CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Speaking: Describing Visual Data Questions and Answers

Question 1

When describing a line graph that shows data from a finished period (e.g., 2010-2020), which verb tense is most appropriate to use?

Accepted Answer

Past Simple

Answer

Present Perfect

Answer

Future Simple

Answer

Present Continuous

Question 2

In the CAEL Speaking test, when presented with a visual, what is the first step you should take in your spoken response?

Accepted Answer

Provide a general overview that introduces the visual and its main purpose.

Answer

Immediately point out the most interesting data point.

Answer

Draw a conclusion about what the data implies for the future.

Answer

List every single data point from the x and y axes.

Question 3

A speaker is describing a bar chart comparing the average income in three different cities. Which of the following phrases is LEAST effective for making a comparison?

Accepted Answer

"City A's income went up, and City B's income went down."

Answer

"Income in City A was significantly higher than in City C."

Answer

"In contrast to City B, City A had a lower average income."

Answer

"City C had the lowest income, whereas City A had the highest."

Question 4

You are presented with a line graph showing a company's profits over the last decade. The line on the graph stays flat for three consecutive years. Which term would be most accurate to describe this period?

Accepted Answer

A plateau

Answer

A sharp decline

Answer

A fluctuation

Answer

A peak

Question 5

In the CAEL Speaking Task 3, after providing an introduction and general overview of the visual data, what should a test-taker do next?

Accepted Answer

Focus on describing two or three key trends or significant points with specific details from the visual.

Answer

Summarize the conclusion immediately.

Answer

Give a personal opinion on why the data looks the way it does.

Answer

Repeat the introduction using different words.

Question 6

Which of the following sentences uses the most precise and effective academic vocabulary to describe a significant and rapid increase?

Accepted Answer

The number of users surged dramatically.

Answer

The number of users went up a lot.

Answer

There was a big jump in the number of users.

Answer

The number of users got higher very fast.