Writing: B2 Lesson 15: Describing Data: How to Write About Graphs and Charts

Writing: Specific Tasks B2

Describing Data: How to Write About Graphs and Charts

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a clear and concise summary of a simple line graph, describing the main trend and key data points.

Before You Start 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

These words are essential for describing data.

Trend

| និន្នាការ

The main, overall direction something is going (e.g., up, down, or stable).

Increase / Rise

| កើនឡើង

To go up; to become larger in number or amount.

Decrease / Fall

| ថយចុះ

To go down; to become smaller in number or amount.

Fluctuate

| ឡើង​ចុះ

To change often; to go up and down irregularly.

The 3-Step Structure for Describing a Graph

A perfect description of a graph is short, clear, and follows three steps.

Line Graph: Smartphone Sales in Cambodia (2020-2024)

Step 1: Introduction

What is it? One sentence. Do not copy the title. Paraphrase it (say it in a new way).

Example: "The line graph illustrates smartphone sales in Cambodia over a four-year period between 2020 and 2024."

Step 2: Overview (The Main Trend)

What is the main story? One sentence. No numbers. Just the big picture.

Example: "Overall, it is clear that sales of smartphones increased significantly during this time."

Step 3: Key Details

What are the key numbers? 2-3 sentences. Give the starting point, the ending point, and any major peaks or lows.

Example: "Sales stood at 1 million units in 2020. They rose steadily to 2.5 million in 2022, before climbing sharply to reach a peak of 3.5 million units in 2024."

Your Language Toolkit 🛠️ (Click 🔊)

Do not repeat the same words. Use this vocabulary to describe trends.

UP 📈 (Verbs / Nouns)

• to increase / an increase
• to rise / a rise
• to grow / a growth
• to climb
• to reach a peak

DOWN 📉 (Verbs / Nouns)

• to decrease / a decrease
• to fall / a fall
• to drop / a drop
• to decline / a decline
• to hit a low

MODIFIERS (How?)

• sharply / a sharp
• significantly / a significant
• steadily / a steady
• gradually / a gradual
• slightly / a slight
• to fluctuate / a fluctuation
• to remain stable / stable

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz: Choose the Best Description

Read the sentences and choose the best word or phrase. Click "Check Answers" when done.

1. Sales went from 50 to 150. This was a _______ increase.

• A) slight
• B) significant
• C) stable

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2. The price went 10, 12, 9, 11, 10. The price _______.

• A) fluctuated
• B) decreased
• C) rose sharply

---

3. The number of students went from 100 to 101. This was a _______ rise.

• A) sharp
• B) steady
• C) slight

---

4. "Overall, it is clear that..." is a sentence for the _______.

• A) Introduction
• B) Overview (Main Trend)
• C) Key Details

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Describe a Simple Graph

Find a simple line graph online (search for "simple line graph"). In your notebook, write 3-4 sentences to describe it. Remember to follow the 3-Step Structure:

1. Introduction: "The graph shows..."
2. Overview: "Overall, the trend..."
3. Key Details: "It started at... and finished at..."

Try to use at least two words from the "Language Toolkit" section!