IELTS Guide Phil

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, candidates must describe and analyze visual data such as graphs, charts, tables, and diagrams. One of the key criteria assessed is Lexical Resource, which refers to your range and accuracy of vocabulary. Using academic collocations—words that naturally go together—can help you write more fluently and appropriately.

This post presents 100 high-level academic collocations with definitions and example sentences to elevate your Writing Task 1 responses.

Academic Collocations with Definitions and Examples

1. Show a trend
   Definition: To display a direction in data
   Example: The graph shows a trend of increasing unemployment.
2. Experience growth
   Definition: To undergo an increase
   Example: The company experienced rapid growth in profits.
3. Fluctuate significantly
   Definition: To vary greatly
   Example: Fuel prices fluctuated significantly over the period.
4. Reach a peak
   Definition: To hit the highest point
   Example: Tourism numbers reached a peak in July.
5. Decline steadily
   Definition: To decrease gradually
   Example: The population declined steadily from 2010 to 2020.
6. Remain stable
   Definition: To stay unchanged
   Example: The birth rate remained stable throughout the decade.
7. Drop sharply
   Definition: To decrease quickly and steeply
   Example: Car sales dropped sharply in December.
8. Increase gradually
   Definition: To rise slowly over time
   Example: The average income increased gradually over the five years.
9. Show a correlation
   Definition: To display a relationship
   Example: The data shows a correlation between education and income.
10. Rise dramatically
    Definition: To increase a lot in a short time
    Example: Internet usage rose dramatically after 2015.
11. Provide data
    Definition: To offer numerical information
    Example: The chart provides data on energy consumption.
12. Display information
    Definition: To show details or figures
    Example: The pie chart displays information about household expenditure.
13. Compare figures
    Definition: To analyze numbers side by side
    Example: The bar graph compares figures for different countries.
14. Represent values
    Definition: To stand for numerical amounts
    Example: Each bar represents the value for a specific year.
15. Illustrate changes
    Definition: To show transformations
    Example: The line graph illustrates changes in temperature.
16. Reveal patterns
    Definition: To uncover trends
    Example: The chart reveals patterns in consumer spending.
17. Present statistics
    Definition: To show numerical data
    Example: The table presents statistics on employment.
18. Summarize information
    Definition: To give an overview
    Example: The report summarizes information from various sources.
19. Indicate differences
    Definition: To highlight contrasts
    Example: The chart indicates differences in housing costs.
20. Show similarities
    Definition: To highlight shared characteristics
    Example: Both graphs show similarities in their upward trends.
21. Increase slightly
    Definition: To grow a little
    Example: Sales increased slightly in the final quarter.
22. Decline marginally
    Definition: To drop by a small amount
    Example: Profits declined marginally between 2018 and 2019.
23. Account for
    Definition: To make up a portion
    Example: Agriculture accounted for 30% of total GDP.
24. Remain constant
    Definition: To not change
    Example: The price of gas remained constant during the period.
25. Show fluctuations
    Definition: To display ups and downs
    Example: The graph shows fluctuations in interest rates.
26. Increase rapidly
    Definition: To grow quickly
    Example: Mobile phone usage increased rapidly after 2000.
27. Decline dramatically
    Definition: To decrease steeply
    Example: Industrial output declined dramatically in 2009.
28. Peak at
    Definition: To reach the highest point
    Example: Production peaked at 100,000 units.
29. Hit a low
    Definition: To reach the lowest point
    Example: Employment hit a low in March.
30. Grow consistently
    Definition: To rise steadily over time
    Example: The company grew consistently from 2010 to 2020.
31. Show stability
    Definition: To reflect minimal change
    Example: The figure shows stability across three decades.
32. Remain unchanged
    Definition: To stay the same
    Example: The unemployment rate remained unchanged throughout the year.
33. Drop suddenly
    Definition: To fall quickly
    Example: Sales dropped suddenly after the new regulation.
34. Increase modestly
    Definition: To rise a small amount
    Example: GDP increased modestly last quarter.
35. Display variation
    Definition: To show differences
    Example: The data displays variation across regions.
36. Provide a breakdown
    Definition: To offer details
    Example: The chart provides a breakdown of expenses.
37. Segment data
    Definition: To divide information
    Example: The graph segments data by age group.
38. Highlight changes
    Definition: To emphasize differences
    Example: The visual highlights changes in rainfall levels.
39. Observe a trend
    Definition: To notice a pattern
    Example: One can observe a trend of urbanization.
40. Show proportions
    Definition: To display relative sizes
    Example: The pie chart shows the proportions of income spent.
41. Demonstrate growth
    Definition: To show an increase over time
    Example: The chart demonstrates growth in student enrollment.
42. Reflect trends
    Definition: To mirror ongoing developments
    Example: The graph reflects trends in energy consumption.
43. Correlate with
    Definition: To be connected or related
    Example: Education level correlates with income level.
44. Represent data
    Definition: To visually display statistics
    Example: The diagram represents data collected in 2022.
45. Track changes
    Definition: To follow developments over time
    Example: The chart tracks changes in population density.
46. Measure growth
    Definition: To quantify an increase
    Example: The statistics measure growth in GDP.
47. Report figures
    Definition: To state numerical data
    Example: The table reports figures for each quarter.
48. Exhibit variation
    Definition: To show differences
    Example: The results exhibit variation among age groups.
49. Compare percentages
    Definition: To analyze proportions
    Example: The bar chart compares percentages of exports.
50. Convey information
    Definition: To communicate facts or data
    Example: The visual conveys information about housing trends.
51. Showcase patterns
    Definition: To present recurring trends
