Section 1 of 3
Adverbs for Describing Change (Task 1 Graphs)
Adverbs of degree and manner are essential for describing trends accurately in Task 1.
✓ Rules
6- 1
Strong change: dramatically, sharply, steeply, significantly, substantially, considerably
- 2
Moderate change: moderately, notably, markedly, noticeably
- 3
Small change: slightly, marginally, gradually, gently, modestly
- 4
Continuous change: steadily, consistently, continuously, progressively
- 5
Sudden change: abruptly, rapidly, swiftly, suddenly
- 6
Sequence adverbs: initially, subsequently, eventually, ultimately, thereafter
Examples
3Correct
Sales figures rose sharply between 2010 and 2015.
Sharp = large and fast
Correct
The proportion of elderly people increased steadily over the period.
Steady = consistent, gradual
Correct
Unemployment fell marginally in 2019, by less than one percent.
Marginal = very small