Business world is highly correlated with business

business data which one of them are frequently

represented in graph, diagram and chart. These are often stated as visual aids for businessmen as
they have been used as tools in presentation, business report and business news. “Visuals” refers
to any visual element of presentation including chart,
graphs and diagram. The visual aids are inevitable data for
businessmen to deal with since they have been prominent devices to
comprehensively read and acknowledge number
number, trend and
other information displayed. Accordingly,, it is a compulsory for
businessmen to have capabilities in reading the
he visual aids.
Additionally, it also requires skills and abilities to present the graph, diagram and chart in oral and
(or) writing presentation in order to make the data readable and knowledgeable for users. Those
sorts of skills and abilities executed based
b on specific techniques in visualizing the data.
Accordingly, this lesson has the aim to provide knowledge and techniques to describe
trend which is the general direction of tendency of a metric or measurement – increase, decrease,
stagnant, fluctuating, peak and so on. Students of Business English
therefore will be learning how to use these and many more terms for
describing graphs,
aphs, diagram and chart in fluent and vivid so that students
might be able to present their data with maximum impact. The final
objective is to prepare students of Business English to have competitive
advantage for applying jobs and for being employees. This material is
divided into five parts. The first part is a brief
description of Numbers. The Number material is significant to be
explained in the first
firs part as numbers become inherent part of visual
aids. Therefore, students firstly have to be capable in saying numbers in
English combined with abilities to comprehend rules associated with
numbers. The second part focuses on vocabularies related with trend.
Thirdly, the part provides prepositions which have become common
common problems encountered by
students of Business English in explaining visual aids. The fourth part is related with linking words
to describe cause, effect and comparison. Finally, the fifth part will cover several examples and
exercises.
 Numbers have
ave played an important role in a business world so we must students must
be able to use numbers. Students must be able to recognize numbers, to know their spelling as
well as their pronunciation. It has been students’ compulsory to have the kind of abilit
ability. In order to
make the best use of numbers, students firstly should know the difference between cardinal
numbers and ordinal numbers.

1 One 11 Eleven 21 Twenty-one

2 Two 12 Twelve 22 Twenty-two

3 Three 13 Thirteen 23 Twenty-three

4 Four 14 Fourteen 24 Twenty-four

5 Five 15 Fifteen 25 Twenty-five

6 Six 16 Sixteen 26 Twenty-six

7 Seven 17 Seventeen 27 Twenty-seven

8 Eight 18 Eighteen 28 Twenty-eight

9 Nine 19 Nineteen 29 Twenty-nine

10 Ten 20 Twenty 30 Thirty

40 Forty 100 One (a) hundred

50 Fifty 1,000 One (a) thousand

60 Sixty 1,000,000 One (a) million

70 Seventy 1,000,000,000 One (a) billion

80 Eighty 1,000,000,000,000 One (a) trillion

90 Ninety
 1st First 11th Eleventh 21st Twenty-First

2nd Second 12th Twelfth 22nd Twenty- Second

3rd Third 13th Thirteenth 23rd Twenty- Third

4th Fourth 14th Fourteenth 24th Twenty- Fourth

5th Fifth 15th Fifteenth 25th Twenty- Fifth

6th Sixth 16th Sixteenth 26th Twenty-sixth

7th Seventh 17th Seventeenth 27th Twenty-seventh

8th Eighth 18th Eighteenth 28th Twenty-eighth

9th Ninth 19th Nineteenth 29th Twenty-ninth

10th Tenth 20th Twentieth 30th Thirtieth

40th Fortieth 100th One (a) hundredth

50th Fiftieth 1,000th One (a) thousandth

60th Sixtieth 1,000,000th One (a) millionth

70th Seventieth 1,000,000,000th One (a) billionth

80th Eightieth 1,000,000,000,000th One (a) trillionth

90th Ninetieth

Singular Plural

Numbers are singular
Three thousand
When a noun following a number is used
adjectively, the noun doesn’t have the –s plural.
This is a three-year contract.
He’s a 38-year old Italian.
Numbers are considered to be a single items.
Three hundred kilometers is not too far.
$1,000,000 is a lot of money
When there is more than one possible answer
We need to do another three tests
Numbers only require the –s when talking about
approximations.
Thousands of people are coming to the congress
Nouns that are not used adjectively and which follow
numbers are made plural.
This contract last for three years.
He’s 38 years old.
Note these particular cases.
Up to 40 percent of funds are deposited
(verb agrees with funds)
Three people are coming to the congress.
(‘people’ is plural)
1½ : one and a half 0.25 : nought point two five
½ : a / one half 0.75 : point seven five
2/3 : two thirds 2m : two million
¼ : a / one quarter (US: fourth) 1.6bn : one point six billion
¾ : three quarters 1:3 : one in three, one to three
1/3 : one third 33% : thirty three percent
1.5 : one point five $5.50 : five dollars fifty (cents)
0.5 : zero point five ₤6.75 : six pounds seventy five (p / pence)
0.333 : oh point three three three €9.30 : nine euros thirty cents

10 m2 : ten metres squared, ten square 898006768763 : (credit card number) eight
metres nine eight zero zero six
3 cm x 2 cm : three centimeters by two seven six eight seven six
0
-30 C : minus thirty degrees centigrade three
/ Celcius BA 1088 : (flight number) British
0161-981-4166 : (telephone number) oh one six Airways flight one oh/ zero
one, nine eight oh, four one, eight eight
double six (US English six six)

British English American English

and is used before tens in large numbers. and is not used

e.g. One thousand two hundred and four e.g. One thousand two hundred four

hundred is not generally used in a four digit
numbers unless it’s a date; a billion has twelve
zeros. e.g.:
a. One thousand four hundred dollars is not too
much.
b. She was made queen in fourteen hundred
Hundred is used in dates and four digit
numbers, a billion has nine zeros. e.g.:
a. Fourteen hundred / one thousand four
hundred dollars is too much.
b. She was made queen in fourteen
hundred

The simplest way to write a date is: 10 March Months precede days
2001 or 10.3.01 10.3.01 is October 3
Use ordinal numbers when speaking about dates. Use Cardinal number when speaking about
e.g.: dates.
a. March the tenth two thousand and one. e.g. March ten two thousand one
b. The tenth of March two thousand and one
 Vocabularies describing economic growth and decline is one of the most important areas
for students of Business English. The vocabularies are especially needed to accurately
communicate the increase and decline of business when making a presentation and business
reports using graphs, diagram and chart. The following lesson employs a number of vocabularies
stated as “expressions” as a means of the area of the visual data related vocabularies.

