How to Compare and Contrast
Repeat the process above for each of the main points, but rememeber to use different grammar structures and words.
· Use the language mentioned above when comparing and contrasting: was greater than, increased less than, was much more stable than, relative to…grew very little
· Remember to use conjunctivess like: while/whereas/but/at the same time
· Connective features: however/at the same time/over the same period/by contrast/on the other hand/meanwhile
· Try focusing on specific items by using terms like: turning to (the over 60s), they/in regard to/with respect to/as far as…is concerned/when it comes to
· Try using different tenses to compare data:
o Past simple – The population rose from 1960 to 1980
o Past perfect – Before 1960, the population had previously never exceeded…however, after 1960
o Present tense - As we can see, the total population over the period rises from…to…
o Present perfect – Compared to five yars ago the population has risen considerably
o Future pefect – The estimates indicate that by 2020 the population will have risen
o Future simple – The predictions forcast the population will rise to…in
·
Forecasts and predictions
o Try usine referencing and substitution, terms like: It is estimated that/it is forecast/estimates indicate/projections forecast the trend to continue/will have…by/is expected to/is set to
·
Other useful verb sequences you can use include:
o rose from…to
o rose increasing from…to
o increased to…overtaking/outstripping/soaring past
o levelled off at a maximum of…before falling again
o increased greatly relative to…
o fell sharply before rising again to a new high
o rose sharply, while/wheras…fell dramatically
·
Conclusion
o Usually one sentence is enough
o Try using words like: Generally/In conclusion/Overall/It can be clearly seen/In sum/It is evident