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01

Start with the big picture

Before you talk about small details, say the main idea. What is the chart or question about? What is the biggest change? Many speakers start with tiny details and get lost. It is easier for the listener if you give one general sentence first. Then you can add more. Take a few seconds to look and think. A short pause is normal. You can say a simple opening line while you organise your ideas.

This chart shows how the number of visitors changed over time.

Overall, the main trend is going up.

The biggest change happened in the middle of the period.

02

Words for going up and going down

You only need a small set of verbs. For up, use 'rise', 'increase' or 'go up'. For down, use 'fall', 'drop', 'decrease' or 'go down'. For no change, use 'stay the same' or 'stay stable'. Add a word to show how big the change is: 'a little', 'slowly', 'quickly', 'sharply'. Try to use each word correctly rather than many words badly. Practise saying them out loud so they feel natural.

The number rose slowly at first.

Then it dropped sharply.

After that, it stayed about the same.

03

Talking about numbers without stress

You do not always need the exact number. Simple words often work better. You can say 'about half', 'most people', 'a small number' or 'nearly all'. If you want to say a number, say it slowly and clearly. Words like 'about', 'around' and 'almost' help when you are not sure. Be careful with sounds that are easy to mix up, like thirteen and thirty. Stress the end of thirteen and the start of thirty.

About half of the people chose the bus.

Only a small number said they work from home.

It was almost twice as high as before.

04

Comparing two things

Often you need to compare. Use 'higher than', 'lower than', 'more than', 'fewer than' and 'the same as'. You can also use 'while' or 'but' to show a difference in one sentence. Comparing makes your answer stronger because it shows you understand the information, not only the numbers. Try to make one or two clear comparisons, not ten. Quality is more important than quantity.

Cars were more popular than bikes.

Rents went up in the city, while they stayed stable in small towns.

Fewer people travelled in winter than in summer.

05

Giving a reason or a short opinion

After you describe the trend, you can add a possible reason. This makes your answer more interesting. Use soft language like 'maybe', 'probably' or 'I think'. You do not need to be sure. The listener wants to hear you explain ideas. Finish with a short summary sentence. This tells the listener you are done and shows good organisation.

I think this is probably because prices went up.

Maybe more people prefer to shop online now.

So, to sum up, the trend is clearly going down.

Common questions

What if I forget a word like 'decrease'?

Use a simpler word. 'Go down' and 'go up' are fine. You can also explain: 'It became smaller.' Listeners care more about clear meaning than difficult words. Keep talking calmly.

Do I need to say every number I see?

No. Pick the most important changes. Say the main trend, one or two key details, and a comparison. Too many numbers can make your answer hard to follow.

What if I make a mistake in the middle?

That is normal. You can say, 'Sorry, I mean...' and correct it. Then continue. A quick, calm correction often sounds natural and confident.