VERB ADJECTIVE ADVERB NOUN

Rise Sudden Quickly Increase

Increase Rapid Rapidly Fall
Decrease Gentle Steadily Decrease
Fall Gradual Slowly Decline
Reach Stagnant Gently Fluctuation
Drop Marked Suddenly Drop
Fluctuate Obvious Gradually Rise
Pick up Sharp Slightly Peak/dip
Peak Dramatic Respectively (in the Trough
Went up Considerable same order) Plateau
Went down Slight Sharply A low point
Climb Slow Dramatically Growth
Boom Sharp Considerably An upward trend
Dip Dramatic Relatively A boom
Slump Relative A slump (a dramatic
Reduce Huge fall)
Peak Enormous
Plateau Steep
Stand at Substantial
Escalate Significant
Plummet Moderate
Minimal
Quick
Swift
Sudden
Steady
Gradual

EXAMPLE OF PHRASES
To be stagnant At a steady level
Remain steady Remain the same
Shoot up Reach a plateau
Level rocket Remain stable
Fluctuate between Remain constant
Fluctuate upwards Stay constant
Fall a through Reach a peak
Fall to (it’s) lowest level Hit/fall to the lowest point
Level out Did not change
Remain steady Maintain the same level
Reach at plateau
 The graph below shows various trends which have specific expressions for each trend.
The information below the graph provides examples related to trends of each line. Because they
are examples thus there might
ht be many other expressions associated with the trends.

500
450
400 Line 1
350 Line 2
300
Line 3
250
Line 4
200
Line 5
150
100 Line 6

50
0

Line 1
Very slight

Line 2
Adjective Verb Adverb
Slight Increase Slightly
Gentle Rise Gently
Small Slowly
Slow A little
A bit (for informal using)

Line 3
Adjective Verb Adverb
Steady Increase Moderately
Moderate Rise Gradually
Gradual

Line 4
Adjective Verb Adverb
Rapid Increase Quickly
Strong Rise Dramatically
ramatically
Marked Rapidly

Line 5
Adjective Verb Adverb
Very Increase Quickly
Rapid Rise Dramatically
Sudden Suddenly

Line 6
Adjective Verb Adverb
Instantaneous Increase Instantaneously
 The information below provides several pictures of line graphs with notes of expressions
related to each graphs. In similar with the data above, the notes available on the right side of each
line graphs are only examples thus they can be modified and (or) developed.

80
70
60
50
A sharp fall
40
30
20
10
0
2002 2003 2004

25

20
Fluctuate
15 Fluctuate upwards
A graduation increase
10
A slow fluctuated
5 Increase gradually
0
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

25

20

15 Remain stable
Remain stagnant
10

0
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
 25
Reach a
20 peak
15

10

0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

25

20

15 A sudden increase
10 A rapid rise

0
2003 2004

25

20
A slow decrease 15
A gently decrease
A slightly decrease 10

0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Look at these sentences using arise, raise and rise:

1. If any problems arise we will have to deal with them immediately.
Arise : to come up (occur)
2. Has anyone got any problems they wish to raise?
Raise : to bring up (purpose)
3. Valued Added Tax (VAT) has just been raised to 20%.
Raise : to put up (make higher)
4. If inflation keeps rising it may result in a currency devaluation.
Rise : to go up (get higher)
 Underline the correct word or words (more than one may be approp
appropriate).

1. Inflation has raised/ risen/ gone up to 5%

2. Taxes have been raised/
aised/ risen/ increased by at least a hundred pounds.
3. VAT has been increased/ risen from 17.5% to 20%.
4. Various problems have arisen/ raised.
raised
5. They are trying to raise/ rise some venture capital.
6. The unemployment rate is expected to raise/ rise
7. We haven’t raised / rose price since 1 January 2003
8. Unemployment raised / rose to a record high at the beginning of this year
9. Why did they raise / rose their rates last December?
10. Train fares have risen / rose by 5% in the past two years.
11. Interest rates will raise / rise again in this year
12. The company raised / rose the dividends in March.

Rise
To rise (without an object).. e.g.:
Petrol prices rose again in May
The number of tourists has risen to 2.6
million
Raise
To raise (with an object) e.g.:
The oil industry raised prices last year
The European Central Bank has raised
interest rate

Just over
80% 75% half

All Almost all Just over 3/4 ¾ half almost half ¼ almost none
(Most of…./ a few/ nearly
the majority/ a minority/
a large protion) a small portion/
 When we make financial predictions, we can feel sure or unsure about them.
Look at the scale of probability which shows different levels of certainty.

100%

100%
I’m sure/certain that the share prices
will (definitely ) rise

75% 75%
It’s likely that the share prices will increase
Or
Share prices should increase
50%

50%
Share prices may /might increase

25%
25%

It’s (very) unlikely that share prices will increase

Or
Share prices are unlikely to increase

0%
0%

I’m sure/certain that

the share prices (definitely) won’t increase

Look at these sentences using prepositions:

1. Income tax has gone up from 30% to 40%. (The total increase is 10%)
2. Income tax has gone up by 30% to 40%. (The total increase is 30%)
3. Inflation has risen to 5%. (Inflation is now 5%)
4. Inflation has risen by 5%. (if it was 10% before, now it is 15%)
5. Inflation has increased to 5%. (movement)
6. Inflation now stands at 5%. (no movement)
7. The increase in salaries is around 5%. (in + noun)
8. There was an increase of 5%. (of + number)
A. Complete the sentences with the correct prepositions.
1. The FT index went up ten points ………………….. 3698, a rise ………………….. over 2%.
2. When the index was ………………….. 3000 our shares were worth $4.30 each.
3. The rise ………………….. consumer prices could lead to the fall of the government.
4. Sales has increased ………………….. 20% over the last six month.

