Phrasal verbs: trends and graphs

This engaging ESL worksheet focuses on phrasal verbs commonly used when discussing trends, graphs, and charts. It is tailored to students interested in business and economics but also includes relatable everyday topics to engage all learners. Learners will explore and practice 13 phrasal verbs and discuss trends to enhance their communication skills.

The lesson begins with an introduction to nine phrasal verbs, such as flatten out, bounce back, pick up, drop off, shoot up, and bottom out. These phrasal verbs are included in seven sentences that students match with their equivalent meanings written without phrasal verbs. This activity helps students infer and understand the meanings of the phrasal verbs in context. Afterwards, students discuss the sentences and reflect on whether they relate to their own lives, their country, or their company, providing reasons for these trends.

Next, students move on to analysing graphs. They look at two graphs and their accompanying descriptions, completing the text with the appropriate phrasal verbs. This activity introduces the remaining phrasal verbs (go down, make up for, slow down, and turn it around) in a context that mimics real-world usage. To reinforce understanding, students complete six short dialogues by filling in the blanks with the correct phrasal verbs.

The rest of the lesson focuses on speaking activities designed to encourage conversation and creative application of the vocabulary. In the first activity, students discuss five prompts related to trends and changes in various areas, such as market shifts, personal habits, or societal changes. In the second activity, students draw a graph representing something personal, such as their energy levels throughout the day or week, and then describe and discuss their graph with a partner. The final activity requires students to find a graph or chart online with statistical data, such as economic growth or social trends, and present their findings to their classmates, describing and analyzing the trends using the phrasal verbs from the lesson.

To provide further speaking practice and vocabulary reinforcement, students can use the printable conversation cards that revisit the phrasal verbs and encourage discussion.

Who Is This Lesson For?

This lesson is designed for business professionals who need to discuss data and trends in meetings or presentations, students studying business, economics, or social sciences, and anyone looking to enhance their ability to describe and analyse changes. By the end of the lesson, students will be confident in interpreting graphs and charts, describing trends, and engaging in discussions using precise language.