Steps 1 & 2 Identify Types of Charts, Look for Trends Bar Charts A bar chart consists of rectangular bars

s arranged horizontally or vertically from the x or y axis.

The length of a bar shows the values it represents. The values are listed on one axis and each bar shows what is being measured on the other axis. Bar charts are useful for comparing data. In studying a bar chart, you may want to look for the following information:

Which is the tallest bar? Which is the shortest bar? Have the bars changed over time? How? How do the bars compare to each other?

Pie Chart A pie charts is a circular chart divided into sectors or pie slices. It presents information in segments of a circle or pie, which together add up to 100%.

Here's an example:

Ask yourself:

Which is the largest segment? Which is the smallest segment? How do the segments compare with each other?

Line Graph A line graph plots the changes in data over time:

Ask yourself:

What is the highest level / point? What is the lowest level / point? Is there a point till when the trend was increasing or decreasing? When did the trend change?

Tables

A table presents information in different categories, making it easy to compare. The sample table below shows the percentage of students who came to college on foot, by car, bicycle or public transportation, at Williams College in the year 2005-2006. Method of Student Travel to College by Percentage Walking 12 Bicycle 20 Car 25 Public Transport 43 Look out for the following:

What is the highest figure? What is the lowest figure? What is second highest, etc.?

Step 3 Vocabulary of Trends To get high marks on the Academic Task 1, you must show the examiner that you know how to use a range of vocabulary to describe and interpret visual information. You must be able to use the appropriate verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs to provide precise descriptions. For a detailed list of essential vocabulary, check the section of this website on Vocabulary for Task 1. Step 4 Write your answer according to a plan To be able to complete Task 1 in 20 minutes or less, write your answer according to the following plan: 1. Write one sentence to introduce the subject and graphic. 2. Write one or two sentences to show the relationship between the data or to comment on the main trend. 3. Write an in-depth description of the information given. Include details from the most important to the least important, depending on time. 4. Write one sentence to conclude your answer.

Step 5 - What not to write Only describe the data. Don not give your interpretation of it. You are not being asked why you think the data in the chart is the way it is, so do not write about that.

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