Describing a Graph

DESCRIPTION OUTLINE
Para 1: Describe what the chart shows (topic) and
in which period of time.
Para 2: Make a general comment on the most
important changes you observe on the chart.
Para 3: Focus on the details. Write one sentence
for each change from year to year.

1
 Describing a Graph
Description Example
The following graph shows the advertising spending
in the UK in the Press sector from 1998 to 2003.
As it can be seen, there was an overall increase from
1998 to 2000 when it reached its peak, and from
2000 to 2003 there was an overall decrease.
From 7,693 in 1998, spending soared to 7,939 in
1999. It then rocketed to 8,604 in 2000. It then
shrank to 8,401 in 2001 before plummeting to 8,129
in 2002. Finally, in 2003, it slumped even further to
8,067.

2
 Describing a Graph
ex.8, p.40 (SB)
The following graph shows the trends in cinema
attendance in four different countries from 1995
to 1999.
As it can be seen, with the exception of Brazil,
there was an overall increase in the number of
people going to the cinema.

3
 Describing a Graph
ex.8, p.40 (SB)
France had the highest attendance of all countries
throughout this period. Its attendances rose steadily
from 130 million in 1995 to 170 million in 1998, when
they reached their peak. In 1999, however, there was a
sharp decrease to 155 million.
Japan had the second highest attendance. Its
attendances dropped slightly in 1996, to 120 million
from 127 million in 1995. For the next two years there
was a dramatic rise, going up to 140 million in 1997
before reaching its highest point of 153 million in 1998.
However, figures plunged to 145 million in 1999.

4
 Describing a Graph
ex.8, p.40 (SB)
Spain’s numbers fluctuated in the first three years
before soaring in the last two. They went up from 90
million in 1995 to 105 million in 1996, then dropped
slightly to 101 million in 1997. In 1998 they increased to
110 million and then rocketed to 130 million in 1999.
Brazil had the lowest attendance throughout this period
and was the only country that experienced an overall
decrease in numbers. Its attendances rose slightly from
80 million in 1995 to 90 million in 1996, but then
plummeted to 55 million in 1997. Figures then jumped
to 70 million in 1998 and leveled off in 1999.