Same numbers, different pictures
A cafe sold 40 cups this morning. Fifteen were tea, 10 juice, 8 water and 7 something else.
Show those four numbers to the owner, to a group of investors and to a class of students. Each needs a different picture. This lesson helps you choose it.
Key words
| Word | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Graph | A picture that plots values on two axes, often to show change. | A line graph of sales per week |
| Chart | A picture that compares amounts or parts of a whole. | A bar chart or a pie chart |
| Table | Values in rows and columns. | Sales by drink |
| Report | A written summary of findings with data. | A monthly sales report |
| Dashboard | One screen of live charts and numbers. | Sales so far today |
| Infographic | A picture mixing short text, icons and numbers to tell a story. | A poster on healthy drinks |
| Audience | The people who will read it. | Managers |
| Brief | What the picture must do, and any limits. | Fits one slide |
| Axis | A line on a graph that carries a scale. | Weeks along the bottom |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can choose a way to show data that fits the data, the audience and the brief.
Starter: what you already know
Have a go
Starter: what you already know
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
About the tools
Important
This platform cannot draw real charts. On site you use a spreadsheet or charting program for that. Here you learn to choose the format, draw bars with text, and write a brief.
Six ways to show data
A graph plots values on two axes, so it shows change over time well. A chart compares amounts or parts of a whole.
A table gives exact values. A report explains findings in words with data. A dashboard shows live numbers on one screen. An infographic tells a story with pictures and a little text.
Benefits and drawbacks of each format
| Format | Benefit | Drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Graph | Shows trends over time | Hard to read exact values |
| Chart | Quick comparison of amounts | A pie chart fails with many parts |
| Table | Exact numbers | Hard to spot a pattern |
| Report | Full explanation and context | Slow to read |
| Dashboard | Live view at a glance | Can hide detail and be cluttered |
| Infographic | Easy and memorable | Little detail, and can mislead |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Check: which format?
Have a go
Check: which format?
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.