TOPIC 7 TABLES, CHARTS AND GRAPHS
11 OUMH2203_topic07
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. Describe the various graphic aids (tables, bar charts, line graphs, pie
charts and pictographs) often used in business communication;
2. Identify the type of data best suited to be represented by the
respective graphic aids;
3. Interpret data presented by these graphic aids; and
4. Use words and expressions which describe changes or movements
depicted by these aids.
? INTRODUCTION
This topic introduces a variety of exercises that aim to develop your skills in
comprehending numerical data presented in the form of tables, charts and
graphs. Also included are exercises to develop your ability to interpret
flowcharts as well as Gantt charts. In addition, there are exercises that will hone
your vocabulary and grammatical skills to facilitate your understanding of these
different types of graphic aids.
7.1 TYPES OF GRAPHIC AIDS
Graphic aids are an important part of business communication, and tables are
one of the most common of these aids. All graphic aids that are not tables are
considered figures .
The most common types of graphic aids are bar graphs, pictographs, line graphs,
pie graphs, organisation charts, flowcharts, line drawings, cutaway drawings and
photographs.
7.1.1 Tables
Tables are commonly used for presenting numerical data. They are convenient
for presenting lots of data and giving absolute values when precision is very
important.
However, since they present items one at a time in columns, tables emphasise
discrete rather than continuous data. Tables are not visual; you need to use your
mind to translate each number into a relationship with every other number. This
makes it hard to show trends or direction via tables.
7.1.2 Bar Graphs
A bar graph uses bars of equal width in varying lengths to represent:
A comparison of items at one particular point in time;
A comparison of items over time;
Changes in one item over time; and
A comparison of portions of a single item.
The horizontal and vertical axes represent the two elements being illustrated,
such as time and quantity. Bars can extend in either a vertical or horizontal
direction. Bars can also appear on both sides of the axis to indicate positive and
negative quantities.
Bar graphs cannot represent exact quantities or provide comparisons of
quantities as precisely as tables can, but are useful for readers who want to
understand overall trends and comparisons.
7.1.3 Pictographs
A pictograph is a variation of a bar graph that uses symbols instead of bars to
illustrate specific quantities of items. Normally, a pictograph shows the changes
in particular items over a period of time.
The symbols should realistically correspond to the items, for instance, using the
symbol of a cow to represent milk production.
Pictographs provide novelty and eye-catching appeal, particularly in documents
intended for consumers. The use of pictographs is however, limited by the fact
that symbols cannot adequately represent exact figures or fractions.
7.1.4 Line Graphs
A line graph uses a line between the horizontal and vertical axes to show changes
in the relationship between the elements represented by the two axes. Line
graphs usually plot changes in quantity, or in position, and are particularly
useful for illustrating trends.
However, line graphs suffer from the same weakness as pictographs. Three or
four lines representing different items can appear on the same graph for
comparison. These lines must be differentiated by colour or design and a key
must identify them.
7.1.5 Pie Charts
A pie chart or pie graph is a circle representing a whole unit, with segments of
the circle or pie representing portions of the whole. These charts are often used to
indicate distribution trends.
Pie charts or pie graphs are particularly good at providing a quick visual impression
of a particular item but less effective in representing exact quantities. This difficulty
can be overcome by using call-outs which indicate the exact quantity of the item.
They are useful if the whole unit has between three and 10 segments.
Colours and shading are used to highlight segments of special importance or to
separate one segment from the pie for emphasis.
In preparing a pie chart, it is normal practice to place the largest segment at the
12 oÊclock position and then move clockwise, with the remaining segments in
descending order of size.
ACTIVITY 7.1
1. Match the labels in the box to the following graphic aids. Which of
these aids do you think have good visual impact?
pictograph bar chart pie chart line graph table
(a)
Answer: ______________________________________
(b)
Answer: ______________________________________
(c)
Answer: ______________________________________
(d)
Answer: ______________________________________
(e)
Answer: ______________________________________
2. Answer these questions by refering to information found in the
five graphic aids mentioned earlier.
(a) Which footwear brand had higher sales in 2000?
(b) What was the difference between the number of pairs of Nike
and Reebok shoes sold in 2003?
(c) In graphic (b), how many more cars were produced in 1996
as compared to 1994?
(d) In which year was the largest number of Ford cars produced
in the United States?
(e) How many cars did Chrysler produce in 1989?
(f) In graphic (d), which item recorded the biggest difference in
costs between 2001 and 2002?
