Interpreting data visualization can be difficult, especially when you’re looking at a graph for the first time. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to explain a graph to someone who doesn’t have any prior knowledge. By the end of this post, you should be able to effectively communicate the key points of any graph.
- Clearly introduce graph. Be sure to clearly introduce the title or topic at the beginning. …
- Keep language simple. Remember, the aim is to help people understand your graph, not to make long, complex sentences. …
- Use pointing effectively. …
- Use hedging.
Uses for graphs
Professionals frequently use graphs in formal reports or presentations in the business world. Professionals may use graphs to analyze key performance indicators or financial data because they show numerical data. Consequently, graphs may aid in communicating data that enables an organization to pinpoint areas for improvement, performance gaps, financial successes, and other quantifiable issues that may require attention.
What is a graph?
A graph is a visual representation of numerical data. A visual way to summarize complex data and display the relationship between various variables or sets of data is through graphs. Graphs are a fantastic tool for highlighting patterns and connections in data. Often, presenting numerical data or complex data visually, such as in a picture or graph, makes it easier for people to understand it. Consequently, graphs can speed up the rate at which your audience processes information.
Bar graphs
To help you decide if a bar graph is the right one for you to use, here is some basic information about them:
What is a bar graph?
With the help of individual bars, bar graphs let you track data over time or display the relationship between various independent sets of data or a series of unrelated data. The length or height of each bar in a bar graph, which can be vertical or horizontal, represents the frequency or value of the data set as measured. The most popular visual tool for presenting statistical data is a bar graph.
What does a bar graph look like?
With an x-axis and a y-axis, bar graphs typically display categories on the x-axis and numbers on the y-axis. The bar graph’s column or bar format makes it simple to compare the data in the various categories visually. The smallest and largest categories are visible, and because they are independent of one another, they have no bearing on one another. It is customary to begin on the left and describe the trend moving towards the right when describing a bar graph, including whether the data is increasing, decreasing, or remaining constant.
Vocabulary for bar graphs
The following words are helpful when describing bar graphs in written reports or when using them in presentations:
Types of graphs
The graph you choose will likely depend on your audience and the kind of numerical data you want to represent because different types of graphs have different features. Consider the type of data you have and which type of graph will both accurately present the information and be the most aesthetically pleasing when selecting the type of graph to use. To make the graphs easier to understand, it is best to keep them as straightforward as possible. When possible, use appropriate vocabulary to explain the graphs to your audience.
The most effective times to use the various types of graphs are listed below:
Line graphs
The following are crucial details to remember when thinking about line graphs:
What is a line graph?
Data is plotted on a single connected line in a line graph to represent a time period. They demonstrate the connection between the information and the passage of time. Line graphs are particularly helpful for presenting data that is connected, such as trends, because they can show how data changes over time. They can also demonstrate the dependencies between two things over a certain time period.
What does a line graph look like?
To represent relationships, trends, or changes between objects, dates, or other data, a line graph connects informational points on a graph with a line. The line depicts how the data has changed over time and how the important variables have either increased or decreased the data. This particular type of graph is effective at showing movement or activity within the data set. It is customary to arrange a line graph from left to right across the horizontal axis, describing the trend as rising, falling, or remaining constant.
Vocabulary for line graphs
The following action words are helpful when discussing line graphs in writing or speaking It’s beneficial to use language that accurately captures the tone you want to convey:
Pie graph
Pie graphs, the third type of graph, might be useful in some circumstances. Here is some information about pie graphs:
What is a pie graph?
Pie graphs categorize data to show how a whole and its parts relate to one another. They are helpful in visualizing smaller percentages that add up to 100%, creating a whole Each slice or segment of the pie represents a percentage distribution and has a unique title or category within the overall picture.
What does a pie graph look like?
Typically, pie graphs are shaped like circles, with the various categories slicing the circular “pie” into pieces. Pie graphs are useful for comparing various types of data with one another. With the help of these graphs, readers can discuss how the percentages of each category contribute to the overall result by comparing each category or slice of the pie to the others.
Vocabulary for pie graph
When discussing any pie graphs you create, the comparison expressions listed below are useful:
DESCRIBING GRAPHS IN ENGLISH | Great for IELTS, TOEFL, or Business Presentations
FAQ
How do you describe graphs and charts?
- Let me show you this bar graph…
- Let’s turn to this diagram…
- I’d like you to look at this map…
- If you look at this graph, you will notice…
- Let’s have a look at this pie chart…
- If you look at this line chart, you will understand…
- To illustrate my point, let’s look at some charts…
