TASK ONE VOCABULARY: DATA COMPARISONS
It is a good idea to learn a range of vocabulary for comparing values on graphs, charts and tables. This can help test-takers avoid repetitive essays, which are usually awarded low scores for lexical resource (vocabulary).
The list below provides a range of options for comparing a value with others. Pay particular attention to the collocations, as examiners notice these more that single words.
COMPARATIVES
Comparatively large
To be higher than
To be above
To be greater than
To exceed
To be (adverb) more than - e.g. slightly more / significantly more
The same
To be equal to
To be as (adjective) as
To match
Comparatively small
To be below
To be under
To be less / fewer than
To be lower than
To come in at less than (good for totals and costs
To not reach
To fall short of
To not be as (adjective) as
SUPERLATIVES
The biggest
The highest
The largest
The most
The greatest
The majority
COLLOCATIONS
The smallest
The lowest
The smallest
The fewest
The least
The minority
The largest
The largest proportion
The largest amount/uncountable noun
The highest number of
The highest percentage
The greatest number/proportion
The smallest
The lowest number/amount of/proportion
The smallest number/amount of
The fewest number of/countable noun
The least amount of/uncountable noun
The minority
Collocations with number/ amount
A tiny number/amount of
A significant number/amount of
A huge number/amount of
A small number/amount of
An enormous number/amount of
A large number/amount of
An increasing number/amount of
A comparatively (adjective) number/amount of
There are examples of this vocabulary throughout the model essays that can be found here.
Of course, the best way to learn how to write an excellent Task One essay is to take my Writing Task One course, which looks at each type of diagram in great detail. There is no better way to prepare for your IELTS writing test!
