Describing Data and Trends in English: Change, Comparison, and Cautious Interpretation

Good data commentary separates observation from interpretation.

Applications rose by 18% between 2024 and 2025 reports a pattern. The increase may reflect the new scholarship scheme offers an explanation. Treating the second sentence as equally certain would overstate the evidence.

Choose verbs that encode the shape of change

rise, increase, climb, grow describe upward movement; fall, decline, drop describe downward movement; fluctuate, level off, remain stable, peak describe shape rather than direction alone. Pair the verb with an appropriate adverb or noun: rose gradually, a sharp decline.

Compare with a defined reference point

Use higher than, twice as high as, accounted for, represented, respectively only when the numbers support the relation. Review form in Comparatives and Superlatives if necessary.

Interpret cautiously

Correlation, timing and plausible explanation are not proof of cause. Phrases such as may reflect, is consistent with, appears to be associated with protect the distinction. That is where Academic Hedging becomes practical rather than decorative.

For a C1 writing task, describe a chart in three passes: one sentence for the overall pattern, two or three sentences for the key comparisons, and one clearly marked interpretation. Delete every number that does not help the reader understand the pattern.