APPENDIX 1
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SUMMARIZING THE GIVEN INFORMATION
(graph, table, chart or diagram)
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The general structure of an overview:
Introduction
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Introduce the graph (ideally 1-2 sentences).
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General overview
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Develop your point, giving reasons and supporting them with appropriate examples.
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Specific features
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Group the given data by some feature. Then describe each feature.
Sum up the ideas and give your final thoughts on the problem. They should not differ from those in the introduction.
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Vocabulary to describe graphs
Types of changes
Nouns
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a rise (of)
an increase (of)
a growth (of)
a peak (of)
a surge (of)
Example: a rise of prices
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a fall (in)
a decrease (in)
a decline (in)
a dip (in)
Example: a fall in prices
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a fluctuation (of)
a variation (in)
Example: a fluctuation of prices
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Verbs
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to rise
to increase
to surge
to grow
to peak
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to fall
to decrease
to decline
to dip
to dive
to plunge
to fluctuate
to vary
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Large falls: to plummet
Large rises:
to rocket
to soar
to leap (->leapt)
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Description of changes
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Adverbs
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Adjectives
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sharply
suddenly
rapidly
abruptly
dramatically
significantly
considerably
markedly
wildly
Example: the prices rose
sharply
slightly
gently
gradually
steadily
modestly
marginally
Example: the prices increased modestly
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sharp
sudden
rapid
abrupt
dramatic
steep
significant
considerable
marked
substantial
spectacular
Example: there was a considerable growth
slight
gentle
gradual
steady
consistent
modest
marginal
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Useful phrases
Introducing the graph
The graph/table/pie chart/bar chart/diagram ...
gives information about/on ...
provides information about/on ...
shows ...
illustrates ...
compares ...
explains why ...
describes ...
draws the conclusion of (a survey) ...
a small fraction, a small number, a small minority
a large portion, a significant majority
nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter, around two thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly one in ten, approximately a third
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Linking structures
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Listing
firstly, secondly, thirdly
first, furthermore, finally
to begin, to conclude
next
Reinforcement
also
furthermore
moreover
what is more
in addition
besides
above all
as well (as)
in the same way
not only ... but also
Deduction
then
in other words
in that case
otherwise
this implies that ...
if so/not
Expressing an alternative
alternatively
rather
on the other hand
the alternative is
another possibility would be
Similarity
equally
likewise
similarly
correspondingly
in the same way
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Giving examples
for example
for instance
as follows:
that is
in this case
namely
in other words
Result/consequence
so
therefore
as a result/consequence
accordingly
consequently
because of this/that
thus
hence
for this/that reason
so that
in that case
under these circumstances
Concession (smth. unexpected)
even though
however
however much
nevertheless
still
yet
Stating the obvious
obviously
clearly
naturally
of course
as can be expected
surely
after all
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Generalising
on the whole
as a rule
for the most part
in most cases
generally
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Highlighting
in particular
particularly
especially
mainly
Reformulation
in other words
rather
to put it more simply
Transition to new point
now,
as far as x is concerned
with regard/reference to
as for ...
it follows that
turning to
Contrast
instead
conversely
on the contrary
in contrast
in comparison
Summary
in conclusion
to conclude
in brief
to summarise
overall
therefore
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An example of describing a diagram
1. Introduction
The diagram explains the way in which steel rods are produced for the furniture industry.
The diagram shows the process of metal rods production for the furniture industry.
2. Overview
Overall, the process consists of eleven stages, beginning with the raw material and ending up with the product’s inspection.
3. Specific features
First of all, iron ore, yellow ore and carbon are collected to serve as a raw material for steel rods manufacturing. After that, the raw material is melted in a melting slit, where it is heated to a temperature in range of 1300-1500 °C. The melted mass is then transferred to a smelting cabin to undergo refinement. Next, the candescent metal is put in a pouring machine and poured into ingots.
In the next stage, the ingots are connected to a cooling reservoir, where the temperature falls to 60-100 °C. Metal goes through special nozzles and cools down, forming strands. Following this, the metal strands proceed to rollers that change their shape. Next, the products are put into a heating machine, where they undergo heat treatment. Subsequently, a measuring automaton completes a surface check of the products.
After that, the metal rods are sized by special cutters and get ID stamping. Finally, the products undergo inspection and are ready for use.
4. Sum up the ideas and give your final thoughts on the problem.