TEXT B
Tabular and graphical data
(Reading for vocabulary building)
When information is arranged in the form of a list of numbers, a simple picture or a drawing showing a set of measurements we call it tabulated or graphical data. Different kinds of this data are TABLES, CHARTS, GRAPHS and DIAGRAMS. They are used usually with the intention of making it easy to understand. In many cases some of these words (charts, graphs, diagrams) are used interchangeably, but they have differences in shades of meaning.
A learner of English must be skilled in interpreting tables and graphics, i.e. in visual interpretation, as well as in presenting the data in the form of tables, diagrams, etc. One should remember that graphics are primarily concerned with an explanation and description of the object or social and economic trend more than with a representation. They explain something rather than stand for something.
Presenting or interpreting tabulated and graphical data in English requires the correct use of specific phrases, terms, grammar patterns, functional word partnerships (combinations of words). Interpreting charts, graphs and diagrams, presenting them to vividly explain something, summarizing information from them is extremely essential and vital for successful language learning. Visual interpretation is a useful device for developing communication skills. The graph language (diagram/chart language) imparts a feeling of preciseness and exactness to ones written and spoken English.
NOTES
| table | a list of numbers, facts or information arranged in rows across and down the page |
| diagram | a drawing or planthat shows where something is, what it looks like, or how it works |
| chart graph | information that is clearly arranged in the form of a simple picture, set of figures or a piece of paper with this information on it (, , , , ) a drawing or picture that uses lines or curves to show how two or more sets of measurements are related to each other; in other words, a graph shows the relationship between numbers and measurements that change (, , ; bar graph ) |
There are different types of diagrams:
e.g. Sales reached a peak in August, then fell sharply (Sales peaked in August, then fell sharply).
e.g. Sales this month have reached a new peak.
e.g. Inflation rates have reached a plateau after a period of dramatic rise.
e.g. The graph showed peaks and troughs (low points) of activity.
e.g. Inflation has begun to level off.
PHRASE FILE:
the diagram/the chart shows/indicates/describes/illustrates
to draw/construct/plot a graph
to see smth. from the graph/diagram
as it is shown in this diagram/this graph
to diagram = to show/to represent smth. in a diagram
a clear/complete/schematic//simple diagram
to enter the results on the chart/in the diagram
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chart showing last years sales
to produce a diagram/chart indicating the level of sales
e.g. There was a diagram on the screen.
e.g. The diagram below illustrates this point.
e.g. Mr. Johnson spent four hours measuring and diagramming every
room in the 80-year-old house.
e.g. In the diagram we illustrate the change in sales volume for the last
ten years.
e.g. You will see from the diagram that there are 26 members of the
Executive Committee.
1
(Past Progressive Tense) :
|
:
1) , :
| He was reading a book at this time yesterday. | . |
2) , :
| When he came home, his sister was watching television. | , . |
The Present Perfect Progressive :
|
:
1) , :
| I have been trying to phone him all morning. His telephone must be out of order. | . , . (= .) |
2) , :
| I have been trying to phone him all morning. I'll have another try in 20 minutes. | . 20 . |
Present Perfect Progressive Present Perfect :
John has been living in the same house for twenty years. =