    Example: The graph showcases patterns in rainfall.
52. List statistics
    Definition: To enumerate data
    Example: The report lists statistics for all five regions.
53. Suggest a trend
    Definition: To imply a direction of change
    Example: The data suggests a trend toward digital media.
54. Depict changes
    Definition: To show differences over time
    Example: The line graph depicts changes in air quality.
55. Support analysis
    Definition: To help with interpreting information
    Example: These figures support analysis of income inequality.
56. Outline differences
    Definition: To describe distinctions clearly
    Example: The table outlines differences between two categories.
57. Categorize data
    Definition: To arrange into groups
    Example: The data is categorized by sector and region.
58. Differentiate categories
    Definition: To distinguish between groups
    Example: The chart differentiates categories by color.
59. Depict fluctuations
    Definition: To show irregular variations
    Example: The graph depicts fluctuations in demand.
60. Highlight proportions
    Definition: To show relative sizes
    Example: The pie chart highlights proportions of water usage.
61. Project growth
    Definition: To estimate future increase
    Example: The trend line projects growth for the next decade.
62. Identify changes
    Definition: To point out differences
    Example: The bar graph identifies changes in employment rates.
63. Distribute data
    Definition: To spread across categories
    Example: The chart distributes data across five sectors.
64. Visualize statistics
    Definition: To make data visible
    Example: The infographic visualizes statistics for clarity.
65. Chart progress
    Definition: To track development
    Example: The line graph charts progress in literacy rates.
66. Analyze data
    Definition: To interpret numbers
    Example: Researchers analyzed data on consumer behavior.
67. Quantify change
    Definition: To measure the amount of variation
    Example: The study quantifies change in average temperatures.
68. Represent percentages
    Definition: To show proportions
    Example: Each bar represents percentages of daily intake.
69. Illustrate growth
    Definition: To visually show an increase
    Example: The bar chart illustrates growth in exports.
70. Underline trends
    Definition: To emphasize patterns
    Example: These figures underline trends in the labor market.
71. Calculate averages
    Definition: To determine the mean
    Example: The table calculates averages for household spending.
72. Summarize trends
    Definition: To give an overview of changes
    Example: The graph summarizes trends in global warming.
73. Estimate values
    Definition: To make an informed guess
    Example: The model estimates values for future years.
74. Pinpoint peaks
    Definition: To identify highest points
    Example: The diagram pinpoints peaks in oil production.
75. Forecast growth
    Definition: To predict an increase
    Example: Analysts forecast growth in the technology sector.
76. Explain differences
    Definition: To give reasons for variation
    Example: The chart explains differences in life expectancy.
77. Denote changes
    Definition: To indicate modifications
    Example: The arrows denote changes in direction.
78. Indicate increases
    Definition: To show rises
    Example: The red line indicates increases in inflation.
79. Clarify distribution
    Definition: To make the spread of data clear
    Example: The pie chart clarifies the distribution of expenses.
80. Show tendencies
    Definition: To indicate general directions
    Example: The chart shows tendencies toward urban living.
81. Depict proportions
    Definition: To represent parts of a whole
    Example: The graphic depicts proportions of energy sources.
82. Record statistics
    Definition: To document numerical data
    Example: The report records statistics from multiple years.
83. List categories
    Definition: To provide named groups
    Example: The table lists categories of educational levels.
84. Signal variation
    Definition: To show fluctuation
    Example: The jagged line signals variation in temperature.
85. Report distribution
    Definition: To show how something is spread
    Example: The chart reports the distribution of voters by age.
86. Account for differences
    Definition: To explain why distinctions exist
    Example: The data accounts for differences in performance.
87. Provide comparisons
    Definition: To show similarities and differences
    Example: The chart provides comparisons between sectors.
88. Identify patterns
    Definition: To find recurring trends
    Example: The researcher identified patterns in rainfall.
89. Signify changes
    Definition: To indicate variations
    Example: The shift in color signifies changes in the dataset.
90. Detail findings
    Definition: To provide in-depth results
    Example: The report details findings on income inequality.
91. Show alignment
    Definition: To indicate correspondence
    Example: The trend lines show alignment between variables.
92. Highlight discrepancies
    Definition: To point out inconsistencies
    Example: The report highlights discrepancies in data sources.
93. Demonstrate consistency
    Definition: To show stability over time
    Example: The chart demonstrates consistency in revenue.
94. Support claims
    Definition: To provide evidence
    Example: The data supports claims made in the introduction.
95. Reveal contrasts
    Definition: To show differences
    Example: The chart reveals contrasts between male and female responses.
96. Track performance
    Definition: To follow success metrics
    Example: The graph tracks performance over the fiscal year.
97. Show alignment
    Definition: To match up values or trends
    Example: The figures show alignment with previous estimates.
98. Display consistency
    Definition: To show lack of change
    Example: The trend displays consistency across multiple years.
99. Summarize results
    Definition: To give a brief overview
    Example: The visual summarizes results of the survey.
100. Present findings
     Definition: To display outcomes
     Example: The bar graph presents findings from the latest census.

Final Thoughts

Mastering academic collocations is a key strategy for achieving a high band score in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. These word combinations not only enhance your lexical resource but also improve the clarity and formality of your report. Practice using these collocations in your writing and try to incorporate a variety of them naturally and accurately to impress examiners and communicate data effectively.

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