Every representation makes some relationships easier to see and others harder to judge.
Identify and explain strengths and limitations of graphs representing the same data.
Bar lengths measured from a common zero baseline make category differences relatively easy to compare. A table provides exact recorded values. A circle graph foregrounds part-to-whole relationships, but close sector sizes can be difficult to distinguish. A strong critique names the task: exact comparison, trend, share of a total or a pattern across groups.
A correctly labelled circle graph can accurately show survey shares while being less useful for comparing two nearly equal categories. That is a limitation, not proof of dishonesty. An actual error occurs when values, proportions, scales or labels misrepresent the evidence. Explain which problem you mean and why it matters.
A pictograph can make counts inviting and memorable. The key defines the amount represented by one symbol. Partial symbols may require estimation, especially when a value is not a convenient multiple of the key. Enlarging a symbol in both width and height changes its area, which can exaggerate differences even if its height matches the data.
Double bar graphs help compare two groups across categories, but they need a clear legend and shared units. Two separate graphs can conceal different scales. Before comparing heights, check whether each graph uses the same minimum, maximum, interval and time period. Also distinguish counts from rates when the groups have different sizes.
Enter one label and value per line, separated by a comma. This tool supports 2–12 non-negative values. The table and graph always use the same data.
Line graphs use equally spaced positions here: use observations at equal time intervals. Do not use a line to connect unrelated categories. Circle graphs require a positive total.
20% of which amount?
You can compare shares but cannot recover counts without the total. For example, 20% could mean 4 of 20 or 40 of 200.
Calculate each percentage rather than comparing counts alone.
The shares are 10% and 20%. The first school has more cyclists, but the second has a greater proportion. Name the comparison your graph is designed to support.
Feedback explains your chosen response. These activities are practice, not a school mark.
Before sharing a chart, ask a partner to answer your intended question in ten seconds. If they struggle, improve the representation without changing the evidence.
Explain when a table is more useful than any graph. Then explain what a graph can reveal more quickly than a table of the same numbers.