Graph Reports
Graph Reports
https://student.grablingo.com/materials_units/1951
1) Vocabulary
- sharp increase: when something goes up very fast
There has been a sharp increase in imports from Italy lately.
- steep drop: when something goes down very fast
The steep drop in prices surprised locals.
- gradual rise: when something goes up slowly over a period of time
Scientists have observed a gradual rise in temperatures in this region over the past 10 years.
- slight decline: a small decrease; when something goes down a little bit
There has been a slight decline in the popularity of the brand recently.
- spike: when something goes up a lot in a very short period of time
The recent software updates have caused a spike in calls to the help desk.
- peak: the time of maximum development, value, or intensity
Well, at its peak, the city was the largest city in the Americas.
- steady recovery: a period of time when something stops going down and then goes up at the same speed for a while
The country's economy is making a steady recovery.
2) Useful Expressions
Verbs that describe a change:
- going up: increase, rise, grow, climb
- going down: fall, decrease, decline, drop
- no change: stay the same, remain constant, show no change
Adverbs that describe a change:
- small change: slightly, gradually, slowly, steadily
- big change: sharply, suddenly, significantly, steeply
Other phrases:
- steady recovery
- reach a peak/spike
- fall to a low
Tip: Instead of adverb + verb, you can also use adjective + noun when describing graphs and figures (e.g. a sharp increase, a steep drop, a gradual rise, a slight decline, etc.)
3) Language Practice
Graph Report
Over the first two quarters we can see a steady increase in sales, followed by a sharp rise in July. In August, we experienced a spike in consumer demand. Our sales had risen by 40% since June. Unfortunately, we've seen a gradual decline over the past four months. Now, if we take a look at Research and Development, we can see that the spending has slowed down by 50% since January. As you can see, there has been a slight decrease in spending from January through April, until May, when Research and Development spending suddenly dropped by 25%. After that, there has been a steady recovery in the next six months, followed by another steep drop in the last month.
Check your understanding:
1. When did sales reach their peak?
2. What has happened to sales during the last four months?
3. Were there any significant changes in the Research and Development spending?
4) Fill in the Blanks
- Between January and February there was a (1) in sales.
- We've seen a (2) from February through June.
- In July, there was a (3) of 30%.
- In August, sales have (4).
- Sales have (5) after August.
- They have (6) over the last three months.
Choose answers from the options below that fit in blanks 1 to 6
Answer Pool (Questions 1-6)
-
reached a peak
-
steady recovery
-
steep decline
-
remained constant
-
sharp increase
-
slightly dropped
5) Discussion
1. Have you ever used graphs in reports or presentations? Do you find it difficult to make graphs?
2. What are the advantages of using graphs in reports and presentations? Are there any disadvantages?
3. Do you think the use of graphs and charts makes presentations more interesting? Why?
4. What are some things to keep in mind when making graphs?
