Describing, Analyzing & Evaluating Graphs and Charts
This page provides a comprehensive guide for students on how to effectively describe, analyze, and evaluate various types of graphs and charts in English. The content is structured into three main sections: Description, Analysis, and Evaluation.
Description
The description section emphasizes the importance of identifying the type of graph or chart being discussed. Students are instructed to provide context by mentioning the title, source, and publication details. A concise summary of the graph's main topic is recommended, followed by a detailed explanation of its components such as axes, units, keys, labels, and categories.
Highlight: The guide stresses the importance of mentioning as many details as possible during the description phase.
Analysis
The analysis section is divided based on the type of visual representation:
For bar graphs, line graphs, and tables:
- Students are advised to describe how figures change over time, mentioning specific numbers.
- Identifying peaks and troughs is emphasized, with a reminder to provide exact figures.
- For multiple line graphs, each should be described separately.
Example: When analyzing a line graph description example, you might say, "The graph shows a sharp increase in sales from January to March, peaking at 500 units in March, followed by a gradual decline to 300 units by December."
For pie charts, bar charts, statistical maps, and tables:
- Identifying majorities and minorities is crucial, always citing specific figures.
- Every segment, category, region, column, or row should be addressed individually.
- Comparisons between different figures are encouraged.
Vocabulary: Data summarization involves condensing large amounts of information into clear, concise statements that highlight key trends and relationships.
Evaluation
The evaluation section guides students on how to interpret the data and draw meaningful conclusions:
- Summarize the main findings from the analysis.
- For multiple line graphs, consider potential relationships between different data sets.
- Assess the reliability of the source and data.
- Apply background knowledge to explain the data or draw conclusions about the graph's topic.
- For line and bar graphs, make predictions about future trends based on the analysis.
- Express personal opinions about the implications of the data presented.
Definition: Statistical inference refers to the process of drawing conclusions about a population based on sample data, which is a key skill in evaluating graphs and charts.
