https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=BV2OaFGBD9Q

If you are a strong graph reader, excellent! If you struggle to figure out exactly what those graphs are
saying (or are not saying), watch on for a finite list of steps you could and should take to help you
decipher the next graph, chart, table, or map you encounter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbzw653gW10

study.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5eb1uWsLrU

Expository texts frequently use graphics to present facts and information. In this lesson, we'll discuss
some ways to interpret the graphics found in expository texts.

Expository Text
Take a moment to think back on the many textbooks you have used throughout your education.
They may have been traditional hardbound books, or maybe even electronic books. You've most
likely used textbooks for all subjects ranging from English to math to science and everything in
between. But what do these textbooks have in common?
Textbooks, designed to present facts and information to readers, are examples of expository
texts. Expository texts are designed to explain, inform and present facts on specific topics.
Now, take a moment to think about the graphics that you've seen in textbooks, like the illustrations,
photographs, charts, graphs, diagrams, and timelines used to help present the topic at hand. Just as
picture books use images to help new readers understand the words on the page, authors of
expository texts use graphics to help readers understand the concepts presented.
Now that we understand what expository texts are and how graphics are used in them, let's take a
closer look at some ways to interpret graphics in expository texts.

Interpreting Graphics
Not all graphics used in a text will be helpful and easy to understand. Some charts, graphs and
presentations of data can be difficult to follow and interpret and, therefore, have the potential to
confuse students. Conversely, some students skip over the graphics because they think they are not
important. That's why it is essential to understand how graphics are displayed and take the steps
necessary to match them up with corresponding text.
Authors include graphics to broaden understanding, so students must know how to read and
interpret them as they are essential aspects of understanding the material. Let's look at the different
types of graphics commonly used in expository texts along with some strategies for interpretation.
Illustrations and Photographs
Of the many types of graphics used in expository texts, illustrations and photographs are usually the
easiest to interpret. An illustration is a drawing or sketch. By comparison, a photograph provides a
literal snapshot of the person, place or thing being discussed. Both provide visual representations of
concepts and facts to readers that serve to increase their overall understanding of the material.
It is important for readers to use the illustrations and photographs in a text to deepen their
engagement with the material. Readers should pay special attention to any captions or titles added
to the photographs. For example, if a photograph of a historical figure is displayed in an expository
text, it will usually be accompanied by important information, such as the person's name, title, date
and place where the photograph was taken. This information is key to the interpretation process.

Charts and Graphs

Charts and graphs may be a bit more challenging for readers in terms of interpretation. Charts and
graphs are usually used to present data. They are useful because they allow a lot of data to be
presented in a small amount of space. Also, charts and graphs allow for unique organization of the
data being presented.
For example, let's assume we are reading a science textbook about plant growth. A chart could
easily show us the rates of growth for many different types of plants in one neat box. If the author
had presented the same information in prose form, it would have take up a lot more space in the
textbook. It also would have taken longer to read.
https://www.storyboardthat.com/articles/e/informational-text-activities
1.  DIAGRAMS TABLES GRAPHS ILLUSTRATIONS
2. 2. Some texts use only words to tell a story or to give information. Other texts include
pictures or photographs. Still, other texts include diagrams, tables, graphs, and illustrations.
Important information is shown in these visuals, so its imperative to study these graphics
carefully. Graphics make complex information easier to read and understand. Different
graphics are used for different purposes.
3. 3. CHARTS AND GRAPHS These graphics help organize information or categorize and
compare data. They come in many shapes and sizes. Generally, they use columns, lines,
geometric shapes, symbols, and pictures to show the information.
4. 4. TABLES Tables help represent data, especially numerical data, in an organized way.
Information is presented in columns and rows. This format makes it easy to compare
information over a period of time.
5. 5. TIPS Read the title or heading of the visual first. This will indicate the topic of the graphic
or the type of information presented. Next read all the labels on the visual. The labels tell you
what each line, mark, or section on the graphic represents.
6. 6. TIPS Read any other text that has been written on or around the graphic. Writers often
provide short explanations for the different parts of the graphic.
7. 7. • • • • • Find the facts: read the title read the labels look at the graph look at the scale. Use
the facts to answer questions like these: • Who didn’t use their phone? How can you tell? •
How many calls did Val make? • How many calls were made altogether? • Which two people
made the same number of calls?
8. 8. • • • • What was the temperature at 11 a.m.? What was the highest temperature reached?
When was the highest temperature recorded? How many degrees did the temperature rise
between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.? • How many degrees did the temperature drop between 12
p.m. and 3 p.m.? • When did the temperature reach 15 °C?
9. 9. Usman carried out a survey of how the students in his college group travel to college. The
diagram below shows the results of his survey. Use the diagram to answer the questions.
10. 10. • How many students walk to college? Remember to read the key. • How many students
cycle? • How many students are there altogether in Usman’s group? • What is the most
popular mode of transport? • What is the least popular mode of transport? • Which mode of
transport do you use? • Write down a list of the modes of transport in order of popularity.
Begin with the most popular.
11. 11. Country Austria Currency Euro £1 1.37 Country Australia Currency Dollar £1 2.33
Belgium Euro 1.37 Canada Dollar 2.05 China Yuan 12.01 Cyprus Pound 0.80 Denmark
Kroner 10.26 Finland Euro 1.37 France Euro 1.37 Germany Euro 1.37 Greece Euro 1.37
Holland Euro 1.37 HongKong Dollar 11.79 Indonesia Rupiahs 11934 Italy Euro 1.37 Ireland
Euro 1.37 Japan Yen 177.82 Luxemburg Euro 1.37 Malta Lira 0.58 N Zealand Dollar 2.64
Norway Kroner 11.35 Portugal Euro 1.37 Spain Euro 1.37 Sweden Kroner 12.59 Turkey Lira
2053079 USA Dollar 1.51 The table shows the Tourist Exchange currency rates for 6
September 2003. The name of each country’s currency is shown in the table along with the
amount of that currency which is equal to £1.
12. 12. • • • • • • • • What currency do they use in Turkey? How many countries use euros? How
many Canadian dollars will I get to the £? Which countries use kroner? How many Japanese
yen will I get for £1? Which countries use dollars? Which country uses rupiahs? What
currency is used in China?