Introduction to Non-linear Media
In your English lessons, you are used to reading stories, news articles, and emails. These are called "linear" texts because you read them from start to finish. However, in the real world and in your exams, information is often shown using non-linear media. This means information presented through charts, tables, graphs, and diagrams.
Why do we use them? Because they make complex information easy to see at a glance! This chapter will help you master the skill of "translating" these visuals into English sentences, which is a key requirement for the ม.4–6 curriculum (Indicator ต 1.1 ม.4-6/3).
1. Common Types of Non-linear Media
You will likely encounter these four main types in your reading tests:
A. Tables (ตาราง)
Tables organize information into rows (horizontal) and columns (vertical). They are best for looking up specific numbers or facts.
Quick Tip: Always read the headers (the top row and the first column) first. They tell you exactly what the data represents.
B. Bar Charts (แผนภูมิแท่ง)
Bar charts use rectangular bars to show size or amount. They are perfect for comparing different categories, such as the popularity of different sports among students.
Look for: Which bar is the tallest (the most/highest) and which is the shortest (the least/lowest)?
C. Pie Charts (แผนภูมิรูปวงกลม)
A pie chart looks like a pizza cut into slices. It shows proportions or "parts of a whole." The total "pizza" always equals \(100\%\).
Look for: The "biggest slice" represents the majority or the most common item.
D. Line Graphs (กราฟเส้น)
Line graphs use points connected by lines. They are almost always used to show trends over time (e.g., how the temperature changes from morning to night).
Look for: Is the line going up, going down, or staying flat?
Key Takeaway: Before reading the questions, identify the type of visual you are looking at and what its main purpose is.
2. Essential Vocabulary for Interpretation
To talk about charts and graphs like a pro, you need specific "trend" and "comparison" words. Here are the ones most common for the ม.4–6 level:
Describing Trends (Going Up and Down)
Upward movement: Increase, rise, grow, climb.
Example: "The number of tourists increased in 2023."
Downward movement: Decrease, fall, drop, decline.
Example: "Sales of CD players dropped significantly."
No change: Remain steady, stay the same, plateau.
Example: "The price of rice remained steady throughout the year."
Making Comparisons
Since you are often asked to compare data, remember your comparative and superlative adjectives:
Comparatives (comparing two things): Higher than, lower than, more expensive than, fewer than.
Superlatives (comparing three or more): The highest, the lowest, the most popular, the least common.
Did you know? Words like "approximately" (about) and "roughly" are very useful when a bar or line is between two numbers on a scale!
3. Understanding Abbreviations
Non-linear media often uses short forms to save space. You should recognize these common English abbreviations:
vs. = versus (comparing two things)
approx. = approximately (about/roughly)
max. / min. = maximum / minimum
p.a. = per annum (per year)
qty. = quantity (amount)
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Reading Visuals
Don't worry if a graph looks complicated at first! Just follow these four steps:
Step 1: Read the Title
The title tells you the "Who, What, and Where" of the data. Don't skip it!
Step 2: Check the Labels (Axes)
On a graph, look at the bottom line (X-axis) and the side line (Y-axis). What are they measuring? Is it time (years, months)? Is it money (\$, ฿)? Is it a percentage (\(\%\))?
Step 3: Find the Extremes
Look for the highest point and the lowest point. Exam questions almost always ask about these two things.
Step 4: Look for Patterns
Is the data generally going up? Is it zig-zagging? Identifying the general "story" of the graph helps you answer "main idea" questions.
Key Takeaway: Always double-check the units. If the side of the graph says "In millions," a bar at the number \(5\) actually means \(5,000,000\)!
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing "Number" and "Percentage":
In a pie chart, a slice might be \(25\%\), but that doesn't mean it represents \(25\) people. It means \(25\%\) of the total group.
2. Misreading the Time Scale:
Make sure you look at the dates carefully. Sometimes graphs go from right to left or use fiscal years instead of calendar years.
3. Assuming Cause:
If a graph shows that ice cream sales and shark attacks both went up in July, it doesn't mean ice cream causes shark attacks! (They both just happen in summer). Stick to what the data actually shows.
Summary Checklist
When you see a chart or graph in your English exam, ask yourself:
• What is the title?
• What do the labels represent?
• Which category is the largest/smallest?
• Is there a clear trend (rising or falling)?
• Are there any abbreviations I need to decode?
Note: For more practice on understanding the writer's intent behind these visuals, see the chapter on "Text organisation and writer's purpose."