B. Complete the presentation extract with the correct preposition from the box

around between from of until

at by in to

The graph shows our online sales figures for the EU market …………………….(1) 2006.
In the first quarter, online sales averaged …………………….(2) 50,000 and 52,000 euros. In April,
sales increased …………………….(3) 61,000 euros and remained steady …………………….(4) the
end of the second quarter. In the third quarter we notice a sharp rise …………………….(5) 61,000
to 87,000 euros, an increase …………………….(6) almost 50 percent. In October and November,
sales fluctuated …………………….(7) the 85,000 euro mark. This was followed by a slight decline
in December, with online sales failing …………………….(8) 10 percent, reaching 73,000 euros
…………………….(9) the end of the year.
 This session focuses on increasing our flexibility in using the language for graphs.

What information is being shown in the graph below?

1000
Number of employees

900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
Company years

Here are two simple descriptions of the graph:

The number of employees working at the company has risen. Or

The graph shows an increase in the number of employees at the company.

VH Warehouse Ltd

140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
1st Qtr 2nd 3rd Qtr4th Qtr1st Qtr 2nd 3rd Qtr4th Qtr1st Qtr 2nd 3rd Qtr4th Qtr
Qtr 1999 Qtr 2000 Qtr 2001

Here are various descriptions of the graph:

1. In the fourth quarter of 1999, sales dropped to 6,000 computers. or

In the fourth quarter of 1999, there was a drop in sales to 6,000 computers.

2. In 2001, personal computer sales fluctuated wildly at VH Warehouse Ltd.

In 2001, there was a wild fluctuation in personal computer sales at VH Warehouse Ltd.
3. During the three-year period, the trend was obviously downward. or
During the three-year period, there was an obviously downward trend.

4. Sales picked up again in the first quarter of 2000, rocketing by more than 100% or
In the first quarter of 200, sales rocketed by more than 100%.

5. Computer sales improved markedly in the first quarter of 2000 when they surged more than
100%. or
There was a mark improvement with a surge of more than 100%.

6. From the first quarter of 2000 through to the first quarter of 2001, the number of computers sold
quarterly fell by at least 1,000. or
From the first quarter of 2000 through to the first quarter of 2001, there was a fall of at least
1,000 in the number of computers sold.

7. The decline in PC sales during the first three quarters of 1999 was gradual. or
PC sales declined gradually during the first three quarters of 1999.

8. The gradual fall in quarterly computers sales from 14,000 to approximately 6,000 in the first
four quarters was followed by a sharp increase in the first quarter of 2000 to 12,000. or
After falling gradually from 14,000 to approximately 6,000, there was a sharp increase in the
first quarter of 2000.

9. Between the first quarters of 2000 through to the first quarter of 2001, the decrease in sales
was at a much slower pace than in 1999. or
Between the first quarters of 2000 through to the first quarter of 2001, sales decreased much
slower pace than in 1999.

10. Generally speaking, over the period as a whole, the decrease in computer purchase was
significant. or
Generally speaking, over the year as a whole, there was a significant decrease in computer
purchases.

11. In the third quarter of 2001, the volume of sales jumped dramatically. or
In the third quarter of 2001, there was a dramatic jump in the volume of sales.

12. In the second quarter of 2001, there was a dramatic decline in computer sales to fewer than
2,000 machines, followed by a sudden leap to 8,000 in the third quarter. or
Declining dramatically in the second quarter of 2000, there was a sudden leap to 8,000 in the
third quarters in computer.

13. In the first quarter of 2000, purchases soared and then fell back again the following month. or
After soaring in the first quarters of 2000, it fell back again the following month.

Business English: Visual Presentation Page 13

By: Ika Putri Larasati SE., MCom
 Linking words discussed on this part are unlimited for sole visual data but are also
beneficial for other business presentations which preclude visual data. In addition, linking words
are highly contributed to business writing, academic writing and daily conversations.
conversations. Accordingly,
students are encouraged to apply the linking words in all areas of General English particularly
Business English.

Sometimes it is necessary to interpret the visual, for example by explaining the reason
behind a fact (the cause) or its consequence (the effect). Here are some ways of connecting
clauses to express causes and effects. Note how verbs and nouns can do the ssame job as
conjuctions.

Most companies lose up to 50% of their profit because the economic recession.
As the economic recession, most companies lose up to 50% of their profit.
Since the economic recession, most companies lose up to 50% of their profit.
Owing to the economic recession, most companies lose up to 50% of their profit.
The loss up to 50% of companies’ profit was due to the economic recession.
The loss up to 50% of companies’ profit was caused by the economic recession.
The cause of the loss of 50% of companies’ profit was the economic recession.

Here are some other ‘cause’ words and typical context they are used in
The rise in prices sparked off a lot of criticisms from customers.
(the use of sparked off is often used for very strong,
strong, perhaps violent, reaction to events)
The general manager’s statement gave rise to/provoked/generated a lot of criticism. ((the use
of gave rise to/provoked/generated are slightly less strong than spark off)
The new company regulation has brought about/led to great changes in financial condition
condition.
(the use of brought about/led to used for political/social change).
The problem stems from the inflation of recent years.
(the use of stems from aims for explaining the direct origins of events and states).
The court-case arouse out of allegation made in a newspaper.
(it means: the allegations started the process that led to the court-case).
court
The management reason for hiring many employees was that they will establish new
subsidiary. or The reason the management hired many employees was that they will establish
new subsidiary. (less formal)
The board of directors are discussing what employees’ motives were in conducting strike.
(purpose)
The board of directors are discussing what prompted employees to strike. (reason/cause)
The production manager proposed sophisticated machines with the aim of improving the
productivity.
The meeting was held with a view to resolving marketing problems. (it sounds a bit more
indirect than with the aim of)
The management refused to realize employees’ demand on increasing wage on the grounds
that the firm has already provided wage above regional minimum rate.
The purpose of the reducing price is to increase volume of sales.

