Appendix B: Reading Graphics

1. Appendix B: Reading Graphics The Skilled Reader (Updated Edition) by D. J. Henry PowerPoint Presentation by Gretchen Starks-Martin St. Cloud State University, MN © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

2. Basic Guidelines for Reading Graphics • Read the title or caption (usually at the top). • Note the source (usually at the bottom). • Read any footnotes. • Read the labels of the columns and rows. (See the examples in Appendix B.) © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

3. Analyzing the Graphic • Analyze the graphic’s format. • Analyze the unit of measurement. • Analyze trends and patterns. Note the examples in Appendix B. © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

4. Three Basic Types of Graphics • Tables • Graphs • Diagrams © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

5. Tables • A table is a systematic ordering of facts in rows and columns for easy reference. • Its purpose is to classify and compare the given facts. • Often the facts are given as numbers or statistics. © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

6. Graphs • Graphs show the relationship between two or more sets of ideas. • Line graphs, bar graphs, and circle graphs (or pie charts) are the most common. © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

7. Diagrams • A diagram is a graphic that explains in detail the relationships between the parts of an idea to the whole idea. • Flow charts, pictograms, and drawings are examples. © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

8. Practice your skills by taking the review tests in Appendix B. © 2005 Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers