1. General Writing Write a passage based on the graph (table)

2. Writing a composition based on a graph, we should first of all understand the meaning the graph (table) conveys, and then give an accurate and clear description of the graph (table). The next step is to generalize about the graph (table) — interpret and analyze it. Finally, we should make a sound conclusion based on the graph (table).

3. Examples Family Bank Deposits in China’s Cities and Towns Year Average Family Deposits RMB (yuan) 1985 1351 134.8 billion 1990 7869 757.3 billion 2000 3460 2569.7 billion

4. Examples Description of the table: The period 1985 – 2000 had a great increase in family bank deposits in China’s cities and towns. In 1985, the average family deposits was 1351 yuan while in 2000 it reached 3460 yuan. The total bank deposits in 2000 was 19 times as much as it was in 1985.

5. Generalization — interpretation and analysis Several factors may have contributed to this change. Firstly, the family income has greatly increased and people have more spare money to deposit in the bank. Secondly, people want to deposit money to buy more expensive items such as houses and cars. Thirdly, banks are still thought of as the safest place to deposit money. More and more people are willing to deposit money in banks instead of other investment such as stock exchange and future investment.

6. Making a sound conclusion From the above table we can predict that the family income will continue to increase and that people will have even more money to deposit in the bank.

7. Useful expressions and patterns used for presenting tables or graphics Describing graph 1. From the table (graph) it can be seen (shown, calculated) 2. According to the table (graph)... 3. X is much... than Y in... 4. Compared with...

8. Useful expressions and patterns used for presenting tables or graphics Interpreting graph 1. Several factors may contribute to... 2. One of the causes of... is... 3. One consequence of... is...

9. Useful expressions and patterns used for presenting tables or graphics Conclusion from graph 1. In conclusion, we can / may say that... 2. Finally, it can / may be said that... 3. Therefore, it can be concluded...