English 10

Other Nonlinear Texts: Line Graphs, Bar Chart/Graphs, Pie Charts, and Maps
Line Graph
• A type of chart used to display information as a series of data points called 'markers' connected by straight line segments
• Used to visualize data that changes over intervals of time
• Used to track changes over short and long periods and to identify trends in data
• Multiple lines can be plotted on the same chart to compare different data sets.
• Common Types:
o Simple Line Graph – One line is plotted.
o Multi-line Graph (Multiple Line Graph) – More than one line is plotted on the same chart to easily compare between/among the series.
Total Airline Capacity (Domestic + International) in Southeast Asia - May 2023

Reference: Seasia (Southeast Asia's Flight Landscape: A Comprehensive Look at May 2023)

The figures above show a simple line graph and a multi-line graph respectively.

When talking about line graphs, consider the following steps:

1. Mention what the line graph focuses on and what the axes represent: what does the x-axis show and what does the y-axis show?
2. Pick the (usually three) most important features/information by looking at the highest and lowest points--peaks and valleys-- and remarkable
shifts/changes (also known as trends) and elaborate on the patterns/trends evident in the graph.
3. Restate your main points; making a prediction may also be done in case there is no accompanying text.

Vocabulary
Category
Nouns
Noun: Change (Increase)
Noun: Change (Decrease)
Noun: Change (Drastic
increase/decrease)
Noun: No change
Verb: Change (Increase)
Verb: Change (Decrease)
Verb: Change (Drastic
increase/decrease)
Verb: No change
Adverb: Increase/Decrease
Adverb: No change
Adjective: Change (Increase)
Adjective: Change (Decrease)
Adjective: Change (Drastic
increase/decrease)
Adjective: No change
Sample Words
peak, trough, valley, x-axis, y-axis, data point, line
growth, uptrend, rise, improvement, gain, upswing, escalation, enlargement, surge, increment
decline, downtrend, drop, decrease, reduction, fall, downturn, dip, decrement, slump
spike, surge, rocket, plummet, crash, soar, collapse, surge, exponential growth/decline
stable, steady, static, plateau, unchanging, consistent, flatline, level, unchanged, persist
climb, grow, rise, increase, surge, expand, escalate, improve, ascend, amplify
fall, drop, decline, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen, reduce, slump, subside
skyrocket, plunge, soar, plummet, surge, shoot up, nosedive, spike, collapse, tumble
stabilize, maintain, hold steady, persist, remain, sustain, level off, plateau, continue, stand still
gradually, steadily, progressively, consistently, continuously, markedly, significantly, sharply, dramatically, suddenly
constantly, uniformly, consistently, persistently, steadily, evenly, unvaryingly, continuously
rising, increasing, growing, surging, ascending, escalating, expanding, amplifying, improving
falling, decreasing, declining, diminishing
dramatic, drastic, sharp, sudden, rapid, steep, significant, abrupt
stable, steady, static, unchanged, unchanging, consistent, flat, level, even, unaltered

Things to remember when making line graphs:

• Choose the appropriate line graph. (There are other examples.)
• Limit the number of lines, for too many lines can clutter especially
when they overlap.
• Give a descriptive title and add labels.
• Use consistent time intervals.
• Use grid lines to help readers identify data points.
• Observe consistent formatting.
• Include a legend especially if there are multiple data series.
• Give context/brief description of the chart (especially when it does
not come with a text).

Bar Chart
• A graphical representation of data using bars of varying heights--with each bar proportional to the represented value
• Used to compare and contrast data among categories
• Can be vertical or horizontal and is at times preferred over pie charts
• Common Types:
o Vertical Bar Chart – The most common type, it shows data using vertical rectangular bars. The x-axis has non-numeric value while the
y-axis has numeric value.
o Horizontal Bar Chart – The bars are shown horizontally.
o Clustered/Grouped Bar Chart – The bars appear in clusters or groups. It is sometimes referred to as double bar graph.
When talking about bar charts, consider the following steps:
1. Mention what the bar focuses on and what the axes represent: what does the x-axis show and what does the y-axis show?
2. Pick the (usually three) most important features/information from the bar; elaborate them.
3. Summarize the information and/or provide a possible explanation (assuming that the bar does not come with a text); making a prediction may
also be done.
 Top 10 Domestic Routes - May 2023

Reference: Seasia (Southeast Asia's Flight Landscape: A Comprehensive Look at May 2023)

The figures above show a vertical bar graph and a grouped bar graph respectively.
Vocabulary
Category Sample Words
Nouns increase, decrease, trend, period, interval, x-axis, y-axis, axes, bars, contrast, increment, decline, cluster
Verbs shows, presents, represents, depicts, illustrates, exhibits; surge, rise/increase, gain, decline/drop/fall, peak, plateau, fluctuate,
outperform, dominate, narrow, recover, stagnate, widen
Adjectives sharp, marginal, steep, slight, gradual, substantial, dramatic, consistent, significant, clear/unclear, evident, dominant, major/minor,
notable, expected/unexpected, slow, fast, rapid, equal
Adverbs dramatically, gradually, noticeably, substantially, sharply, consistently, steadily, slightly
Transitional while, whereas, however, on the other hand, but, yet, in comparison, from...to..., between...and..., compared to/compared with, in
Expressions contrast to, likewise, similarly, furthermore, also
Things to remember when making bar charts:
• Use an appropriate bar chart. (There are other types like the • Observe consistency of bar widths.
stacked bar chart and variable-width chart.) • Add a title and labels.
• Use colors, different shades, or patterns to easily • Use legends when necessary.
differentiate categories. • Give context/brief description of the chart (especially when it
• Sort the categories/data logically. does not come with a text).
• Do not use 3d bars since doing so distorts our perception.

Pie Chart

The figures above show a pie chart and a donut chart.

• Shows parts of a whole as pie slices to display percentage or proportional data
• Divided into different sections to illustrate proportion and to compare each section to the others
• Best used to show when one proportion is dominant
o Donut chart – A variant of the pie chart with the center being removed/cut out (resembling a donut); the now empty space allows room for
additional information.
When talking about pie charts, consider the following steps:
1. Introduce what the pie chart covers. Refer to its title and labels.
2. Give the important features that the chart shows. Begin by describing the segments by talking about the largest to the smallest. Pay attention
to proportions and the represented items/categories. Look at the percentages. Compare and contrast different parts.
3. Wrap up by summarizing the key points and/or observations about the chart.

Vocabulary
Category Sample Words
Nouns slice, segment, portion, percentage(s), data, chart, total, proportion, category
Adjectives proportional, minor, major, half (and other similar words), small, large, equal, unequal, significant, notable
Adverbs significantly, proportionally, equally, slightly
Verbs Illustrate, present, depict, show, represent, comprise, indicate, compare, highlight
Transitional likewise, similarly, also, another, in addition, furthermore, moreover, in contrast, on the other hand, however, on the other hand,
Expressions lastly, finally, to conclude

Things to remember when making pie charts:

• Limit the number of slices shown. Usually, 5-6 are used. • Add title and labels.
• Do not use 3d (similar to bars) and do not use this chart for • Use legends.
complex comparisons (A bar or line graph may do a better • Add context/more details if there is no other text.
job).
• Use contrasting colors to help distinguish the different slices.
When color is an issue, use different patterns instead.