DIAGRAMS
TABLES
GRAPHS
ILLUSTRATIONS
Some texts use only words to tell a story or to give
information.
Other texts include pictures or photographs.
Still, other texts include diagrams, tables, graphs, and
illustrations. Important information is shown in these
visuals, so its imperative to study these graphics carefully.
Graphics make complex information easier to read and
understand.
Different graphics are used for different purposes.
CHARTS AND GRAPHS
These graphics help organize information or
categorize and compare data.
They come in many shapes and sizes. Generally,
they use columns, lines, geometric shapes,
symbols, and pictures to show the information.
TABLES
Tables help represent data, especially numerical
data, in an organized way.
Information is presented in columns and rows.
This format makes it easy to compare
information over a period of time.
TIPS
Read the title or heading of the visual first. This
will indicate the topic of the graphic or the type
of information presented.
Next read all the labels on the visual. The labels
tell you what each line, mark, or section on the
graphic represents.
TIPS
Read any other text that has been written on or
around the graphic. Writers often provide short
explanations for the different parts of the
graphic.
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Find the facts:
read the title
read the labels
look at the graph
look at the scale.
Use the facts to answer questions like these:
• Who didn’t use their phone? How can you tell?
• How many calls did Val make?
• How many calls were made altogether?
• Which two people made the same number of
calls?
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What was the temperature at 11 a.m.?
What was the highest temperature reached?
When was the highest temperature recorded?
How many degrees did the temperature rise
between
8 a.m. and 12 p.m.?
• How many degrees did the temperature drop
between
12 p.m. and 3 p.m.?
• When did the temperature reach 15 °C?
Usman carried out a survey of how the students in his college
group travel to college. The diagram below shows the results
of his survey. Use the diagram to answer the questions.
• How many students walk to college?
Remember to read the key.
• How many students cycle?
• How many students are there altogether in
Usman’s group?
• What is the most popular mode of transport?
• What is the least popular mode of transport?
• Which mode of transport do you use?
• Write down a list of the modes of transport in
order of popularity. Begin with the most popular.
Country
Austria
Currency
Euro
£1
1.37
Country
Australia
Currency
Dollar
£1
2.33
Belgium
Euro
1.37
Canada
Dollar
2.05
China
Yuan
12.01
Cyprus
Pound
0.80
Denmark
Kroner
10.26
Finland
Euro
1.37
France
Euro
1.37
Germany
Euro
1.37
Greece
Euro
1.37
Holland
Euro
1.37
HongKong
Dollar
11.79
Indonesia
Rupiahs
11934
Italy
Euro
1.37
Ireland
Euro
1.37
Japan
Yen
177.82
Luxemburg
Euro
1.37
Malta
Lira
0.58
N Zealand
Dollar
2.64
Norway
Kroner
11.35
Portugal
Euro
1.37
Spain
Euro
1.37
Sweden
Kroner
12.59
Turkey
Lira
2053079
USA
Dollar
1.51
The table shows the Tourist Exchange currency rates for 6 September
2003. The name of each country’s currency is shown in the table along
with the amount of that currency which is equal to £1.
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What currency do they use in Turkey?
How many countries use euros?
How many Canadian dollars will I get to the £?
Which countries use kroner?
How many Japanese yen will I get for £1?
Which countries use dollars?
Which country uses rupiahs?
What currency is used in China?