Let’s talk about the “start-middle-end” approach.
This strategy can help you describe trends clearly and accurately, without getting tangled up in the details.
It’s all about looking at the big picture and breaking it down into three parts.
Here’s how it works:
- Start: Look at where the trend begins.
- Middle: Notice any significant changes or patterns in the middle.
- End: See where the trend finishes.
By focusing on these three points, you can give a clear overview of the trend without getting bogged down in every little up and down.
Example#
Imagine you’re given a line graph showing the number of tourists visiting a city over 10 years. It looks something like this:
2010: 2 million
2015: 3.5 million
2020: 3 million
Using the start-middle-end approach, you might describe it like this:
“The number of tourists visiting the city started at 2 million in 2010. Over the next five years, there was a significant increase, reaching a peak of 3.5 million in 2015. However, by the end of the period in 2020, the number had decreased slightly to 3 million.”
See how this gives a clear picture of the overall trend?
You’ve covered the starting point, the main change in the middle, and where it ended up.
This approach works for all sorts of trends.
If you’re looking at a bar chart showing monthly sales, you might say:
“Sales began low in January. They fluctuated over the next few months, with a notable peak in July. By December, sales had returned to a level similar to the start of the year.”
The beauty of this method is that it helps you avoid common mistakes like:
- Getting lost in too many details
- Repeating the same information
- Missing the overall trend
Remember, in IELTS Writing Task 1, you’re not expected to describe every single data point. The examiner wants to see that you can identify and describe the main trends accurately.
To practice this skill, you might try looking at graphs in newspapers or online.
See if you can sum up the main trend using the start-middle-end approach. With a bit of practice, it’ll become second nature!
One last tip: make sure to use a variety of language to describe trends. Words like “increased,” “decreased,” “peaked,” “fluctuated,” can help make your writing more interesting and show off your vocabulary.
So, what do you think about this approach?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Learn more writing tips: Essay Planning and How to choose the right tense