Home > IELTS > Lesson 3 - Company Growth
In this episode we look at the language of description.

We are going to talk about businesses and different ways to discuss economic information.

 Transcript - Text

 Quiz text and answer sheet

In Quiz 1 you need to choose the correct descriptive word to complete the sentence.

In Quiz 2 you must select the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
 

Study Node - Describing Data:

When describing data, or anything for that matter, it is important to include details and comments on what is significant, to show that you are aware of which features are critically important and require comment.

Descriptions are not very useful unless they are detailed. Details need also to be put into perspective – compared and contrasted with something (a shared standard or reference point); or located during or over a particular period of time. Making comments demonstrates that the significance of trends, or of what is being described, is appreciated. It also helps the reader to appreciate the importance of these trends.

In describing data there are several aspects to consider:
 

  1. Organization of a good description of data – how to construct a complete description.

     
  2. Language choices in descriptions of data – language choice enables variety.

     
  3. Register – formal and informal language choices.

     
  4. Prepositions of Time - there are several prepositions (at, in, on, by, from, for, between, to, till, until), which are useful when describing data.

 

IELTS Study Tips:

Include data as evidence or examples to support your description, and make a comment to show you understand the significance of what you are describing.

Make your descriptions of data complete.

Also use a variety of language constructions, and make sure you use Prepositions of Time correctly.