TECHNIQUES

A graph consists of two axes: a vertical one (y-axis) and a horizontal one (x-axis).

• In a diachronic graph (with values-time), the years are shown in the horizontal axis in a proportional way. In this case, you must think that the time frame we are working with goes from 10.000 b.C to 2000 A.D.

• The quantity is stated in the vertical axis. In this case, from 0 to the maximum (6000 millions).

• Once the axes are labelled, the task is simple: draw the columns in each date with the appropriate length or height depending on quantity.

Let's do it!

Describing a graph is not difficult. It is done in three steps:

- First: Graph Description. In this description we must explain what is being represented (apples, population, acorn production, etc.) and how. To do it, we just have to look at the two axes. After, we have to describe what we see (like in a landscape): which are the highest indicators? Which are the lowest?, etc.

- Second: Graph Interpretation. This is the most interesting step (and it gives you a better mark).Here we must summarise all the information of the graph and explain what those values mean. For example, a high child mortality  rate tells us that it is a poor country. If we are capable, we can talk about our own hhypothesis on what we observe. Following the example, we can say that we think it is a poor country because it is always at war.

- Third: Conclusions. In this step, we should do a final report of the most remarkable points of our commentary. It gives the finishing touch to our comments.

And this is it. The more you expand your knowledge,  the more interesting your comments will be.