There were numerous firms that have been stated as bankruptcy. As a result/As a
consequence/Consequently many people become unemployment.
There were numerous firms that have been stated as bankruptcy so many people become
unemployment.
There were numerous firms that have been stated as bankruptcy. Many people therefore
become unemployment.
The result/consequence of numerous firms stated as bankruptcy is many people become
unemployment. (the examples with consequence/consequently sound more formal than
result)
The radical management change resulted in employees confuse. (as a verb + in)
The new machine has an outcome that company successfully meet consumers’ demands on
time. (result of a process or events or of meetings, discussions, etc)
The upshot of all these problems was that the management had to apply new regulations
(less formal than outcome)
When the the election results were announced, chaos ensued (formal)
 Use words from each column to make sentences:

Effect Linking Cause

words
1. There are several Caused For the decrease in productivity
2. We choose this method Has led A new overtime policy
3. The Resulted By the collapse of one of our partner firms
4. Our new policy Reasons Of this move was a drastic increase in our costs
5. The slump was Thanks to To significant rise in sales
6. Downsizing And In a drastic fall in staff numbers
7. We increased our prices Because Our sales went up!
8. Our output has doubled Result We needed reliable figures
 When we interpret graphs, diagram, tables and charts,
we will find that we have to compare and contrast some of the details.
The following table may help us do this.

To contrast To compare

While/whilst Likewise
Whereas Similarly
Meanwhile As….as
However Just as
On the other hand In the same way
Even so Like
Nevertheless Alike
Less…than (less than) To reflect
Little less than To mirror
More…than To have in common
Different from Lower/higher than
Differ (ence) The most/the lowest/the
Although highest
In contrast to
Conversely
Opposite
Unlike

1. To compare two items: comparative adjectives

Example:
a. The Louis Vutton collection is more expensive than the Guess collection.
b. The Louis Vutton collection has softer lines than Prada collection.

a. Adjectives with one syllable

We add –er to form the comparative and the + -est to form the superlative.
Cheap: cheaper, cheapest
For adjectives that end in e, we add –r to form the comparative and –est
est to form the
superlative.
Wide: wider. the widest
For adjectives that end
nd in a vowel + consonant we double the consonant
Big: bigger, the biggest
 b. Adjectives with two syllables that end in y
Comparative: y
i + -er (crazier)
Superlative the +-iest (the craziest)

c. Other two syllable and longer adjectives

Adjectives from the comparative with more + adjective and the most + adjective, more
stylish, the most stylish/more expensive, the most expensive.

2. To compare more than two items: superlative adjectives

Examples:
a. Off the three different collections, the Louis Vutton collection is the most expensive and the
Gucci collection is the least expensive.
b. All the bags are very good quality, but the Prada collection is of the highest quality.

3. Clauses of comparison
The use of as………….as is to show that two things are equal (or not) we use (not)
as+adjective+as
Examples:
a. The Gucci collection is not as expensive as the Prada collection.
b. Some of the Louis Vutton collection is as expensive as the Prada collection.

To form the opposite of the comparative and superlative forms more/the most we can use
less/the least.
Examples:
a. My job is less demanding than yours. (or – My job is not as demanding as yours).
b. He has the least demanding job.

It is unusual to say:
He is less rich than you. Or He is the least rich
For adjectives that add –er, -est we usually use not as……as
He is not as rich as you

4. Negative comparison
Examples:
The Gucci collection is less expensive than the Prada collection

Business English: Visual Presentation Page 18

By: Ika Putri Larasati SE., MCom
1. Look at the figure below. Sweden has the highest percentage population aged over 65 in
the world.

Sweden 17,3

Italy 16,1

Greece 15,9

UK 15,8

France 15,2
German
15,2
y
Spain 15

Japan 14,2

Hungary 14

USA 12,6

Canada 12

Russia 12

Australia 11,7

Poland 11

0 5 10 15 20
% population over 65

a. The figure for the UK / USA is marginally lower than for Greece.
b. The figure for Russia / Sweden is substantially higher than for Poland.
c. The figure for Poland is nothing like as high as for Russia / Sweden.
d. The figure for France / Italy is approximately 16.
e. The figure for Germany / Japan is a little less than for the UK.
f. The figure for Australia / Canada is the same as for Rusia.
g. The figure for Spain / Sweden
eden is nearly 60% more than for Poland.
2. A cigarette company conducted a survey about people’s smoking habit in order to
determine market share.

Cigarette smoking habits by gender %

all men women

20 + a day 11 13 9
10-19 a day 11 11 10
less than 10 a day 8 7 10
given up 27 30 24
no smoked 43 39 47

a. 43 percent of the employees have never smoked

b. Almost a third of the employees used to smoked but have now given up.
c. A small number of employees smoke less than ten cigarettes a day.
d. Generally speaking, men are heavier smoker than women.
e. The number of employees who smoke more than twenty a day is quite small, at 11 percent
overall.
f. The figures for the 20-plus group and the 10-19 groups are almost the same.

