- “To summarise, the most marked change is…”
Use this phrase to highlight the most noticeable trend or change in the data.
Example:
“To summarise, the most marked change is the sharp increase in smartphone usage from 2010 to 2020.”
- “Overall, it is clear that…”
This phrase is excellent for introducing a general trend that is evident in the data.
Example:
“Overall, it is clear that the proportion of renewable energy sources has steadily grown over the past decade.”
- “Overall, the majority/minority…”
Use this structure to summarize which category is most/least represented in the data.
Example:
“Overall, the majority of the population in 2020 was employed in the service sector, with only a minority working in agriculture.”
- “In sum, the most noticeable trend is…”
This phrase is perfect for closing your summary and emphasizing the dominant trend.
Example:
“In sum, the most noticeable trend is the significant decline in traditional retail sales, which were gradually replaced by online shopping.”
Avoiding ‘To Conclude’:
It is important to note that in Task 1, you should avoid using the phrase “to conclude” as this is more suited to discursive essays (such as IELTS Writing Task 2). The phrase “to summarise” is better aligned with the descriptive and analytical nature of Task 1 responses.