IELTS Writing Task 1: 'to' or 'by'

In IELTS writing task 1, you might need to use verbs like increase, decrease, rise and fall. These verbs can be followed by the words 'to' and 'by', but what's the difference?

Let's use these figures:
- Company profit in 2005 = £20,000
- Company profit in 2010 = £25,000

Now compare these sentences:
- Company profit rose to £25,000 in 2010.
- Company profit rose by £5,000 between 2005 and 2010.

It's easy: 'to' is used before the new figure, and 'by' is used to show the change. It's the same when you are talking about a fall.

Comments

[sabeeka]

MY ANNUAL PERCENTAGE INCREASE TO 85%IN 2006 BADGE ANNUAL EXAMINATION.
MY AVERAGE PERCENTAGE INCREASES BY 5%BETWEEN THE YEAR 2002 TO 2006

[faryal zeeshan]

i think it should be
MY PERCENTAGE INCREASES TO 85% IN 2006 BADGE ANNUAL EXAMINATION.(ANNUAL SHOULD BE USED ONE TIME,INCREASES INSTEAD OF INCREASE)
MY AVERAGE PERCENTAGE INCREASES BY 5% BETWEEN 2005 AND 2006(AND INSTEAD OF TO BETWEEN YEARS)

[sabeeka]

thank u faryal i picked that

[Shirley]

Dear Simon,

I have questions about one of the past exam topic in writing task 2.

Here's the exam question:
In countries where there is high rate of unemployment, most pupils should be offered only primary education. However, others believe that higher education helps people find jobs. Discuss both sides and give your own opinions.

There's a sample answer saying only the advantages of both primary education and further education. And concluded that people should decide which levels based on their demands.

The ideas:
primary education: establish the foundation of all subjects; cultivate desire of learning and understanding
Further education: benefit one's life constantly; gain the taste and wealth; consolidate friendship

It didn't mention any about unemployment. I am not sure is it off topics?
Also, I do not understand why high rate of unemployment should therefore be offered primary education. Are they two related ideas?

I wish you can give me some opinions of this. Thanks a lot.

[Shirley]

I think I should post it in writing task 2. Ha. Sorry for that.

[GREWAL]

Greatest web site, excellent work by Simon
Sir i have a question

Q.1 if we write more than 150 word in task 1 . is it negative or not ? can i write 200 word in task 1 then ?

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Thanks,

[John]

Dear Simon,

Thank you so much for your greatest IELTS materials.
I was studying with your website and hopefully, improving my writing skills very much.

For IELTS writing task1, my online instructor told me to write Introduction and Overview sentences in the same 1st paragraph and to make 3 paragraphs in total, because "Its better to have one bigger paragraph than two smaller ones. In addition, most examiners are looking for the overall summary in the introduction". He reduces a point in Cohesion in my essay because of this. However, this is different from your style with 4 paragraphs.
Is this difference so problematic? Which should I follow?
(Are there differences of examiner's "favorite styles" in scoring writing essays among nations, such as UK, Australia and Japan?)

I know you're really busy but I would be most grateful if you could give answers quickly. My test is on the next Saturday.

thanks you so much
John