3. A survey was done to examine the negative impact of drug on deaths in Australia

Drug Related Deaths in Australia 2007

Age (years) 0-14 15-34 35-64 64+ Total

Tobacco - - 4,394 12,127 16,524
Alcohol 145 1,440 1,486 697 3,463
Other Drugs 1 282 62 62 590
Total 146 1,422 6,218 12,886 20,577

The table describes information on deaths that was caused by drug in Australia 2007.
From the table, we can observe that that tobacco was by far the main cause of death, with the 64+
age group accounting for almost two thirds of all drug-related deaths. Indeed, where figures are
available, tobacco led to a significantly higher number of deaths than the other selected drugs.
Alcohol was the next biggest contributor though with a different age profile. Other drugs were the
lowest by a large margin though also with a very different profile.
With nearly 700 deaths in the 64+ category, more than 11,000 less than tobacco, alcohol
related deaths dropped by more than 50% from its peak in the 35-64 categories. The 15-34 age
was not substantially lower than this high, but represented a massive jump from the low of 145 in
the 0-14 age group. Similarly, other drug related deaths were at their lowest point, with only 1 in the
0-14 category. As a distinct contrast, 282 from 15-34 was a huge rise. The next age group
remained fairly stable, with a final dramatic fall to62 in the oldest age group.
In summary, then tobacco was the largest drug-related cause of death, with 16,524 out the
20,577 total. Other drugs contributed the fewest deaths but showed a marked increase in the
middle two age categories. Alcohol, overall the second biggest factor was also most prominent in
these categories.

Business English: Visual Presentation Page 20

By: Ika Putri Larasati SE., MCom
 The planning stage is a beginning step conducted by presenter and (or) writer of visual
presentation.
tion. This is the most important step in visual presentation in order to deliver good
presentation and reach presentation objective which mainly has a view to inform or persuade
audiences or readers. Basically, there are few differences between describing trend through o
oral or
written presentation. Accordingly, this part applies the same method regardless what the sort of
presentation will be – oral or written presentation.

One or more sentences to

introduce the illustration

Topic

One or more sentences that

demonstrate the relationship
between the data or show a
trend
General Trend

More in depth description of

that data that expands
general statement

Details

One or more sentences to

conclude explanations

Conclusion

T im e / T e n s e : … … … … … ..
The exhibit on the right side here shows
some points that presenters or writers might focus T o p ic : … … … … … ..

on when conducting preparation to describe visual

G e n e ra l T re n d : … … … … … ..
data. These points must be answered and (or)
determined briefly before making further preparation. D e t a ils : … … … … … ..
The time/tense is significant to use correct tense in
describing chart, graph and diagram. C o n c lu s io n : … … … … … ..
 Specifically, performer or writer should approach some basic techniques as follows:
1. Consider what the graph shows and think about the vocabulary and tenses we will use in
describing it.
2. Select significant features of the graph (overall) to tell about. Generally, the significant features
are associated with which features that have the highest and (or) the lowest number. In
addition, the features might have prominent or crucial effects on topic or events that are being
discussed.
3. Consider the comparison and linking words related to the visual data.

When planning our explanation in visual presentation, it is important to:

Know exactly what is required to complete the task.
Brainstorm similar words from the topic so the subjects of our sentences can be written in our
own words.
Determine the time period so that the correct tense is used
Develop a general statement that gives an overall impression of the graph.
Decide which significant details will be discussed to reflect the task requirement.
Draw a relevant conclusion or summarize what you have written

There must be a lot of information to be described in our visual data. Do we have to tell
them all? The answer is “NO”. We just need to explain some information that we consider they are
very crucial to be explained and can be a representative for the whole information. In that way, we
can explain effectively and efficiently without missing essential information.
Considering the case, it is important that we select the appropriate details and organize the
material in a relevant way in order to describe the data satisfactorily. The way can be stated as
“Grouping information”. When organizing our explanation, it may also help to “group” some of the
information. This is particularly the case when there are numerous data.
 Look at some examples here and analyze some techniquess applied including the use of
appropriate vocabularies, linking words, comparison words and prepositions. Some examples here
also consider the structure of visual data comprising topic sentence(s), general trend, details and
conclusion. However, there are several examples which have simple explanation and may be
incomplete in term of completing the visual data.

Supermarkets closed (000's)

160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

The graph shows the number of supermarkets that closed in Indonesia (in thousands)
between 2001 and 2008.. Between 2001 and 2002, there was a steep fall in the number
followed by a gradual fall until 2008.
2008 Finally, there were very few stores
res closed between then
and 2008.

Describe the line graph above comprehensively by considering the structure, linking and
comparison words, preposition, appropriate vocabularies and technique of grouping information.
 The rise in the types of products stocked
by supermarkets

20000
18000
16000 The graph shows an increase in the
14000 types of products sold at
12000 supermarket between 2000 and
10000 2004. The types of products stocked
8000 increased significantly
ntly from 2000 to
6000 19000 types between 2000 and
4000 2004
2000
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Supermarkets built

1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

The graph shows the growth of supermarkets from 1993

1 and 2004.. During this time where
was a steady growth in the number of supermarkets from 400 to 1020

From the graph, we can observe how many supermarkets were built between
1993 and 2004.
2004. During this time, the number of supermarkets built rose
dramatically from 400 a year to 1050 a year.

Describe the trend of “Supermarket Bulit” comprehensively by considering the structure, linking and
comparison words, preposition, appropriate vocabularies and technique of grouping information.
 Annual Sales of hamburgers

3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

a. The sale of hamburgers is stable throughout January, February and most of March.
b. Fewer hamburgers are sold in April than in March according to this graph.
c. There is a dramatic rise in the sale of hamburgers between June and August when
numbers increase from 1800 to 3000.
d. Hamburgers sales peak in August when 3000 are sold.
e. The lowest sales of hamburgers are in Octo
October when they drop to 1250
50 for the month.

The graph shows information about the annual sales of

hamburgers in 1994. From January to June, the sales were fairly
constant at around 1800 to 1950 hamburger sales but they were
slightly lower during
during April and may. After June, there was a
dramatic increase to a peak of 3000 in August. Then sales
declined sharply to a low point
p int of 1300 in October. Afterwards,
the sales increased gradually between October and December
from 1300 to 1800. Finally, sales picked up to finish the years at
around 1700.

