Foundation and Higher · charts

Charts: read
the key and
the scale.

then say what
the data shows

data collected over time —

Time series

points joined with straight lines

look for the trend

step 1 of 4

Dual bar chart: the key

1. Two bars for each day. Check the key.

2. Tuesday: Class A is 8, Class B is 9.

✓ Read across from the top of the bar

step 2 of 4

Compare the bars

1. Thursday has the biggest gap: 10 and 6.

2. Difference: 10 − 6 = 4 more in Class A.

✓ For a total, add one colour at a time

step 3 of 4

Time series: plot, join

1. Time always goes along the bottom.

2. Plot each point. Join with a ruler.

✓ Never a smooth curve

step 4 of 4

Describe the trend

1. The same shape each year: a Q3 peak.

2. Each year is higher than the last.

✓ Rising trend, with seasonal peaks

charts and time series —

Key and scale

read them before the bars

Compare

use numbers, not “bigger”

Trend

the overall direction

“Describe the trend” wants
rising, falling or steady.

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