Interpreting Graphics Information

*Mid 2010

Scale Number in 000's Figure 1: Visits to Three Music Websites by Teenagers Title 1
y - axis title Key Features
60
Data Legend
x-axis title 50 Music Network
Music Connect Key Features
(KF)
40 Era Music

30

20

10

0 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
Week 1

Month of August

Table 1: Promotional Activities of Three Music Websites in August Title 2

Key Features August Music Network Promotional Activities Era Music
(KF) Week 1 Name That Tune Music Connect -
Week 2 Name the Singer -
Week 3 Free Music CD Name the Movie
Week4 - - -
Whose Line Is it? -
Free Concert Tickets

WORD COUNT

1 Word 2 Words 3 Words Note(s)
*Proper Noun
Week 1, Table 1 Promotional activities Three music websites (specific name) is
‘Name That Tune’ considered as 1 word
‘Music Connect’ Increased to On the contrary Eg: Music Network

Team-work Besides that 2001 to 2010

2001 - 2010 After that 4 Words

In Contrast On the other hand

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Describing Chart of Movement

*Tip:

1. Identify the correct and appropriate trend to be used
2. Plan before constructing any sentences, whether you want to write the trend in the

VERB form (Past Tense) or the NOUN form (Present Tense/root word)

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Verbs Movement Preposition
Remained unchanged At

Remained stable At
Remained Steady

Levelled Out
Stayed Constant

Bounced Back
(used when there is a rise

after a fall)

Noun Movement Verb Preposition
(Present) (Past)

A fluctuation Fluctuated at

Figure 1: Number of Students by Universities (2009-2014)

60 55

50

Number of Students in '000s 50 45 45

40 42

40 33 33 34
30 30

30 25 23 UniAce
UniJohan
20 16 17 12 UniExcel
11 11

10

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2009

Year

✓ The graph clearly indicates a pattern of movement from the year 2009 to 2014
✓ Examples of sentences using the vocabulary of trend of movement:

i. The number of students in UniJohan from 55 000

in 2009 to 25 000 in 2011

ii. There was a in the number of students for UniExcel from

30 000 students in 2009 to 50 000 in 2014

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Describing Chart of No Movement / Static

➢ Identify Differences and Similarities Highest
➢ Make comparisons Lowest
Least important
Higher Least priority
Lower Ranked last
Most important
Top priority / Main priority Last
Ranked first Least popular
First, second, third Least reason
Most popular
More reasons

✓ The type of key features in the x-axis are different from one another, therefore the

stimulus does not show any pattern of movement as it indicates the comparison of

favourite sports between the male and female students instead

✓ Examples of sentences using the vocabulary of trend of no movement:

i. Badminton was the sport among male respondents (80) and

female respondents (60)

ii. The number of female respondents (60) who chose badminton was

compared to male respondents (80)

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Therefore, when you are given an IGI question (especially involving graphs), you must first
identify whether the graph given has a trend of movement or no movement (static).

Figure 1:Online Purchasers from 2008 to 2012

NUMBER OF PURCHASERS IN '000S 120 100
80
100
45 60 70 Male
80 35 30 20 Female
60

60

40
20

20

0 2009 2010 2011 2012
2008 YEAR

The type of key features (KF) are the same (which are increasing consecutive
years), hence indicating a pattern of movement (eg: increase, decrease, bounced
back)

The type of key features (KF) are different (different type of sports) 5|Page
hence indicating comparison and similarities which requires the trend
of no movement (eg: most popular, highest, least, same)

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➢ Identify how you want to describe the trend

Present Past
Use related Noun Use the Verb of change
Example: Example:
There was a fall in unemployment levels Unemployment levels fell

Common Error (X): Common Error (X):
There was a fell in unemployment levels Unemployment levels was fell

Example MUET MID 2010: Example MUET MID 2010:

There was a decrease in the number of The number of visits to Music Network
visits for Music Network from Week 1 to decreased from Week 1 to Week 2
Week2.

Common Error (X): Common Error (X):
There was a decreased in the number of The number of visits to Music Network
visits for Music Network from Week 1 to was decreased from Week 1 to Week 2
Week 2

To gain more marks in Language & Organisation:
✓ sentence structure; active to passive and vice versa
✓ the vocabulary; use intermittent between ‘Verb of Change’ and ‘Related Noun’
✓ Use effective linkers or cohesive devices
✓ the and appropriate trend to be used

✓ before constructing any sentences, whether you want to write the trend in the

form ( ) or the form ( )

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1 ✓ Identify keywords in the question OR
2
Present ✓ In the title(s) of the stimulus / stimuli given
Tense
✓ Words included in the 200 word count
Present / Past
Tense ✓ Introduce the question; use the title(s) of the stimulus or stimuli given
✓ Just use words such as;
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show , indicate, depict, present, illustrate
✓ For example:

➢ Figure 1 indicates …….. while / and Table 1 presents ….
➢ Table 1 depicts …… whereas Figure 1 illustrates …….