Find missing structure item in the explanation above and complete the paragraph by solely making
the missing item.
 Mobile phone owner growth

14
12
10
Millions

8
6
4
2
0
UK Germany Italy Sweden France Finland Norway Denmark Spain

Owners 1995 Owners 2000

1. The graph shows the increase in the number of mobile phone owners in Europe between 1995
and 2000.
2. Overall, the number of (mobile phone) owners has risen considerably since 1995. In some
countries the figure has more than doubled over the five years.
3. In France,
ance, for example, the number of (mobile phones) owners has increased sevenfold from one
million in 1995 to seven million in 2000.
4. In 1995, the UK had the greatest number of owners at just under five million and this figure
increased to 12 million in 2000.
5. The greatest number of mobile phone owners is now in Germany, where ownership has risen
from four million in 1995 to 14 million in 2000.

The graph illustrates information on the growing number of mobile phone owners in Europe
between 1995 and 2000. The European countries are the UK, Germany, Italy, Sweden, France,
Finland, Norway, Denmark and Spain.
Spain
Generally speaking, the number of mobile phone owners increased over the five years.
The first five countries had shown a rapid increase
e by year 2000 and the last four countries had
shown a slight increase except for Spain. Spain had showed a dramatic increase over the five
years.
The UK had the most mobile phone owners in 1995 (just over 4 millions) and the figure
increased to 12 million in 2000. Meanwhile, there were 4 million owners in Germany in 1995 but
there was a dramatic increase to a peak of 14 millions which was the highest number in 2000. The
other countries like Italy, Sweden and France had a dramatic increase to more th
than 6 million
owners. The figure in Finland, Norway, Denmark and Spain was almost the same at around 1
million in 1995. The number of mobile phone owners rose slightly to 2 million owners in 2000
except for Spain which had a rapid increase to 5 million owners
owne in 2000.
As a conclusion, there was a significant mobile phone owner growth in the European
countries in 2000. Each country had an increase.
 450
Number of people at a London
400
350
300
250
station

200
150
100
50
0
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Time

The graph shows information on the number of people at London station during a day.
From the information, we can observe that the figure tend to fluctuate. Firstly, the number of people
increases rapidly to a peak of 400 at 8.00 am. Conversely, the figure has a sudden decline of 200
at 10.000 am but it rose gradually
gradually to 298 people at 12.00 am. Afterwards, the number of people is
fairly constant at around 258 to 300 people from 12.00 am to 02.00
0 .00 pm but the figure fall to a
trough of 100 people at 04.00pm. The figure shoot up to 395 at 06.00 pm.
pm. It is nearly full to its
lowest level of 125. Finally, there are not any meaningful changes in the number of people at the
station. The figure fluctuates between 125 and 180 from 08.00 pm to 10.00 pm.

The graph shows the fluctuation in the number of people at a London underground station
over the course of a day. According to the graph, there is a sharp increase between 6.00 and 8.00
in the morning, with 400 people using the station at 8 o’clock. After this, the numbers fall
dramatically to less than 200 at 10 o’clock. Between 11.00 and 3.00 the number of people rises
and falls evenly with a plateau around lunchtime of just under 300 people using the station.
Numbers then decline, with the lowest number being recorded at 4.00 in the afternoon. There is
then a rapid rise between 4.00 and 6 pm during the evening rush hour with a peak of 380 people at
6 pm. After 7 pm, numbers fall significantly, with only a slight increase again just after 8 pm, tailing
off after 9 pm. The graph shows that the station is most crowded in the early morning and early
evening rush-hour periods.

Find missing structure item in the explanation above and complete the paragraph
by solely making the missing item.
 Data of workers entry

40
People (thousands)

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
1940 1942 1944 1946 1948 1950 1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970

West Indies India and Pakistan

The graph shows the number of immigrant workers from India,

India, Pakistan and the West
Indies to a company from 1940 until 1970. Generally speaking, there was a slight increase in the
number of immigrant workers from India, Pakistan and the West Indies from 1940 until 1960. After
1960, the number of immigrant workers from the West Indies decreased rapidly but the immigrant
workers from India and Pakistan fluctuated.
Looking at the graph that shows Indian and Pakistan immigrant workers, we can observe
that between 1940 and 1958, there was a gentle rise from 3,000 to 8,000
8,000 people. T
The figure
declined to a point of 5,000 in 1960 but it was only for a while because it shot up to a high point of
25,000 in 1961. Afterwards, the number of immigrant workers fluctuated at around 28,000 from
1962 to 1970.
Moving on to look at the other graph, the number of the West Indian immigrant workers
increased gradually from 1940 to 1956
195 (from 2,000 to 15,000) before it decreased suddenly in 195
1950
to a point of 10,000. The figure increased rapidly to a peak of 35,000 in 1960
1960. After that, it
decreased
ecreased rapidly (from 35,000 to 12,000) from 1960
19 to 1962. After that the number of immigrant
workers fluctuated downwards to a trough of 5,000 in 11968.
1 . Rising again slightly to finish the year
at around 8,000.

Find missing structure item in the explanation above and complete the paragraph by solely making
the missing item.
 Sales figures

1800
1600
1400
1200
'000 of euros

1000
800
600
400
200
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

FinGroup Ltd Man Ltd Bluebird Ltd

The chart shows the sales figures in ‘000s of euros for three shopping complexes,
FinGroup Ltd, Man Ltd and Bluebird Ltd, in different parts of the country each month last year.
The sales trends in the three shopping complexes followed very different patterns over the
past year with FL and ML on an upward trend and BL in decline.
Whereas at ML monthly takings rose over the period by 433%, from approximately 300,000
euros
ros in January to just under 1.6 million euros in December, those at FG climbed only 70% to over
1.6 million euros. For FG, the year began with sales of one million euros, but then fell back to just
over 100,000 in each of the next three months. In May, sales
sales figures at FG picked up, exceeding
ML, but still well below BL.
In June, FG figure of 1.4 million euros and ML with 750,000 euros overtook BL for the first
time. For the rest of the year, ML’s sales climbed steadily, whereas at FG the amount of money
taken
aken proved rather erratic. Excluding October and November, however, FG’s sales outstripped
those of ML for most of the period. BL continued its decline, ending the year with sales of 400,000
in December.