(g) What was the amount spent on fuel in 2001?
(h) Which item in graphic (e) made up the smallest proportion of
the total expenditure on software development?
(i) What proportion of total software development expenditure
was spent on designing and troubleshooting?
3. Complete the table.
Type of Data Strengths Weaknesses
Tables For numerical data. Able to provide
very precise data.
Bar graphs Comparison of Cannot
items at one represent
particular time. exact
Comparison of quantities
items over time. or provide
Changes in one precise
item over time. comparisons
Comparison of of quantities.
portions of a
single item.
Pictographs Novelty appeal
and eye- catching.
Line Graphs Changes in quantity
or in position.
Pie Graphs Difficult to
represent exact
quantities.
4. In your opinion, how do graphic aids help to enhance business
communication?
? 129
7.2 TABLES
In this subtopic, we will learn about:
Interpreting data; and
Describing changes in data
7.2.1 Interpreting Data
This section gives you practice in interpreting data from tables. Table 7.1
compares the quantity of cars sold in Malaysia in 2000 and 2002.
Table 7.1: Car Sales in Malaysia (2000 and 2002)
CAR SALES IN MALAYSIA (2000 and 2002)
Company 2000 2002 % change
Proton 1,351,875 1,443,652 6.8
Ford 714,097 758,207 6.2
Chrysler 274.333 300,893 9.7
Honda 264,705 279,765 5.7
Toyota 128,546 140,983 9.7
BMW 91,730 85,205 -7.1
Nissan 77,888 74,232 -4.7
Mazda 93,138 64,155 -31.1
ACTIVITY 7.2
Using the information in Table 7.1, match the first halves of the sentences
(in Column A) with the correct endings (in Column B).
Column A Column B
(a) Proton (i) Slightly more cars than Honda.
(b) In 2002, BMWÊs production (ii) Was the second largest car
manufacturer.
(c) Ford (iii) Produced more cars than any other
manufacturer.
(d) In 2000, NissanÊs production (iv) Over twice as many cars as Chrysler.
(e) In both periods, Ford produced (v) Was 7.1% lower than in 2000.
(f) In both periods, Chrysler (vi) Was around 15,000 less than MazdaÊs.
produced
ACTIVITY 7.3
Look at the data in the table below to locate the errors in the paragraph that
follows. Cross out the errors and write your corrections above them.
Car Production by Japanese Manufacturers in
the United States 1985 - 1989
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
Sokayama (Honda) 13 44 55 231
Litrefree (Toyota) 145 238 324 366 362
*Figures are in Ê000 and are fictitious
The number of cars made by major Japanese manufacturers in the United
States grew considerably during the period from 1985 to 1989. Toyota
started making cars in the United States in 1985. In its first year, it
produced 14,000 cars. This was much more than Honda, the leading
Japanese car manufacturer in the United States. Both ToyotaÊs and
HondaÊs production fell in 1987 and 1988, (only slightly in 1987 but
sharply in 1988). In 1989, however, ToyotaÊs production rose very sharply
from 55,000 to 321,000. Honda, on the other hand, produced 362,000
cars five thousand more than in the previous year.
7.2.2 Describing Changes in Data
You will now be introduced to vocabulary that is often used to describe a change
or movement in the quantity or price of an item/ items.
Read the following newspaper extracts. The underlined words and expressions
describe a change or movement in terms of quantity or price. Please refer to
Figure 7.1.
Figure 7.1: Sample of words used to describe a change of quantity and price
The use of appropriate adverbs can also describe how changes in price/quantity
take place, for example as shown in Figure 7.2:
Figure 7.2: Changes in graphs
Read the sentences below. Some of them do not make sense. Explain why and
make the necessary changes.
(i) Sales of PCs fell steadily throughout last year.
(ii) Car sales plummeted marginally at the end of June.
(iii) The price of oil rocketed gradually in 1973.
(iv) The retail price index edged up sharply at the beginning of the year.
(v) Share prices dipped slightly towards the close of trading.
(vi) The government expects unemployment to continue to fall steadily.
ACTIVITY 7.4
Read the following extracts and underline the words that describe a
change or movement in terms of quantity or price.
(a) Rado Bank said net profit last (b) Sales of Malaysian-made cars
year grew by 12% and revenues plummeted again last month
went up by RM1.5 billion to despite a slight upturn in the
RMl2.88 billion. economy. Foreign importers
continued to strengthen their
However, this year, the bank
position, with European
expects cost increases to
producers edging up to third
accelerate and margins to come
position. The ringgit continues to
under growing pressure.
weaken, prolonging the slump in
Accordingly, it has boosted
Malaysian-made car exports to
provisions for general the Middle East.
contingencies to RM500 million.
