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

Because the time period shown in the graph is completed, the events took place in the past. Therefore, the Past Simple tense is the correct choice to describe these historical trends and data points.

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

A structured response should begin with a general introduction. This involves paraphrasing the title and labeling the axes to give the listener context before you delve into specific details or trends.

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

While technically a statement of fact, the phrase 'went up' and 'went down' describes a trend over time, not a static comparison between different items at a single point in time, which is what a simple bar chart often shows. The other options use appropriate comparative language.

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 'plateau' is the correct term for a period where data remains stable or unchanged after a period of movement. 'Decline' means to go down, 'fluctuation' means to rise and fall, and 'peak' refers to the highest point.

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

The standard structure for this task is to follow the overview with a more detailed description of the main features. This demonstrates the ability to select and report key information and support it with data from the chart or graph.

CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Practice Test

CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Practice Test

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