Using "despite" and "having" structures can significantly enhance the quality of writing in IELTS graph writing. These structures allow the writer to link different changes or trends in a more complex and sophisticated way, creating more complex and grammatically correct sentences.
Using "despite" can demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between different data sets, highlighting the unexpected or contradictory aspects of the trends being discussed. For example, "Despite a significant increase in sales, profits actually decreased due to rising costs" can demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the data presented, rather than simply stating the basic trends.
Using "having" structures allows the writer to create a sense of chronological order in their writing. This can help to make the writing clearer and more concise, as the writer can avoid repeating the same subjects in multiple sentences. For example, "Having reached a peak in 2015, sales gradually declined over the next three years" can convey the same information as multiple sentences, in a more concise and elegant way.
Rewrite the following sentences using "despite" or "having" structures to link the changes in income:
Income increased steadily from $50,000 to $70,000 over three years. After that, there was a sudden drop to just $30,000 in the following year.
The company's profits had been declining for several quarters. Then, they implemented a new cost-cutting strategy that led to a significant increase in earnings.
The business had been struggling for years, with income fluctuating between $20,000 and $30,000. However, there was a sudden surge in revenue in 2018.
The company's income had been steadily increasing for several years. Then, a major competitor entered the market, causing a significant decrease in sales.
Explanation and Examples:
Despite the steady increase in income from $50,000 to $70,000 over three years, there was a sudden drop to just $30,000 in the following year.
Having seen declining profits for several quarters, the company implemented a new cost-cutting strategy that led to a significant increase in earnings.
Despite struggling for years, with income fluctuating between $20,000 and $30,000, there was a sudden surge in revenue in 2018.
Despite the steady increase in income for several years, a major competitor entered the market, causing a significant decrease in sales.
In IELTS graph writing, using "despite" or "having" structures can help to create more sophisticated and complex sentences that demonstrate a higher level of English language proficiency. However, it's important to use these structures appropriately and effectively to avoid making errors or creating awkward phrasing.