Describing tables and processes

Think of it like being a narrator (a storyteller) for information that isn't in a story format. Instead, it's usually shown visually, like in a picture.

We focus on two main types of visuals:

• Tables/Charts/Graphs: These are like organized boxes or pictures that show numbers and facts. Imagine a table showing how many points each team scored in a football match, or a graph showing how your height has changed over the years. Your job is to describe what these numbers and facts mean in words.
• Processes/Diagrams: These are like instruction manuals or flowcharts. Imagine a diagram showing how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, or a flowchart of how water gets cleaned in a factory. Your job is to explain the steps (the different stages) in the correct order, from beginning to end.

In short, you're taking a picture full of information and painting that same picture with words, making sure it's clear and easy to follow.

Let's say you're explaining to your younger sibling how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That's a process! You wouldn't just hand them the ingredients and walk away, right? You'd explain it step-by-step.

1. "First, you need two slices of bread." (Starting point)
2. "Next, take a knife and spread peanut butter on one slice." (First action)
3. "Then, spread jelly on the other slice." (Second action)
4. "After that, put the two slices together." (Connecting action)
5. "Finally, you can eat your delicious sandwich!" (End result)

See how you used words like 'first', 'next', 'then', 'after that', and 'finally'? These are called sequencing words (words that show order), and they are super important when describing a process. You're turning a simple cooking instruction into a clear, spoken process.

When you describe a table or a process, you follow a clear plan, just like building with LEGOs.

1. Understand the Big Picture: Look at the visual (table or diagram) and figure out what it's generally about. What's the main topic?
2. Identify Key Features: For tables, find the highest, lowest, and most important numbers or trends (patterns). For processes, find the start and end points.
3. Organize Your Thoughts: Decide which information you'll talk about first, second, and so on. Think about a logical flow.
4. Use Connecting Words: Use words like 'however', 'in contrast', 'similarly' for tables, and 'first', 'next', 'then' for processes to link your sentences smoothly.
5. Be Precise: Use exact numbers from the table, or clear descriptions of each step in the process. Don't guess or make things up.
6. Summarize (Optional): Briefly mention the overall takeaway or conclusion from the data or process.

To make your descriptions clear and interesting, you need a special toolkit of words, just like an artist needs different brushes.

• For Tables/Graphs (Describing Change):

  • Verbs for increase: 'rose', 'climbed', 'increased', 'soared' (increased a lot).
  • Verbs for decrease: 'fell', 'dropped', 'declined', 'plummeted' (decreased a lot).
  • Verbs for staying the same: 'remained stable', 'stayed constant', 'leveled off'.
  • Adverbs for speed: 'rapidly' (quickly), 'gradually' (slowly), 'sharply' (suddenly).
  • Comparing words: 'in contrast', 'whereas', 'compared to', 'similarly'.

• For Processes (Describing Steps):

  • Sequencing words: 'first', 'initially', 'next', 'then', 'after that', 'subsequently', 'finally', 'at the end of this stage'.
  • Passive voice: Often used to describe processes where the 'doer' isn't important. For example, instead of 'Someone puts the bread in the toaster', you say 'The bread is put in the toaster'. This focuses on the action, not who does it.

Even the best storytellers make mistakes sometimes, but knowing them helps you avoid them!

• ❌ Just listing numbers: "In 2000, it was 10. In 2005, it was 15. In 2010, it was 20." This is boring and doesn't explain anything. ✅ How to avoid: Describe the trend (the pattern of change). "There was a steady increase from 10 in 2000 to 20 in 2010."

• ❌ Adding your opinion: "The sales were terrible in 2015." or "This is a very efficient process." ✅ How to avoid: Stick to the facts presented. Your job is to describe, not to judge. "Sales decreased significantly in 2015." or "The process involves three main stages."

• ❌ Not using connecting words for processes: "Water is heated. Steam is produced. Steam turns a turbine." ✅ How to avoid: Use sequencing words (words that show order) to link steps. "Firstly, water is heated. Subsequently, steam is produced, which then turns a turbine."

• ❌ Missing the overview: Jumping straight into details without saying what the table or process is about. ✅ How to avoid: Always start with a general statement (a summary sentence) about what the visual shows. "The table illustrates the population growth in three cities from 1990 to 2020." or "The diagram depicts the life cycle of a frog."