WrongSales rose with 20% in 2019.
RightSales rose by 20% in 2019.
«with» is never used for the size of a change — use «by».
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Grammar
Prepositions for Task 1 data
In a chart description a preposition error reads as a data error.
Why this moves your band
Task 1 marks come from accuracy. «rose with 20%» looks as though you misread the figure — so one preposition damages two criteria at once.
The rule
- 1increase / rise / fall + by for the size of the change; + to for the final level; from … to for a range.
- 2As a noun: «a rise in X», «a fall in X» — not «of».
- 3Year ranges: «between 2010 and 2020» or «from 2010 to 2020».
Wrong and right
WrongThe figure increased to 15% from 10% between 2010 to 2015.
RightThe figure increased from 10% to 15% between 2010 and 2015.
«between … to» is wrong: it is «between … and …» or «from … to …».
WrongThere was a rise of unemployment.
RightThere was a rise in unemployment.
The noun «rise» is followed by «in».
Check after writing
- Is «by» on the size of the change and «to» on the final level?
- Is «between … and …» paired correctly?
- Is it written as «a rise in / a fall in»?
Practice
Pick one answer for each question — the right answer and the rule appear straight away. Nothing is saved.
1.The price was $10 in 2018 and $12 in 2019, so it increased $2.
2.Unemployment fell from 9% in 2015 6% in 2020.
3.There was a sharp increase the number of tourists.
4.The figure stayed stable 2012 and 2016.
5.The rate was 20% in 2000. By 2010 it had risen 35%, its highest point.
6.Car ownership doubled 2005 to 2015.
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