Writing: Complex Text Types C1 - Lesson 15: Advanced Reports: Analysis, Findings, and Recommendations

Writing: Specific Text Types B2

Describing Data: How to Write About Graphs and Charts

Listen to key concepts and vocabulary.

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 using appropriate vocabulary.

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. Let's analyze the graph below.

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

Step 1: Introduction (Paraphrase the title)

One sentence. Do not copy the title. Say what the graph shows in new words.

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

Step 2: Overview (Find the main trend)

One sentence. No numbers. Just the big picture (e.g., "it went up," "it went down").

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

Step 3: Key Details (Give the data)

2-3 sentences. Give the starting point, the ending point, and any major peaks or lows. Use data (numbers)!

"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.

Language for Trends: UP 📈

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

Language for Trends: DOWN 📉

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

Language for 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

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!