➢ The tables present …. Note:
➢ The visuals illustrate ….

➢ The stimulus shows …. Singular: Stimulus
➢ The stimuli depict …… Plural: Stimuli
✓ Vary the vocabulary

✓ Identify the GENERAL trend of ALL / BOTH the stimuli given
✓ shows the link or connection between the stimuli

given.
✓ Use words such as:

➢ Is influenced by / influences
➢ Corresponds with
➢ Is different from / differs from / There is a difference …
➢ There is a correlation between ……….
✓ Be careful; understand and differentiate between the meaning of

‘is influenced by’ with ‘corresponds with’
✓ Shows the MOST significant overall movement / pattern of the stimuli

(graphs) given. Ask questions:
➢ what is happening/what happened
➢ the main change over time
➢ the most noticeable trend in the graph
➢ the pattern over time

✓ Use words describing chart of movement such as:
➢ Increase, decrease, remained unchanged …etc

✓ Begin by just using the word:

➢

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3

KF + TREND + DATA = ANALYSIS

Example: , Music Network had the highest
In Week 1

number of visits, 40000 .

✓ / Show relationships between stimuli

✓

Example: , Music Network had the highest
In Week 1
Stimulus 1

number of visits, 40000 due to ‘Name That
Tune’

promotional activity. Stimulus 2

✓ Use words such as below to link the stimuli:
➢ due to / caused by / attributed to / because of / contributed to
➢ as
➢ while / whereas

✓ of the Overview (OV)
4 ✓ Use words such as:

➢ In conclusion, (stimuli 1) was influenced by (stimuli 2)….
➢ To conclude, (stimuli 1) corresponded with (stimuli 2)…
✓ Vary sentence structure

5

(??? Word Count)
✓ Do not exceed 200 words!
✓ Write between 190 – 200 words; if you were to write less than 180 words, there is a big

possibility that you….:
➢ Did not analyse or synthesize ALL the key features presented

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(i) Highlight keywords in the instruction (ii) Answer the question correctly

(i) Title of stimulus / stimuli (ii) Pay attention to( -y axis (iii) -x axis title and the
title) :unit of measurement legend

(i) -y axis title: Number in 000's, respondents (ii) -x axis title: weeks / months / years
concerned

Bear in mind these points: - Identify whether the stimulus / stimuli concern trend of movement
❖ Trends (T) or static (eg: increase / decrease or highest / lowest)

- Make sure the trend is correct and vocabulary to describe trend is
Precise

❖ Data - Must be accurate and relevant
- Take note of the unit of measurements from –y axis title
(eg: number in 000’s, respondents, acres, number of tigers…etc)

❖ Vocabulary - use varied and appropriate vocabulary; reported speech

❖ Sentence Structure - Be concise but not too simplistic (eg: no choppy sentences, vary
the structure – simple / complex , active / passive sentences)

❖ Coherence - Use linkers appropriately (eg: Firstly, next, however, then…..)

❖ Cohesion - Consistent usage of anaphoric reference (eg: this, these, it, they…)

❖ No assumptions, examples, illustrations and irrelevancies

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You need to have a strong foundation in the basic concepts of answering an Interpreting
Graphic Information (IGI) question. Once you have understood the basics, then you will be able to
answer any questions given.

We will refer to the past year MUET Mid-Year 2010 question as a guideline to help you

comprehend the simple basics of how to understand, interpret and lastly answer an IGI question

correctly. Follow the instructions and steps closely. Do not forget to refer to the and

notes given at the bottom of the pages.

Study the chart and table below. Using only the information given, write about the frequency of visits
to the three music websites by teenagers. In your writing, you are to link the data presented in both
visuals. You should write 150 to 200 words.

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Can be taken from:
1. The given instruction (pay attention after the phrase…. Write about …..)
2. The title of the stimulus / stimuli

Example 1. Given Instruction

2. Title of
stimuli

Time
Frame!!!

Time frame is essential in writing a Title!

