Describing Bar Charts and Column Charts (1)

Bar charts and column charts are similar: only their orientations differ. A bar chart is orientated horizontally , whereas a column chart is arranged vertically . Sometimes "bar chart" refers to both forms.

These types of charts are usually used for comparison purposes (unlike authentic line graph examples, which describe change).

Observe the following chart :

This chart shows the populations of various European countries in the year 2021. The populations are only for one year, 2021, and so we cannot make any comments about change in population: we can only compare one county with another.

When you write about a bar or column chart it is important to look first at the Chart Title. This tells you what information the chart displays and you can use this information in your description.

Then look at the X and Y axes. The titles of these axes sometimes give you information you can use in your description. It is important also to look at the UNITS. On the Y-axis in this chart the units are millions. The population of Ireland in 2021 was not 5, but 5 million people.

Bar and column charts show similarities and differences. When describing these charts you need to make comparisons.

You also need to group together any columns which have broad similarities.

To write a short description of this bar chart ask yourself (and answer!) the following questions:

1. What exactly does the chart show? (Use the chart title to help you answer this question)
2. What are the axes and what are the units?
3. What similarities are there?
4. Is it possible to put some of the columns into one or more groups?
5. What differences are there?

Answering these questions will help you to write a short description of this simple column chart.

Here is an example:

This chart shows the populations of some European countries in 2021. The country with the largest population is France, with about 67 million people whereas Malta has the smallest population, at about half a million. Italy and Spain are the next largest countries with 59 and 47.5 million respectively. The only other country with more than 10 million people is Greece with about 10.5 million. All the other countries in this chart have less than 10 million although Hungary has about 9.7 million.

Vocabulary

To make comparisons, you need to know the comparatives and superlatives of common adjectives. Here are some examples:

To signal comparison and contrast within a sentence you can use the following conjunctions:

as ....... as, not as ......... as, not so ........ as, whereas, but, while, although

To signal comparison and contrast between sentences you can use the following adverbials:

However, By contrast, On the other hand, In comparison

See how data is presented in bar charts in authentic texts on the authentic line graph examples page.