This document provides guidance on reading and interpreting various types of graphic and electronic information. It outlines a general approach to graphics that involves understanding the title, organization, variables, purpose, and data. The main types of graphics covered are tables, graphs, charts, diagrams, maps, and photographs. Specific instructions are provided for reading and analyzing each type, such as identifying comparisons in tables, trends in graphs, processes in flowcharts, and scales and key points in maps. Exercises are included throughout to help readers apply the strategies.

1. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Guide to College Reading, 8/e
Kathleen T. McWhorter
Chapter 7
Reading Graphic and Electronic Information
PowerPoint by Gretchen Starks-Martin
St. Cloud State University, MN

2. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
THIS CHAPTER WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO:
Approach graphic information
Read and evaluate electronic
sources

3. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
A GENERAL APPROACH TO GRAPHICS
1. Read the title or caption.
2. Discover how the graphic is
organized.
3. Identify the variables. What
comparisons are being made?
4. Analyze the purpose.

4. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
A GENERAL APPROACH TO GRAPHICS
5. Determine scale, values, or units of
measurement.
6. Study the data to identify trends or
patterns.
7. Read the graphic along with
corresponding text.
8. Make a brief summary note.
(see page 236 in your text)

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TYPES OF GRAPHICS
Graphs
Charts
Diagrams
Tables
Maps
Photographs

6. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Tables
A table is a listing of facts and
figures in columns and rows for
quick and easy reference.
Baseball
Scores
Game 1 Game 2
Yankees 6 4
Mets 2 3

7. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Tables
1. Determine how the information is divided
and arranged.
2. Make comparisons and look for trends.
3. Draw conclusions about what the
numbers mean.
4. Look for clues in corresponding text.
5. Complete Ex. 7-1 in your textbook.

8. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Graphs
Bar graphs
Multiple bar graphs
Stacked bar graphs
Linear graphs
Each plots a set of points on a set of
axes.

9. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Bar Graphs
Bar Graph:
– A bar graph is used to make comparisons
between quantities or amounts and shows
changes that occur over time.
– A series of different items can be quickly
compared by noting the different bar lengths.

10. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Multiple Bar Graphs
 A multiple bar graph makes at least two or three
comparisons simultaneously.
 As you read them, make sure to identify exactly
what comparisons are being made.
 See Figure 7-6 in your book (page 242).

11. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Stacked Bar Graphs
 A stacked bar graph is an arrangement of
data in which bars are placed one on top of
another rather than side by side.
 It is often used to emphasize whole/part
relationships.
 See Figure 7-7 (page 243) in your book.

12. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Linear Graphs
Line Graphs:
– Plots and connects points along a vertical and
a horizontal axis.
– It can compare two or several sets of
variables.
– See Figure 7-8 (page 244) in your book for an
example.

13. Exercise 7-9 (245-247)
Look at figure 7-9 on page 245 to
answer the first four questions.
Examine Figure 7-10 on page 246
and answer the 3 questions.
Finally, complete the three questions
for Figure 7-11 on page 247.

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Charts
Pie charts
Organizational charts
Flowcharts

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Pie Charts
Pie charts, sometimes called circle
graphs, are used to show whole/part
relationships or to depict how given
parts of a unit have been divided or
classified.
Examine the chart in Figure 7-12 of your
book. What information is presented?

16. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Organizational Charts
Organizational charts divide an
organization into its administrative
parts, staff positions, or lines of
authority.
 Examine the organizational chart in Figure
7-13 of your book.
– What process is being shown?
– Follow the chart.
– Summarize the process in your own words.

17. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Flowcharts
A flowchart shows how a process or
procedure works.
Lines or arrows are used to indicate the
direction of the steps in the procedure.
Various shapes are used.
Examine the flowchart in Figure 7-14 of
your book.

18. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
How to Read a Flowchart
1. Decide what process the flowchart
shows.
2. Next, follow the chart, using the arrows
and reading each step.
3. When you have finished, summarize
the process in your own words.

19. Exercises
Complete Exercise 7-3 on pages 250-
254

20. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Diagrams
 A diagram is an outline drawing or picture
of an object or a process.
 They are often used in technical and
scientific textbooks.
 Diagrams help you visualize relationships
between parts and understand sequences.
 Examine Figure 7-18 in your textbook.
 Complete Exercise 7-4

21. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
How to Read a Map
1. Read the caption.
2. Use the legend or key to identify the symbols
or codes used.
3. Note distance scales.
4. Study the map, looking for trends or key
points.
5. Try to visualize, or create a mental picture of,
the map.
6. As a learning and study aid, write, in your own
words, a statement of what the map shows.
7. There is a sample map on page 258 of your
text.

22. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Photographs
 Read the caption.
 Ask: “What is my first overall
impression?”
 Complete Exercise 7-5 on page 259 in
your text.
NASA, Cape
Canaveral

23. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
SELF-TEST SUMMARY
 How do you read a graphic?
 How many types of graphics are
there, what are they, and how are
they used?

24. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Visit the Companion Website
For additional readings, exercises, and
Internet activities, visit this book’s
Companion Website at:
www.ablongman.com/mcwhorter
If you need a user name and password, please see
your instructor.