Task 1 - Technique 1 - Reading The Data
Task 1 - Technique 1 - Reading The Data
- In task 1, where you are asked to write an essay of 150 words (minimum), the content will
depend on what type of data are given in the topic question.
- It is presented in a graph, chart, table, diagram, or map (which is not really common).
- Sometimes, a combination of any of them is also used.
- Before constructing your essay, it is a vital task to go over the data, as it is the best way to
start with the task itself. Failing to do so would cause incoherence and too much delay during
the maximum of 20 minutes intended for you in this part of the exam. You should also
carefully understand everything you see on the exam paper—from the instructions to the
details of the given figure.
- Read and understand the heading carefully. That alone will give you an overview of the data
represented by the chart or graph. Then, look at the items from top to bottom or from left to
right.
- For maps and diagrams, always start with the bigger or general picture, or find the starting
point first and follow the whole process. These are the exact data to be interpreted.
- Study how these data are presented, and take note of every pattern involved.
- Finally, try to be discriminating as to which sets of information are most significant. You don’t
have to pay attention to those that do not show much distinction. Follow the aforementioned
steps as you take a look at a certain figure.
- Based on the given figures, look for significant data such as the biggest or smallest number (for
tables), starting point (for diagrams), longest or shortest bar (for charts), and highest or lowest
point (for graphs).
- Notice how these data are presented in terms of patterns and trends. Is there a decreasing or
increasing movement of items (for tables)? What does the arrow suggest? Are there two or
more arrows (for diagrams)? How are the points moving? Are they moving up or down, or are
they fluctuating (for charts and graphs)?
Activities
1. Pay attention to the heading or question of each figure and underline its keywords.
2. Briefly state what the given items represent.
3. Do you see any general trends or outstanding features of the items or data presented? What are
these?
The graph below shows global energy demand, measured in millions of tonnes oil equivalent, over a
period of six decades.
Figure 2. The Bar Chart
The chart below reveals how the number of vulnerable households in fuel poverty, measured in
millions, changes between 1996 and 2006.
The pie chart below illustrates how the total amount of global emissions of carbon dioxide is shared
by different nations in the year 2003.
Figure 6. The Table
The table below presents the UK’s projected proportions of carbon emissions, measured in millions
of tonnes, contributed by four sectors from 1990 to 2050.
The diagram below shows that the UK’s energy system, when the use of fossil fuels to generate
electricity is added to their uses in transport and providing heat, is reliant on fossil fuels.
Figure 8. The Natural Process Diagram
The diagram below shows the carbon cycle, which is the endless chain of processes in the
atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.