A Title is optional BUT highly recommended to write

The first letters in the words MUST be CAPITAL LETTERS
Number of words written in Title is NOT included in the 150 – 200 word count

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Example: Time
Frame!!!
Time
Frame

Be concise
Just use the title of the stimulus / stimuli
Time frame is very important to write a complete Introduction (I)
Vary the vocabulary (Eg: Figure 1 indicates … while Table 1 presents …)

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Identify the MOST SIGNIFICANT / OBVIOUS trend / data or information for BOTH / ALL
stimulus / stimuli indicated
LINK the most significant / obvious trend or information for the stimulus / stimuli presented
Use title of the stimuli to help construct your sentence for Overview
Example 1

Time
Frame!!!

Time frame is essential in writing an OT

Be concise

Every question has different requirements; identify the
MOST significant/obvious trend, data or information

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You can also indicate the trend of movement in your Overview

Note how the overall general trend is also being used. 15 | P a g e

✓
✓
✓
✓

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In the case where you are unable to remember on how to identify the correct OV/OT
– Just use the title of the stimulus / stimuli and link them together using the general
trend of:

1. (Visual 1) is influenced by (Visual 2) / (Visual 2) is influenced by (Visual 1) /
(Visual 1) influences (Visual 2) / (Visual 2) influences (Visual 1) ….

2. (Visual 1) corresponds with (Visual 2) Or

3. (Visual 1) is different from (Visual 2) / (Visual 1) differs from (Visual 2) / There
is a difference in … (Visual 1) and (Visual 2)

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Important! T
Indicate r
unit e
n
d

Reminder: Information within the SAME stimulus => ANALYSIS

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✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓

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T
r
e
n
d

LINK information from BOTH stimuli => SYNTHESIS

Music Network was the only website which had a promotional activity, ‘Name That Tune’.

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• End your report by the overview. If the….

Generally, promotional activities in August the visits to the three music websites.

In conclusion, the visits to the three music websites the
promotional activities in August

TITLE Frequency of Visits to Three Music Websites by Teenagers

INTRODUCTION Figure 1 indicates the number of visits to three music websites by teenagers
OVERVIEW while Table 1 presents the promotional activities of the websites in August.
Generally, the frequency of visits to the websites is influenced by the type of
promotional activities offered in August.

BODY In Week 1, Music Network was the most popular website with 40 000
visits because it was the only website that organized promotional activity
ANALYSIS which was “Name the Tune”. (A & S).
SYNTHESIS Although all three websites had promotional activities in Week 2, giving free
music CDs was the most appealing as it enabled Music Connect to reach
the top spot with 35 000 visits. (A & S).
When there was no promotional activity in Week 3, the total number of
visits was the lowest with 63 000 visits compared to other weeks. (A & S)
Free concert tickets offered by Music Connect was the most effective
promotional activity among all as the number of visits increased
tremendously from 28 000 in Week 3 to an all-time high record of 55 000
visits in Week 4. (A & S)
Era Music with a total of 50 000 visits was the least favoured in all the
four weeks because it had only one promotional activity “Name the
Movie”. (A & S)

CONCLUSION In conclusion, the promotional activities in August influenced the frequency
of visits to the websites.

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NO ABBREVIATION EXPLANATION
1T Title
2I
3 OV Introduction
4A Overview
5S Analysis
6C Synthesis
7 Inacc. Conclusion
8 Assmp. Inaccuracy
9 Irr. Assumption
10 WSR Irrelevant
11 Desc. @ D Wrong Subject Reference
12 V Description

Vague

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A study was carried out to compare the market share of four hypermarkets from 2008 to 2014
in Malaysia. Using only the information provided, write your analysis. In your answer, you
are to link the information provided in the visuals. You should write 150 to 200 words.

Figure 1: Market Share of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 – 2014)

Market Share (%) 45%
40%
35% 2010 2012 2014
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%

5%
0%

2008

Year

Year 2008 2010 2012 2014

Hypermarket 16% 16% 17% 15%
---♦--- Super 25% 23% 21% 17%
---■--- Premium 31% 30% 31% 40%
---▲--- Prosper 28% 31% 31% 28%

X Mighty

Table 1: Profile of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 and 2014)

Hypermarket Super Premium Prosper Mighty
2008 2014 2008 2014 2008 2014
Profile 2008 2014

Number of stores 6 5 10 9 35 75 32 33

Number of workers 150 140 250 220 1000 2000 1000 1000

Do you think you can answer this question well?
Let us try your understanding by doing the error identification exercise in Page 22
Then identify how many Analysis & Synthesis which you are able to find in Page 23 & 24

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Market Share and Profile of Four Hypermarkets in 25 | P a g e
Malaysia in 2008 to 2014

Figure 1 show the market share of four hypermarkets in
Malaysia (2008 – 2014) while Table 1 shows profile of four
hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 – 2014).

