VIDEO: Analyzing a Chart

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Charts contain facts, absolute or percentage Counting as well as further additional information.

Analyze through questions

  1. As you look at it, first ask yourself what topic the diagram represents. Look at the title or the signature, which often already reveals the topic.
  2. Next, find out what the issue is. Is it a development or a condition? A diagram can show both.
  3. Then analyze the legend. Are the numbers given in percentages or as absolute numbers? Which sizes are shown? Do you see dates, quantities or sizes?
  4. Finally, summarize the insights you have gained in one result. What did you learn? What is the result of comparing the information in the diagram?
    5. Analyze the argumentation structure

    Texts are of different nature. The logical analysis of the ...

Types of charts and how to read them

There are different types of charts and each one can be read differently. Depending on what information the diagram should provide, the appropriate form is selected. As a reader, you can already see from the way it is presented how to analyze it.

  • The pie or pie chart shows you one aspect. The values ​​are often given in percentages, with the entire circle containing 100%. Larger sections or Pieces mean correspondingly higher values.
  • In a column or bar chart, you can analyze several aspects that stand side by side and can be compared. The length of the bars gives you information about the respective proportions.
  • A development can also be represented by a line diagram. In one of these you will often find time divisions and changes that give you an insight into a certain sequence.

Diagrams in combination with texts

Sometimes you will find text next to the diagram to help you analyze it. Here it is also important to use a certain approach in order to be able to read it.

  1. First, look at the diagram and find out what it is about.
  2. Read the numerical values ​​in the diagram and follow the steps above.
  3. Now read the text.
  4. Compare your findings from the diagram with the information you have gleaned from the text. Find out if the text gives you additional background to properly understand and analyze the diagram.

If you can analyze a diagram properly, you will quickly have access to certain information without reading a long explanatory text or listening to lectures.

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