HOW TO COMPARE AND CONTRAST DATA PART 1 of IELTS (Academic)

Transcription

1 HOW TO COMPARE AND CONTRAST DATA PART 1 of IELTS (Academic) CONTENTS: 1. OVERVIEW OF THE TASK 2. ANALYSING PARAGRAPHS 3. COMMON SIGNALS IN COMPARING DATA 4. LINKING WORDS 5. COMMON GRAMMAR PATTERNS 6. WRITING PRACTICE 7. IELTS TUTOR 8. ANSWERS TO EXERCISES 1

2 1. ABOUT PART 1 of IELTS (Academic) 1.1 Overview In the first part of the IELTS writing exam you will be asked to: Describe and compare some visual information (graph, table, chart, diagram or process) Explain the data Write about 150 words in 20 minutes 1.2 Language Formal Lots of signals and connectives associated with comparing and contrasting to help the reader understand your writing Few grammar errors 2. ANALYSING DATA DESRIPTION PARAGRAPHS You should write two or three paragraphs which describe, compare and explain the information in the tables, charts etc. The simplest answer has two paragraphs. The first paragraph is a very brief introduction of the data and a description of the general trend(s) in the data. The second paragraph (the body) provides details to support the general comparison made in the first paragraph. You may use a third paragraph depending on how you describe the information. 2.1 The Introduction There are usually two parts in the introduction: State clearly what the data is about. Describe a general trend which compares and contrast the different groups in the data. 2

3 Exercise 1: Identify the two parts (Stating what the data is about; Describing a general trend) in the introductions below. A. The graph shows pollution figures for Beijing and London from 1995 to There is a clear difference in the pollution levels between the two cities: Beijing is much more polluted than London. B. The table shows the number of cars sold in four major markets China, USA, Germany and Japan between 2005 and It can be seen that the number of cars sold in China has increased dramatically over this period while sales in the other three countries have remained fairly constant. C. The pie chart shows the number of children who participated in different sports in Australia in The most popular sport by far is soccer for the boys and netball for the girls. D. The two pie charts show the percentage of adults who went to university in Britain in 1970 and in There has been a dramatic increase in the percentage of the population going to university from 1970 to E. The graph describes the exponential growth in the number of airline passenger flights from 1970 to 2015 in Europe and Asia. 2.2 The Second Paragraph There are three possible parts in the second paragraph. Give specific details to support the general trend described in the Introduction. Describe high points and low points in the data and any other interesting data points. Give reasons for the data or data points whenever appropriate. Exercise 2: Identify the parts in the paragraphs below. A. Pollution in Beijing has been increasing rapidly since In contrast, pollution in London has fallen significantly during the same time period. The increase in pollution in Beijing may be due to China s rapid change from a farming based economy to a manufacturing economy. In Beijing pollution reached a peak in 2011 with 129 parts per million in July of that year. However, pollution dipped in This may be due to the Chinese government s 3

4 efforts to clean up the city for the Olympics. London has managed to reduce its pollution from 89 parts per million in 1990 to 35 parts per million in This may be because of the introduction of the congestion tax on cars introduced in 2003 which reduced the number of cars entering the city. B. In China the number of cars sold in 2005 was four million units while in 2010, 16 million cars were sold. In contrast, the same figures for the United States were eight million units and six million units. In Germany four million units were sold in 2005 and also in The Japanese car market shows a similar trend to that in Germany with five million units being sold in 2005 and in It is interesting that the lowest number of cars sold in the United States, Germany and Japan was in 2008 when the world suffered a global economic crisis. However, this crisis did not seem to affect China s car sales as sales increased from six million units in 2007 to ten million in 2008 and to 14 million in Given the size of China s population and its recent industrialisation, it is not surprising that it is now the biggest market in the world for car sales. c. The percentage of boys who participated in soccer during 2016 was 35%. This is the highest participation rate for boys or girls in any of the five sports reported in the survey. The most popular sport for girls was netball which had 30% participation. Of all the sports, swimming, in which 22% of boys and 25% of girls participated, was the most popular sport. The second most popular sport with boys and girls was soccer with 42% participation. Third on the list was netball with 32%. Of the other sports mentioned in the survey, athletics and martial arts were equal with 15% participation. Perhaps the reason for the high participation in swimming is the high profile many of Australia s national swimmers have on TV. The popularity of soccer could be a result of international soccer league matches being shown on TV and on the Internet. 4