Find missing structure item in the explanation above and complete the paragraph by solely making
the missing item.
 15% Purchasing
15% 45%
Marketing
25%
Administration
Entertainment

Look at the sentences below that have been written about the pie chart.
1. The finance department spends an equal amount of money on entertainment and
administration.
2. It spends 45 percent of its money on purchasing but it only spends 25 percent of its money on
marketing.
3. It spends more on marketing than it spends on administration.
4. It spends as much money on purchasing as it does on everything else put together.

Describe the pie chart above comprehensively by considering the structure, linking and comparison
words, preposition and appropriate vocabularies.

Sales in Percentage terms for TewkesMart

Electical Goods
17% 20%
Computer
10% Hardware
20% Toys
13%
20% Food

Clothes

Others

The Pie chart shows the sales figures in percentage terms for TewkesMart over the period.
Electricity Goods, Computer hardware and Toys made up the bulk of the sales with each
accounting for 20 percent of the total. Food represented 13% and Clothes came in at 10 percent.
As for others, they represented 17 percent of the total.
 Average book price in pound sterling

45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
School text book Children's books Scientific books Academic books

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

The graph describes four kinds of book prices from 1990 to 1995. Those book kinds are
School text books, Children’s books, scientific books, Academic books.
In general, there was a slight increase in price of school text books and Academic books.
However, the price for Children’s books was
was fairly constant. Meanwhile, there was a small
fluctuation in scientific books’ prices.
Firstly, looking at the graph about School text books’ prices, there was a gentle increase
from 1990 to 1992 (from £8 to just over £10) before the figure declined very slightly in 1993 but it
rose gently again in 1994 and 1995 to £15. Moving on to look at the graph that shows children’s
books’ prices, the figure remained steadily to £5 from 1991 to 1995 although there was a lower
price in 1990. Meanwhile, the prices of scientific books fluctuated at around £35 to £42 from 1990
to 1995. Lastly, Academic books’ prices rose up slightly from 1990 to 1995 (from £23 to
approximately £30).
Generally speaking, each kind of books had an increase in their prices. The most
expensive
e books were scientific books. Conversely,
Conversely the cheapest books were Children books.
 Company Values

4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2007 2010 2012

Greenares Ltd Farm Implements Ltd Carsons Ltd

The graph illustrates the value of three companies selling farming equipments every five
years from 1960 and their projected value from 2010 to 2012. Those companies are Greenacres
Ltd, Farm Implements Ltd and Carsons Ltd. Generally speaking, those three companies have had
an increase in their values except for Carsons Ltd that has had fluctuation.
Looking at the information about Greenacres Ltd
Ltd values, we can observe that it had a
dramatic increase in 1965 (from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000)
$3,000 then it increased from 1965 to 1990
until it reached a peak of $ 4,000,000 in 1990. The figure declined in 1995 and 2000 to a low point
of $ 2,000,000 but it is predicted to rise again from 2007 until 2012 to a high point of $ 2,000,000.
Meanwhile, Farm Implements Ltd started its business in 1980. There was a rapid increase
from 1980 to 1985 (from $ 1,000,000 to approximately $ 2,000,000)
000) then the figure rose gradually
from 1985 to 2007 at a point of just over $ 3,000,000 in 2007.. The value is projected to increase
gradually until 2012 at a high point of $3,500,000.
Moving on to look at the Carsons Ltd date, we can see that the figures fluctuated from
1960 to 2007 at around $500,000 to just over $1,000,000. It will be fairly constant from 2007 until
2012 at around $1,500,000.
As a conclusion, Greenacres Ltd has had a bigger value than other companies although it
had a declining figure for two years. But considering
considering its performance, the value will rise again.
Meanwhile Farm Implements Ltd ahs had a good performance but Carsons Ltd has had a
significant performance.
 European Advertising Spending 1996 – 1999 (US$ billions)

Germany UK France Spain

1996 16 14 9 3
1997 17 15 10 3
1998 23 17 11 4
1999 25 19 12 5

All Europe

90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1996 1997 1998 1999

A survey was done with the aim of exposing the amount of money spent on advertising in
Europe from 1996 to 1999.. There are a table and a graph which illustrate the survey results. The
table displays information on advertising spending in the five largest European countries.
Meanwhile, the graph shows the amount of money spent on advertising in all Europe.
Looking att the table that shows advertising spending in Germany, the UK, France and
Spain from 1996 to 1999, we can observe that there was a slight increase from 1996 until 1998
(from US$ 42 billions until US$ 55 billions). However it declined gently in 1999 to a p
point of US$ 61
billions. Beside that, Germany spent the most money on advertising (US$ 81 billions). Conversely,
Spain spent the less money (US$ 15 billions).
Moving on to look at the graph, we can see that there was a slight increase from 1996 to
1997 in all Europe (from approximately US$ 60 billions until just over US$ 60 billions). Afterwards,
the figure rose rapidly to reach nearly US$ 80 billions. Finally, the amount of money picked up
gently to finish the year at around US$ 81 billions.
Generally speaking,
king, the increase of advertising spending in European five largest countries
was followed by the increase of advertising countries in all Europe. In a case of the figure in 1999
that the figures declined in five largest countries but it increased in all Europe.
Europe. It may means that
the amount of money comes from other countries in Europe as well as the five largest European
countries.
 Estimated sales of silver goods next year

1000
800
'000's of units

600
400
200
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Meteor Products Ltd Mark Jones Ltd

