Describing and Explaining Graphs in Humanities and Geography
When you describe graphs, you must look at the graph carefully.
Then you write what you see. This is a simple guide to help you.
Is there a low point on the graph?
What is the low amount?
When did it occur?
Useful words
Minimum, low, small, trough
Is there a high point on the graph?
What is the high amount?
When did it occur?
Useful words
Maximum, high, large, peak
Is there a general pattern?
What is it like?
Useful words
Up, down, Increase, decrease
Rise, fall, Grows, declines
Sharp, gentle
Straight, steady, level
Slowly, rapidly
Sections, parts
Even, uneven distribution
Large, slight difference
Pie Charts
Useful words
A majority
More than half
The largest / smallest section
Quarter, half, third
Percentages
Dominated by
When you explain graphs, you must use what you know about the subject of the
graph.
For each point you made in your description, why did this happen?
Comparing
Use numbers to help you make comparisons.
Twice as many than
Useful words
Half the range than
75% more/less than
Describing and Explaining Maps in Humanities and Geography
When you describe maps, you must look at the map carefully.
Then you write what you see. Don’t forget to write about what is NOT there.
This is a simple guide to help you.
Firstly, use accurate place names to identify the location. Use the map title to
introduce your description.
Useful words
This is a map showing world population distribution.
Is there a general pattern?
What is it like?
Useful words
North, south, east, west
MEDC, LEDC
North of the Equator, south of the Equator
Inland, coast
More, less
Most, least
Sparse, clustered, random
When you explain maps, you must use what you know about the subject of the map.
For each point you made in your description, why do you think it is like this?