When students hear "use a wider range of vocabulary" they reach for words like skyrocketed. Usually that makes the report less accurate, not more.
Change the grammar, not just the word
The fastest way to add range is to switch between a verb pattern and a noun pattern.
- Sales rose sharply in 2010.
- There was a sharp rise in sales in 2010.
- 2010 saw a sharp rise in sales.
Three sentences, one idea, no new vocabulary needed.
Match the degree word to the data
| Change | Words that fit |
|---|---|
| Small | slightly, marginally, a modest rise |
| Medium | steadily, gradually, a noticeable increase |
| Large | sharply, significantly, a dramatic jump |
If the line moves from 40 to 42, "soared" is not rich vocabulary. It is a mistake.
Practise it
Take one chart and describe the same trend three ways. Then choose the version that best fits the paragraph. That choice is what the examiner is really scoring.