5 3. COMMON SIGNALS for COMPARING & CONTRASTING and DESCRIBING CAUSE & EFFECT 3.1 Compare and Contrast There are many signals which we can use to compare and contrast two or more entities including: Like most cities, London has experienced an increase in pollution from cars. The most popular sport for boys in Australia is soccer. Similarly, boys in England prefer soccer to other sports. The most popular sport for boys in Australia is soccer. Boys in England also prefer soccer to other sports. Around 30% of both boys and girls participate in swimming in Australia. In contrast to athletics, which only has two percent participation, netball is enjoyed by 30% of Australian girls between the ages of 12 to 14. In comparison to Germany, car sales in China did not fall during the global financial crisis of Unlike Europe, China experienced an increase in population in the 1980s. 3.2 Cause and Effect There are many obvious signals for cause and effect as shown in these statements: As a result of an increase in the number of cars, many cities have become polluted. Many cities now are crowded with cars and as a result are becoming polluted. Because of pollution, many cities are not healthy places to live. Many cities are becoming polluted because they have too many cars. Many cities are becoming polluted since they have too many cars. 5

6 Many cities have many cars and consequently become polluted. Many cities have a lot of cars and as a consequence polluted. However, cause and effect can be signalled by other, less obvious markers as in: In Europe, pollution is decreasing thanks to change from manufacturing to the service industries. In London, the congestion tax has made it less attractive to drive a car in the city centre. Exercise 3 Read again the data description comparing Beijing and London and identify all the signals which help the reader understand the essay. The graph shows pollution figures for Beijing and London from 1995 to There is a clear difference in the pollution levels between the two cities: Beijing is much more polluted than London. Pollution in Beijing has been increasing rapidly since In contrast, pollution in London has fallen significantly during the same time period. The increase in pollution in Beijing may be due to China s rapid change from a farming based economy to a manufacturing economy. In Beijing pollution reached a peak in 2011 with 129 parts per million in July of that year. However, pollution dipped in This is because of the Chinese government s efforts to clean up the city for the Olympics. London has managed to reduce its pollution from 89 parts per million in 1990 to 35 parts per million in This may be because of the introduction of the congestion tax on cars introduced in 2003 which reduced the number of cars entering the city. 6

7 4. LINKING WORDS IN YOUR DATA DESCRIPTION Here are four common ways you can link the sentences in your data description. By using a range of linking words you will show you have a good range of vocabulary. 5.1 Repetition of Nouns You can simply repeat the noun which refers to the topic. However, you can t do this too often as in English we have to find different ways of referring to the topic. Example: Tokyo has one of the world s largest urban populations. Tokyo has a population of 9.3 million people. 5.2 (the, this, these) + General Nouns We can use this type of link after we have mentioned the topic. We have to decide which category of general noun the topic is part of. Example: Tokyo has one of the world s largest urban populations. The capital of Japan has a population of 9.3 million people. 5.3 Use Pronouns We can simply use a pronoun in place of the noun. Remember to use the correct pronoun. Example: Tokyo has one of the world s largest urban populations. It has a population of 9.3 million people. 5.4 Use Synonyms We can use an exact synonym to replace the noun or noun phrase. Example: Tokyo has one of the world s largest urban populations. This conurbation has a population of 9.3 million people. 7

8 Exercise 4 In the description below identify at least one example of the different types of linking words. i) Repetition of Nouns ii) (the, this, these) + General Nouns ii) Pronouns ii) Synonyms The table shows the number of cars sold in four major markets China, USA, Germany and Japan between 2005 and It can be seen that the number of automobiles sold in China has increased dramatically over this period while sales in the other three countries have remained fairly constant. In China the number of cars sold in 2005 was four million units while in 2010, 16 million cars were sold. In contrast, the same figures for the United States were eight million units and six million units. In Germany four million units were sold in 2005 and also in The Japanese car market shows a similar trend to that in Germany with five million units being sold in 2005 and in It is interesting that the lowest number of cars sold in the United States, Germany and Japan was in 2008 when the world suffered a global economic crisis. However, this financial disaster did not seem to affect China s car sales as sales increased from six million units in 2007 to ten million in 2008 and to 14 million in Given the size of China s population and its recent industrialisation, it is not surprising that it is now the biggest market in the world for car sales. 8

