Analysing Graphs

& charts
ENL 1106
EXAMPLES OF CHARTS AND
GRAPHS
INTRODUCTION

 You only have to write 150 words to fully answer the question and this is not
that much. Therefore, you 1 or 2 sentences describing the following

 The type(s) of graph you are describing e.g. pie chart/ bar graph / line graph
/ tables / diagram or etc.
 The titles of the graph (s)
 The date of the graph (s)
 The scale
 Introduction should describe the purpose of the report and say what overall
trend you see. For example, if the graph is climbing up or dropping down,
you should mention that. You need to remember that you are describing a
graph to someone who doesn't see it. Write what the graph is about, its
dates and location.
 WRITING THE BODY
 It should describe the most important trends, while all information is summarised to avoid unnecessary details.

 For example, if there is a graph that has 2 peaks; you should mention them; tell when those peaks appeared and
what the peak values are.

 Notice how may distinctive features the diagram has and divide the information into paragraphs. One paragraph
for one feature. You should link the paragraphs by sentences that logically connect them to one another

 IMPORTANT

 You need to write about all the periods of time and all the subjects of graph. If it shows several years (1992.
1993, 1994), write about all of them; if it is about men and women, write about both. Remember, summarising
doesn't mean throwing away information. The secret here is to select what is important, organise it, compare and
contrast
IMPORTANT: NOTE
CONCLUSION

 It should sum up the global trends shown on the figure and

compare them if possible.
 There will usually be too much information for you to describe
every detail, so you will need to focus on the key information or
important trends.
 Avoid repeating the same words in your writing by using
synonyms.
TUTORIAL IN CLASS

Task: Write a
report for a
university lecturer
describing the
information in the
table below. You
should write at
least 150 words.