To study the highest market share in Malaysia and understand
the profile of how they bring impact to market share.

As we can see the Prosper Hypermarket have decreased 31% to
30% in year 2008 to 2010 …..

… while Mighty Hypermarket have increased a lot from 28%
to 31% in 2008 to 2010.

Even though Prosper have 35 stores compared to Mighty who
only have 32 stores.

Furthermore, the lowest share in year 2008 were Super by
having 16% while Premium have 25% because the Premium
have 10 stores compared to Super it had only 6.

Beside that, Prosper have open more shop in 2014 by 40 outlet
in whole Malaysia and have increased the number of worker by
2000.
This have given Prosper Hypermarket share have increased like
sky rocket in year 2014. Even though, Premium Hypermarket
the third place in market share 2008 but the performance have
dropped from 25% (2008) to 17% (2014) the reason for
Premium have closed one of the outlet and been fired their
worker. This is the reason why Premium outlet have dropped
significantly.

In conclusion, number of stores and worker bring impact
toward market share (2008 – 2014)

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\
Market Share and Profits of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia

Figure 1 shows the market share of four hypermarkets in Malaysia from 2008 to 2014
while Table 1 shows the profiles of the four hypermarkets in 2008 and 2014. Generally, there
is a correlation between the market share of four hypermarkets and their profiles in 2008 and
2014.

In 2008, Super Hypermarket had the lowest market share at 16% because it had six
stores and 150 workers. Prosper Hypermarket had the highest market share at 31% because it
had 35 stores and 1000 workers.

In 2010, market share of Super Hypermarket remained the same at 16% whereas
Prosper Hypermarket’s market share decreased to 30%. Mighty Hypermarket had the highest
market share at 31%.

In 2012, Prosper Hypermarket and Mighty Hypermarket had the highest market share
at 31%. The lowest was Super Hypermarket’s market share at 17%.

In 2014, market share of Mighty Hypermarket decreased to 28% but market share of
Prosper Hypermarket increased to 40%, the highest because it had 74 stores and 2000 workers.
Super Hypermarket had the lowest at 15% because it had five stores and 140 workers. Market
share of Premium Hypermarket decreased from 25% in 2008 to 17% in 2014.

In conclusion, the profiles of the four hypermarkets influenced the market share of the
hypermarkets in 2008 and 2014.

(200 words)

Analysis Synthesis

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Market Share and Profile of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia

Figure 1 displays the four hypermarkets’ market share in Malaysia (2008-2014)
while Table 1 shows the hypermarkets’ profiles in 2008 and 2014. Generally, the four
hypermarkets’ profiles influenced their market share in 2008 and 2014.

In 2008, Prosper Hypermarket had the biggest market share at 31% because it
had the most number of stores (35). However, its market share dropped to the second
highest at 30% in 2010 and Mighty Hypermarket took the lead when the latter’s share
increased from 28% in 2008 to 31% in 2010. In 2012, both hypermarkets shared the top
spot with 31% of the share. Two years later, Prosper bounced back to the top with 40%
of the share because it had the highest number of stores (75) and workers (2000).

As for Premium Hypermarket, its market share dropped from 25% in 2008 to
17% in 2014 when its number of workers decreased from 250 in 2008 to 220 in 2014.
Market share of Super Hypermarket was the lowest in 2008 (16%) and 2014 (15%)
because it had the least number of stores, six in 2008 and five in 2014.

In conclusion, the profiles of the hypermarkets affected the hypermarkets’

market share in 2008 and 2014.

Number of words?

Analysis Synthesis

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*End 2010

Study the charts below. Write about air travellers’ choice of airlines. Relate this information to the
travellers’ degree of satisfaction with the airlines. You should write 150 to 200 words.

Figure 1: Number of Air Travellers by Airlines (2003-2008)

1800

1600

Number of travellers in 000s 1400 Air Eagle
Falcon Airways
1200 Swift Air

1000

800

600

400

200

0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
2003

Year

Figure 2: Air Travellers’ Rating of Satisfaction for 2008

Percentage (%) 120 100 100 95 Air Eagle
70 75 Falcon Airways
100 90 45 Swift Air
30 20
80 35
65
Price Punctuality Safety
60 Feature
45

40

20

0
Service

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No. Format / Guide Answer Notes
1 Title (T)

2 Introduction (I)

3 Overview (OV) /
Overall Trend
(OT)

4 Body
Paragraphs
Analysis (A)
and
Synthesis (S)

5 Conclusion (C) 29 | P a g e

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