9 5. COMMON GRAMMAR PATTERNS 5.1 Common Verb Patterns Noun Verb in Simple Past Tense Adverb X increased decreased remained rapidly dramatically steadily slightly the same constant 5.2 Common Nouns Phrases Article Adjective Noun rapid There was dramatic increase a small X experienced slight steady decrease - no There was - no difference (between) Exercise 5 Use the tables above to create some interesting sentences. 9

10 6. WRITING PRACTICE We recommend you take some time to plan this section of the exam. As you only have 20 to 25 minutes you should spend about 5-8 minutes planning, 8-10 minutes writing and 5 minutes editing and proofreading. 6.1 Plan Your Essay You can use the table below to help you: Paragraph 1 Introduction 2 to 3 sentences State clearly what the data is about Make a general comparison (describe trends) about the different groups in the data Paragraph 2 8 to 12 sentences Give specific details to support sentence 2 above. Mention high points and low points in the data and any other interesting data points. Give reasons for the data whenever you can. 6.2 Write Your Description Write carefully making sure you avoid making common errors. You should make sure you have plenty of signals and connectives to help your reader. 6.3 Proofread and Edit Your Description Read over your essay and check for grammar errors (e.g. subject-verb agreement etc.). Make sure you have effective signals, connectives and linking words and have not repeated the same word too many times. 10

11 6.4 Grammar and IELTS Scores In terms of grammar errors, Band 9 IELTS essays have virtually no errors, Band 8 IELTS essays have only a few very minor errors, Band 7 IELTS essays have a few errors, Band 6 IELTS essays have some errors which do not interfere with communication, Band 5 IELTS essays have frequent errors which may interfere with communication while Band 4 IELTS essays have errors in many of the sentences that cause interference with communication. 6.5 Practice Writing 1. The table shows the percentage of average household spending in a range of items in Korea and Singapore in the year Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 150 words. Housing Transport Food Health Other Korea Singapore The diagram below shows how the Sunrise Shopping Centre has changed from when it was built in 2000 until Describe the main changes to the shopping centre by selecting and reporting the main changes. You should write at least 150 words MAIN ROAD SUPERMARKET HEALTH CENTRE FARMLAND CAR PARK 11

12 MAIN ROAD SUPERMARKET HEALTH CENTRE FARMLAND CHILD CARE CENTRE CAR PARK MAIN ROAD SUPERMARKET HEALTH CENTRE CAR PARK CHILD CARE CENTRE CAR PARK 12

13 7. IELTS WRITING TUTOR If you would like us to help you with your essay writing then please get in touch through the Contact Us page of our website or at 7.1 Who is the teacher? Experienced, fully qualified master s level English writing specialist Internationally recognised English language teaching qualifications Over 20 years teaching English as a second or foreign language 25 published research papers (including essay writing) in international journals 7.2 How is the online programme delivered? Electronically through , Skype or Facetime At the beginning you complete an assessment task and we assess your writing An individual programme is created for you You complete writing tasks each week You receive feedback on your overall performance in structure, grammar, signals, linking devices and word choices Exercises are created to give you practice in areas of weakness (e.g. grammar) You rewrite your essay based on our feedback until you have an acceptable piece of writing 7.3 What does the feedback look like? Below is a sample of a real error and the feedback and exercise we gave the client: Student wrote: Many doctors are alarming the number of overweight children in developing countries. Feedback: Notice how I have rewritten your sentence: Many doctors are alarmed by the number of overweight children in developing countries. Exercise: Create three sentences using the verb phrase are alarmed by. 13

