Practice numeracy tasks for graphical data

Use the resources in this section to help you practise the learning outcomes for this module. We have offered some suggestions after each one below:

Recognise common data units, graphical data formats and related terms
  • Examine electricity, gas, or water bills for bar or line graphs showing usage over time. Write down some facts and how you might use this information, e.g. “My electricity usage seems to be much higher than the same period last year. I could check appliances are being used economically and turned off when not needed.”
  • Look out for graphical data in news articles and reports. Write factual statements based on your readings of tables, graphs and charts, e.g. “The local council spent more on road repairs than library services this year.” Use the information to inform decisions in day-to-day life.
  • Look at tables showing the weather forecast for your area and another area, and write comparative statements e.g. “The temperature in London is expected to be 5°C higher than in my town tomorrow.”
Read different types of data presented within different visual formats, including tables, charts, graphs and pictograms
  • Compare food packaging, using the information in nutrition tables to select foods that suit your needs e.g. Which item has the lowest sugar? Which item contains the most protein per 100g?
  • Use bus or train timetables to plan real or hypothetical journeys.
  • Research topics that interest you and find reports that include graphical data. You could try:

    Use the information to inform “dinner table” conversations with friends and family.

Interpret and compare graphical data presented within tables, charts and diagrams to extract insights, make decisions and solve problems
  • Look at price comparison charts or tables on shopping sites to select the best deals for you.
  • Analyse data available from your health and fitness apps (if you use them). Review step counts, heart rate graphs, or sleep diagrams – whatever is available.
  • Access reports from your workplace and analyse the information to inform action plans and solve problems, e.g. improving customer satisfaction.

When you have practised numeracy skills from each of these areas, you can try taking the quiz in the Activity zone. This will help you find out if you’re ready to take on the challenge in the interactive story: Data Unlocked.

Last modified: Thursday, 31 July 2025, 5:37 PM