©2015 Paul Read Describing Graphs in Part One /sizes/z/in/photostream/

©2015 Paul Read Describing Graphs in Part One What kind of information is contained in a graph? What makes a good answer? How to plan an answer Worked example Extra practice

What kind of information is contained in a graph? Two different axes (the x-axis and y-axis) Usually used to compare data as different lines Usually used to see how things change over time ©2015 Paul Read

What makes a good answer? The reader must understand the main points of the graph and what it wants to show You must select the main features: don’t write about everything. Choose 2 or 3 important facts Write a short introduction to explain what the graph shows, without copying from the question Write a sentence to summarize the general information contained in the graph ©2015 Paul Read

How to plan an answer Spend a few minutes looking carefully at the graph. What is it telling you? What are the main features? Choose 2 or 3 important differences or features – these may be parts of the graph where things change significantly, or the biggest and smallest numbers Write a brief paragraph to explain to the reader what the writing is about – do not copy the information from the question Describe each of the main points in turn. Use language of comparison if necessary Don’t try to speculate about why the numbers are as they are Remember to include a short summary of the whole graph ©2015 Paul Read

Worked Example ©2015 Paul Read The graph shows the destinations of British holidaymakers from 1960 to Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and making comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Worked Example - Introduction ©2015 Paul Read The graph shows how British choices in holiday destinations changed between 1960 and 1996, from the choices of the UK, Europe and destinations outside Europe.

Worked Example – Main Body 1 ©2015 Paul Read Holidays within the UK were always the most popular, with 25 million people choosing to stay in the country in 1960, and 27 million in During the 1980s this figure was as high as 40 million, but later fell back. In 1960, less than 1 million people went either to Europe or to destinations further afield. Over time, these figures increased steadily.

Worked Example – Main Body 2 ©2015 Paul Read Visits to the continent of Europe went up from 1 million in 1960 to 26 million in 1996, nearly overtaking the number of holidaymakers who stayed at home. Visits outside of Europe also increased, but less quickly, from 1 million in 1960 to 15 million in 1996.

Worked Example - Summary ©2015 Paul Read In summary we see that there was a large growth in holidays both to Europe and to places outside of Europe over the time frame. Holidays to the UK increased, but later fell back to the levels of 30 years before.

Extra Practice Go to The English Site website to find another table writing practice exercise Look at some student answers to the exercise and read my comments on these answers ©2015 Paul Read