Idea 11of 22Builds onA line graph shows change over timeA stacked bar shows parts of a whole
Match the graph to the question
How do you choose which kind of graph to draw?
Today you'll discover
- what each kind of graph is for
- which words in a question point the way
- why one graph fits better
Think firstA question about how we get to school
Which graph fits this question best?
Decide first, then press Next. Find the key words in the question.
A shaded box with a question: How does each class get to school, and how many students are in each class? Under it, five small graphs: pictograph, bar graph, double bar, stacked bar and line graph, then what each is for. The stacked bar is ringed. Then a line graph is ringed for a plant's growth over 6 weeks, and double bars for Grade 5 against Grade 6. The last step asks about the bake sale.
See the whole ideathe big idea and the key word, in one place
The big idea
Pick the graph by the question: compare groups, show parts of a whole, or show change.
Question → graphWhich is most? Bar graph. Two groups? Double bars. Parts and total? Stacked bars. Change over time? Line graph.
Easy to get wrongA pictograph is a bar graph made of pictures. It suits simple counts, with a key that keeps the rows short.
Key word
- type of graph
- the kind of drawing used for data: pictograph, bar, double-bar, stacked-bar or line graph
Ready to use it?
- Choose a graph for a question about data.
- Say what each kind of graph is good for.