Projected market share

20%

50%
30%

Meteor Products Lt Mark Jones Ltd Others

There are a bar chart and a pie chart here with the aim of displaying the estimated silver
goods sales and its projected
ed market shares in Meteor Products Ltd and Mark Jones Ltd. The bar
chart illustrates the estimated sales next year. Meanwhile, the pie chart displays information on
projected market share at the end of next year.
Looking at the bar chart that shows estimated
estimated sales next year, the year will begin with
450,000 sales for Mark Jones Ltd but it will fall back to just over 200,000, whereas Meteor Products
Ltd only has smaller figure (150,000). After that, both of them will have a gradual increase from
February to June. The sales will be from 120,000 to 200,000 for Meteor Products Ltd and from
230,000 to almost 400,000 for Mark Jones Ltd. From July to August, there will be a gentle increase
for Meteor Products Ltd to reach a point of 500,000 but it will remain steady
steady for Mark Jones Ltd at
around 400,000. Then, Meteor Product Ltd sales will remain stagnant from August to November at
around 500,000 but it will increase rapidly to a point of 600,000. Meanwhile, Mark Jones Ltd will
remain steady from September to Octobe
Octoberr and it will rise to finish the next year at a peak of
900,000.
Moving on to look at the pie chart, 20% if market share will be owned by Meteor Product
Ltd and 30% will be Mark Jones Ltd market. Meanwhile, half of market share is projected to be
owned by other companies.
 This example shows us how to describe chart (might apply on diagram and graph) in an informal
conversation/discussion.
Personal goods and
services
Clothing and 4%
footwear Fuels and Power
6% Tobacco 4% Miscellaneous Food and Drink
2% 1% 22%

Leisure goods and

services
16% Housing
16%

Household goods
and services Transport
14% 15%

Weekly Expenditure of a British Person

There are two people named Mathew Mead - MM (male) and Robyn Alton - Ra (female) discussing
their weekly expenditure. Read this text carefully and learn how they use specific terms in
describing information related to the pie chart!
RA : It surprises me that people spend 22% of their income on food and drink. I spend
approximately
ately 10% of my income on food and drink in a year.
MM : I spend about 14%, I’d say, so a bit more than you, but less than the pie chart. It seems a lot,
doesn’t it?
RA : It seems a lot. What about housing?
MM : Housing; I spend about 27%, which is quite a lot, it’s a lot of my income, for one area, but I’m
buying a second house, so it costs more money. Transport seemed quite high, I thought,
15.7% for transport. I spend only about 6% or 7%. What about you?
RA : I spend 15% of my total income on transportation,
transportation, so that didn’t surprise me, that figure.
What about household goods and services?
MM : Well, I’ve only got 4% but I’m not doing much work on my house at the moment, so it’s, it’s
not a great deal of my income. What about you?
RA : I spend 12% on household hold goods and services; I spend money on decorating, gardening, so
that’s, that’s a large part of my expenditure.
MM : Right. I spend about 16% - 15% or 16% on leisure goods and services, so about the same as
the pie chart.
RA : That’s similar to me. I spend
end about 15%
MM : Right. That’s on going to the gym, sports, maybe some travel.
RA : That’s, that’s very similar for me. What about tobacco? I spend 0% on tobacco.
MM : I don’t smoke, so it’s not an important part for me, and 2% seems very high
RA : it seems high to me too
 The market share of Lifestyle Today

16%

14% 14%

12% 12%
11%
10% 10%

8%
7%
6% 6%

4%

2%

0%
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept
Month

The graph shows the market share of Lifestyle Today for the first six months after it was
launched in April 2005. As you can see, we started off with a rather low market share of about 7%.
Audience ratings improved significantly, climbing to 10% in May. In June, however, the
programme’s market share plunged to 6%. This drastic decline has a simple cause. We lost a large
part of our audience to live transmissions of two major supporting events: Wimbledon and the
Confederations Cup. Fortunately, this was only a temporary setback. Over the next three months,
the figures continued to rise steadily and reached records levels each month: 11% in July, 12% in
August dan 14% in September.
A. Look at the graph. Write paragraphs
paragraph to describe it!

Sales of Whirlex Washing Machines

40
38
Sales (in thousand)

30 30 30

25
23
22
20 20 20
19
18
16 16

10
Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
Month

B. Look
ok at the pie chart. Write a paragraph to describe it!

Total Health Spending

Other
Hospital Care, 31%
Spending, 23%

Doctors and
Clinical
Services, 22%

Administration; 7% Nursing Home

Prescription Drugs;
10% Care; 7%
C. The graph below shows car sales from 1998 to 2007. Look at the graph and read the
sentences:
a. From 1999 to 2000, car registration decreased from 13.5 million to 11.2 million.
b. Car registration increased from 11.2 million in 2000 to 11.9 million in 2001.
c. They decreased by about four hundred thousand (400,000) from 1998 to 2004.
d. There was a decrease of about a half a million from 1998 to 2003

European Car Sales 1998 - 2007

14
Car sold (in millions)

13,5 13,5
13,1 13,1 13
12,8
12,4
12 11,9 12

11,2

10
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Year

Now complete these sentences using the graph

1. ……………………. 2000 …………………… 2001 registration rose ……………………. about 7,000.
2. There was a decrease ……………………. about 2.3 million from 1999 to 2000.
3. Car registration rose ……………………. about 11.2 million in 2000 ……………………. about 12.8
million in 2003

D. A Head of department from a private medical insurance company is telling colleagues

from the Italian parent company about last year’s health spending. Look at how he
describes the pie chart and complete the gaps with words from the box.

account attention see surprised

amount divided shown total

The pie chart shows our total health spending for the last year and how it is ………………………(1)
among the various health sector areas. Let’s begin with the biggest area, which is
………………………(2) in green. We can ………………………(3) the 31% of our total health
spending went into hospital care last year. The second biggest area with a ………………………(4)
of 23% is ‘other spending’ – that’s the segment here. It includes dental services and home health
care. I think you’ll be ………………………(5) to see that nearly the same ………………………(6) –
that’s 22% - was sent on doctors and clinical services. This was mainly because the increase in
medical technology costs. I’d now like to draw your ………………………(7) to the prescription
drugs which ………………………(8) for 10% of our total costs.
Business English: Visual Presentation Page 39
By: Ika Putri Larasati SE., MCom
Business English: Visual Presentation Page 40
By: Ika Putri Larasati SE., MCom
Business English: Visual Presentation Page 41
By: Ika Putri Larasati SE., MCom