Describe a chart, graph, table or pie chart in your own words.
20 minutes 150–250 words
What the examiner wants
Report what the chart shows in a neutral, factual tone. No opinions, no conclusions about causes.
Structure, paragraph by paragraph
1
Introduction (1 sentence)
Paraphrase the task statement: say what the chart shows, in your own words. Change "the chart below shows" to "the bar chart illustrates" or "the graph compares".
2
Overview (2 sentences)
State the two or three biggest trends without numbers: what rose, what fell, which category dominated. Start with "Overall,". This paragraph carries the most marks.
3
Detail paragraph 1
Describe the first main feature with specific figures from the chart. Group related categories together rather than listing every number.
4
Detail paragraph 2
Cover the remaining features, again with data. Make comparisons: "twice as high", "while X fell, Y remained stable".
Paraphrasing the question
Name the chart type precisely: bar chart, line graph, pie chart, table.
Replace "shows" with illustrates, compares, presents or depicts.
Reword the topic: "the number of visitors" becomes "how many people visited".
Swap words for synonyms: "people think" becomes "many argue", "children" becomes "young learners".
Change the word form: "the growth of online shopping" becomes "online shopping has grown".
Change the sentence structure: switch active to passive, or start from a different part of the idea.
Never copy the prompt word for word. Examiners ignore copied language when counting your words and it lowers your vocabulary score.
Keep the meaning identical. A paraphrase that changes the meaning answers the wrong question.
The question says
The chart below shows the number of international students at three universities between 2010 and 2020.
You write
The bar chart illustrates how many students from abroad were enrolled at three different universities over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020.
Useful phrases
The chart illustrates...
Overall, it is clear that...
The most striking feature is...
rose sharply / fell steadily / remained stable
By comparison, ... / In contrast, ...
peaked at ... / dropped to a low of ...
Sample questions
Households with internet access (%)
20052020
1.The bar chart below shows the percentage of households with internet access in five countries in 2005 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
2.The graph below shows changes in the birth and death rates of a European country between 1900 and 2000. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
3.The table below gives information about the average daily cost of water per household in three cities in 2010 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.