Writing task 1 bar chart with trend

WRITING NOTES FOR WEDNESDAY 30.5.2018
The bar chart shows the divorce rates in two European countries from 2011 to 2015.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

Introduction
The bar chart illustrates/compares the percentages of divorces in Finland and
Sweden between 2011 and 2015/during a 5-year period from 2011 to 2015. (1
sentence)
from…to… = between…and…= during/throughout/over a X-year period from…to…
Overview
Overall, while the divorce rate in Finland increased slightly, the divorce rate in
Sweden decreased noticeably.
This sentence is correct in terms of meaning and grammar, but you should avoid this
way of writing because both clauses are of the same grammatical structure.
à Overall, while the divorce rate in Finland increased slightly, that in Sweden saw a
noticeable fall after 5 years. The Sweden’s figure was generally higher than Finland’s/
The Sweden’s figure was higher than Finland’s, except for the year 2015. (2
sentences)
Use ‘that’ to replace ‘the divorce rate’ to avoid repetition.
Combine ‘4 sentence structures’ on the first page of the ‘Writing Structure’ handbook
as guided.


Body 1
In 2011, the divorce rates in Finland were about 38% and 44% respectively.
Again, there is no problem with this sentence, but you should not write this way – not
just listing out data without any comparison.
à In 2011, the divorce rate in Sweden was about 44%, which was some 6% higher
than that in Finland/ which was higher than that in Finland by some 6%. The figure
for Finland the dropped to a low of approximately 35%, while there was a significant

rise to the peak of 50% in Sweden. (2 sentences)
Try to use relative clauses to get better score for grammar criteria.
A low >< a peak = a high
Body 2 (HOMEWORK)
-

… and remained unchanged till 2015.

-

In contrast, …. fell steadily/gradually

-

It is noticeable that…/ It is of note that…

-

2015 was the only year when….

It’s perfect to write 10-12 sentences, which are equivalent to about 170-180 words in
your Writing task 1. You are not advised to write more than that because you may
have to sacrifice the time spent on Writing task 2 to do so. Do not risk this way as uor
writing task 2 is worth more mark.