14 7.4 How much does it cost? The cost depends on your English level and how many lessons you need to reach your goal. Once you sign up we offer a free initial assessment of your writing. 8. ANSWERS TO EXERCISES Exercise 1 Stating what the data is about is in black; describing a general trend is in blue. A. The graph shows pollution figures for Beijing and London from 1995 to There is a clear difference in the pollution levels between the two cities: Beijing is much more polluted than London. B. The table shows the number of cars sold in four major markets China, USA, Germany and Japan between 2005 and It can be seen that the number of cars sold in China has increased dramatically over this period while sales in the other three countries have remained fairly constant. C. The pie chart shows the number of children who participated in different sports in Australia in Boys and girls have different interests when it comes to sport. D. The two pie charts show the percentage of adults who went to university in Britain in 1970 and in There has been a dramatic increase in the percentage of the population going to university from 1970 to E. The graph describes the exponential growth in the number of airline passenger flights from 1970 to 2015 in Europe and Asia. Exercise 2 Give specific details to support the general trend described in the Introduction in blue. Describe high points and low points in the data and any other interesting data points in normal font. Give reasons for the data or data points whenever appropriate in italics. 14

15 A. Pollution in Beijing has been increasing rapidly since In contrast, pollution in London has fallen significantly during the same time period. The increase in pollution in Beijing may be due to China s rapid change from a farming based economy to a manufacturing economy. In Beijing pollution reached a peak in 2011 with 129 parts per million in July of that year. However, pollution dipped in This may be due to the Chinese government s efforts to clean up the city for the Olympics. London has managed to reduce its pollution from 89 parts per million in 1990 to 35 parts per million in This may be because of the introduction of the congestion tax on cars introduced in 2003 which reduced the number of cars entering the city. B. In China the number of cars sold in 2005 was four million units while in 2010, 16 million cars were sold. In contrast, the same figures for the United States were eight million units and six million units. In Germany four million units were sold in 2005 and also in The Japanese car market shows a similar trend to that in Germany with five million units being sold in 2005 and in It is interesting that the lowest number of cars sold in the United States, Germany and Japan was in 2008 when the world suffered a global economic crisis. However, this crisis did not seem to affect China s car sales as sales increased from six million units in 2007 to ten million in 2008 and to 14 million in Given the size of China s population and its recent industrialisation, it is not surprising that it is now the biggest market in the world for car sales. c. The percentage of boys who participated in soccer during 2016 was 35%. This is the highest participation rate for boys or girls in any of the five sports reported in the survey. The most popular sport for girls was netball which had 30% participation. Of all the sports, swimming, in which 22% of boys and 25% of girls participated, was the most popular sport. The second most popular sport with boys and girls was soccer with 42% participation. Third on the list was netball with 32%. Of the other sports mentioned in the survey, athletics and martial arts were equal with 15% participation. Perhaps the reason for the high participation in swimming is the high profile many of Australia s national swimmers have on TV. The popularity of soccer could be a result of international soccer league matches being shown on TV and on the Internet. 15

16 Exercise 3 Compare and contrast signals in bold, cause and effect in blue. The graph shows pollution figures for Beijing and London from 1995 to There is a clear difference in the pollution levels between the two cities: Beijing is much more polluted than London. Pollution in Beijing has been increasing rapidly since In contrast, pollution in London has fallen significantly during the same time period. The increase in pollution in Beijing may be due to China s rapid change from a farming based economy to a manufacturing economy. In Beijing pollution reached a peak in 2011 with 129 parts per million in July of that year. However, pollution dipped in This is because of the Chinese government s efforts to clean up the city for the Olympics. London has managed to reduce its pollution from 89 parts per million in 1990 to 35 parts per million in This may be because of the introduction of the congestion tax on cars introduced in 2003 which reduced the number of cars entering the city. Exercise 4 i) Repetition of Nouns Many nouns are repeated in this description including: cars, Germany, sales ii) (the, this, these) + General Nouns when the world suffered a global economic crisis. However, this financial disaster did not seem to affect China s car sales ii) Pronouns Given the size of China s population and its recent industrialisation, it is not surprising that it is now the biggest market in the world for car sales. ii) Synonyms The table shows the number of cars sold in four major markets China, USA, Germany and Japan between 2005 and It can be seen that the number of automobiles sold in China has increased dramatically over this period 16

17 Exercise 5 Show your answers to your tutor. 17