During our school and college days, we have all faced various examinations, most of which required writing answers. In the IELTS, the challenge lies not only in providing written responses but also in using appropriate vocabulary and structuring the answers effectively.

The introduction is where the process of structuring your response begins, and it is also the section where you can showcase your vocabulary skills.

To properly structure the introduction, start by describing the main topic of the graph, bar chart, or table. A good approach is to paraphrase the title of the given visual and include any time frame mentioned.

For instance, if the question states:

“The line graph below shows changes in the amount and type of fast food consumed by Australian teenagers from 1975 to 2000.”

You can paraphrase it like this:

“The line graph provided compares the fast food consumption among Australian teenagers for a 25-year period between 1975 and 2000.”

In this way, you effectively convey the same information as the title, but in a different manner.

The next sentence can provide a brief overview of the primary trend(s) evident in the graph. You don’t need to delve into specific details, as this statement will offer a general description of the overall changes.

Continuing with the same example graph, the second statement in your response could be:

“Overall, the consumption of fish and chips declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and hamburgers consumed increased.”

This covers the main changes observed during the entire time span.

In the introduction, it is crucial to use appropriate vocabulary, such as words like “declined,” “increased,” “upward,” and “downward,” to convey the trends accurately.

Introductory phrases like “The graph/table shows/indicates/illustrates/reveals/represents…” or “It is clear from the graph/table…” can be employed to introduce the visual.

However, it is essential to avoid using phrases like “We can see from the graph…” and refrain from using “according to” since it implies information from another source.

The combination of proper structuring and relevant vocabulary in the introduction lays the foundation for the rest of your answer. The examiner will begin evaluating your writing skills based on this section, so ensure it is well-crafted and aligns with IELTS standards.