Think and Write

STEP 1
Look and Learn
Read below and learn how to write a graph description.
Red Wolf Population in Eastern North Carolina
Adapted from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. (n.d.). Red Wolf Recovery Program.
1997 2001 2005 2009 2013 2017 2021
140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
44 96 81 110 94 95 120 110 35 20
This graph shows the population changes of red wolves in Eastern North
Carolina from 1997 to 2021.

In general, the red wolf population exhibited an increase until 2012, although
there were a few ups and downs.
After 2012, however, the numbers have steadily
decreased as of 2021.

In 1997, there were 44 red wolves.
Since then, the number of wolves went up
and down, but it reached its highest point in 2012 with 120 wolves.
However, the
population began to decrease to 110 in 2013 and to 20 in 2021.

The fact that the red wolf population in Eastern North Carolina has declined
so rapidly in recent years may indicate that they are in desperate need of
protection.
A description of a graph or a chart usually begins with a brief explanation of what the graph is about, followed by an overall trend and details of the data points worth mentioning, and ends with summarizing remarks or implications of the graph.
Expressions
The graph above shows ...
The figures in the graph indicate / imply / suggest that ...
The biggest increase / decrease was ...
~ reached its highest / lowest point in ...

Useful Expressions

Description
increase, rise
decrease, fall
Comparison
• ... followed by ~
• ... higher / lower than ~
Comments
• This graph shows ... .
• The results suggest ... .