjective to complete each sentence. Pay attention to the context clues.
1 House prices rose from €150,000 to €420,000 in just three years — nearly tripling.
2 There was a decline in print newspaper sales, falling slowly but consistently over a decade.
3 The population grew from 5.1 million to 5.2 million — a change of less than 2%.
4 The company reported a increase in profits, with revenues doubling in under two years.
5 Energy costs fell throughout the year, showing a slow but continuous downward movement.
6 There was a fluctuation in stock prices during the financial crisis, with values swinging wildly.
7 Tourism numbers increased over the five-year period, with no sudden spikes or dips.
8 Exports experienced a drop of only 0.3% — barely noticeable in the annual figures.
Complete the paragraph below using the correct trend language. This is the type of writing you need for academic reports and presentations.
The graph illustrates changes in global internet usage between 2005 and 2025. Overall, the data shows a upward trend throughout the twenty-year period.
In 2005, internet penetration approximately 16% of the world's population. Between 2005 and 2010, usage to reach around 30%.
The most growth occurred from 2015 to 2020, when the percentage of internet users from 40% to approximately 65%. Mobile internet access, in particular, during this period.
By 2025, global internet penetration had nearly 70% of the world population. Looking at the data as a whole, it is evident that internet usage has over the past two decades.
Use the trend vocabulary from Exercises A–C to write your own data description. Aim for 80–120 words.
| Year | Students (millions) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2.22 | — |
| 2013 | 2.62 | ▲ steady growth |
| 2016 | 2.81 | ▲ slower growth |
| 2019 | 2.90 | ▸ near plateau |
| 2020 | 2.90 | — no change |
| 2023 | 2.87 | ▼ slight decline |
Describe the overall trend, highlight any notable changes, and suggest what the data might indicate. Try to use at least 6 different trend vocabulary items (e.g. rose, steadily, significant, peaked, declined, gradual).
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