IELTS Writing Task1 Vocabulary Guide

The key to a high band score in IELTS Writing Task1 is not only describing data accurately, but also using a range of appropriate lexical items. This page collects the most useful vocabulary, grouped by function, so you can build a flexible toolbox for graphs, tables, charts, maps and processes.

1. Introducing the Diagram

Use these phrases to open your report.

2. Describing Trends

These verbs, adverbs and adjectives help you convey movement accurately.

Verbs of increase

• rise / climb / grow / increase
• surge / soar / skyrocket (large, rapid rise)
• gain / advance / expand

Verbs of decrease

• fall / drop / decline / decrease
• plummet / tumble / dip (sharp fall)
• shrink / contract / reduce

Verbs of stability

• remain steady / stay constant / level off / plateau
• fluctuate / vary (show irregular movement)

Adverbs & adjectives for magnitude

• significantly, dramatically, sharply, markedly, substantially
• slightly, marginally, modestly, minimally
• steady, gradual, steadystate, rapid, exponential

3. Comparisons

When you need to contrast figures, these structures are handy.

4. Describing Percentages & Ratios

• accounted for ... of the total
• made up ... of the whole
• represented ... percent
• was a proportion of ...
• in the ratio of to

5. TimeRelated Expressions

These help you situate data points.

• in 1995, by 2005, between 2010 and 2015
• over the period, over the next decade, during the 1990s
• from ... to ..., rising/falling from ... to ...
• by the end of the period, at the start

6. Linking Words & Phrases

Coherence is essential. Use a variety of connectors.

7. Vocabulary for Different Task Types

7.1 Bar / Column Charts

• tallest, shortest, highest, lowest
• dominant, leading, most prominent
• the remaining categories, the other groups

7.2 Line Graphs

• peak, trough, plateau, dip
• trend line, upward trend, downward trend
• the line rises sharply, the curve flattens

7.3 Pie Charts

• segment, slice, portion, share
• constitutes, makes up, accounts for
• the largest/smallest slice

7.4 Tables

• the data indicate, the figures show
• the highest/lowest value is
• there is a noticeable difference between and

7.5 Maps (beforeandafter, proposed changes)

• to the north/south/east/west of
• adjacent to, bordering, situated near
• was replaced by, transformed into, converted into
• newly constructed, newly developed, proposed

7.6 Process Diagrams

• first, then, subsequently, finally
• is conducted, is carried out, takes place
• is mixed with, is combined with, is poured into
• the final product, the end result, the outcome

8. Sample FullLength Answer ( 250 words)

Prompt: The line graph below shows the number of international tourists visiting three Asian countries between 2000 and 2019.

Answer:

The line graph illustrates the trends in inbound tourism for Japan, Thailand and Malaysia over a 20year period. Overall, Thailand experienced the most pronounced growth, whereas Japans figures remained relatively stable.

In 2000, Japan attracted the highest number of visitors, with approximately 7million tourists, marginally ahead of Thailands 6.5million. Malaysia lagged far behind at just over 2million. Over the next decade, Japans numbers plateaued, hovering between 6.5 and 7million, while Thailands visitor count began to rise steadily, reaching 9million by 2010.

Between 2010 and 2015, Thailands growth accelerated dramatically, soaring to 14million, a surge of about 55% in five years. During the same interval, Malaysias figures climbed modestly to 4million, whereas Japan saw a slight decline, dipping to 6million in 2015.

From 2015 to 2019, Thailand maintained its upward trajectory, peaking at nearly 18million, while Malaysia continued its gradual ascent, ending the period at approximately 5million. Japan, in contrast, experienced a minor recovery, ending 2019 at 6.2million. In summary, Thailand emerged as the dominant destination, with its numbers more than doubling, while Japans tourist inflow remained comparatively static.

9. Tips for Using Vocabulary Effectively

• Do not overuse any single word; vary your lexical choices throughout the report.
• Match the level of formality avoid colloquial terms such as a lot of.
• Check that the verb you choose reflects the direction correctly (e.g., surge implies a rapid increase).
• Keep the grammar accurate; many highscoring responses combine a strong verb with an appropriate adverb (rose sharply).
• Practice paraphrasing the task prompt it demonstrates lexical flexibility.

By incorporating these lexical resources and practising their application across different chart types, you will be better equipped to produce clear, varied and highscoring responses in IELTS Writing Task1.