One of the most important things to do is get the main idea of the graph.

First, identify the main features of the graph. What is happening? What are the biggest numbers? If it is a time graph, what are the biggest changes? What are the trends? (“Trends” means the main changes or differences over time.)

Use a Pen!

Ideally you need to find one main idea and, if possible, one or two more smaller ideas.

• Don’t have too much information
• Don’t analyze or explain everything in the graph
• Don’t go from left to right, explaining everything. Instead pick the main ideas.
• Use the biggest and next biggest - don’t mention everything in between.
• Don't mention the small or unimportant stuff
• Pick an idea and find information that supports it