The bank also reported an
advance in the volume of
lending despite the unsettled
local economy.
(c) Petrobras, the Brazilian (d) Ramli Bahari, chairman of
petroleum products monopoly, Malaysian Computer Designs,
increased the price of petrol on said on Friday that its personal
Monday by two cents. This is the computer shipments had risen
fifth price hike in the last month, sharply. Ramli said that
confirming the steady upward deliveries should climb to more
trend since the beginning of the than 25,000 units this year,
year. compared to 17,000 last year.
However, price reductions are
still eating into profit margins.
Adapted from: Sweeney, S. (2003).English for Business
Communication. Teacher's Book. London: Klett.
2. Indicate which of the given words below mean „to increase‰
(?), „to decrease‰ (?) and „to stay the same, that is, to remain
constant‰ (?).
(a) To drop (e) To touch bottom
(b) To soar (f) To remain at
(c) To rise (g) To edge down
(d) To fall
3. Three of the verbs above have an equivalent noun form. For
example, the noun form of to increase is an increase. Identify these
three verbs. Think of other verbs that could be included in this list.
Do they have equivalent noun forms? If so, what are they?
ACTIVITY 7.5
Use the prepositions in the box below to fill in the blanks in Text A and
Text B. Each preposition may be used more than once.
over under at by from of to
Text A
MalaysiaÊs biggest semi-conductor production company, Uniconductor
Berhad, raised net earnings _____________ (a) 13.2% last year _____________
(b) RM418 million, an increase _____________ (c) RM16 million. Preliminary
consolidated group profits rose_____________ (d) 9.2% _____________ (e)
RM490 million after tax.
Text B
At the end of June, sales stood ____________(a) RM125 million, having
risen _____________ (b) a previous low point _____________ (c) RM98
million. Then, in July, they crept up ______________(d) just
____________(e) RM130 million, but declined again _____________ (f)
just _____________ (g) RM120 million in September and October. This
fall continued throughout the latter half of the year when sales
decreased _____________ (h) another RM30 million.
7.3 LINE GRAPHS
Line graphs usually plot changes in quantity or in position and are useful for
highlighting movement or trends. You need to be able to read and interpret data
from graphs as well as to use data to plot graphs.
7.3.1 Interpreting Line Graphs
ACTIVITY 7.6
The line graph shows the movement in the price of gold in the year
2001. Study it carefully and fill in the blanks in the the text below,
using the words provided in the box.
marginally slightly steadily sharply gradually
The price of gold rose _________(i) during the first quarter from its
turn-of-the-year price (RM255 per ounce) but turned up
___________(ii) towards the end of June and continued to climb until
the end of the third quarter, when it fell ___________(iii).
However, it picked up __________(iv) again in November and
December and is expected to rise ________(v) in the New Year.
ACTIVITY 7.7
The graph below shows the sales for DuPint and Delottery for a year. A
set of 12 cards is given below the graph. Each card describes DuPint and
DeLotteryÊs sales for a month. Study the graph and indicate the month
that each card represents by filling in the blanks.
(a) Month: ________________ (b) Month: ________________
Sales had decreased to $230 The previous monthÊs sales had
million in the preceding month reached a peak at $290 million.
and levelled off at that figure in They now dropped by $40 million.
the last month of the quarter.
(c) Month: ________________ (d) Month: ________________
Sales had finished the previous Sales had remained above the $200
year at $220 million. They million mark since the beginning
started the new year with a rise of the year but now dropped by
of $30 million over the first $70 million to reach $190 million,
month. the lowest point for the year.
(e) Month: ________________ (f) Month: ________________
In spite of a $10 million drop in Sales had reached $250 million.
the last month, sales still They now fell by $20 million.
finished $20 million up in the
same month in the previous
year.
(g) Month: ________________ (h) Month: ________________
The most difficult period was Sales had been steady for a
now over and in the following month at $250 million. They
month recovery began. Sales now increased slightly, picking
increased by $30 million to up by $10 million to reach $260
reach $220 million. million.
(i) Month: ________________ (j) Month: ________________
Sales had reached their worst Sales increased again by the
level for the year and they same amount they had risen the
bottomed out at $190 million preceding month, which
for a month. brought them up to $250
million.
(k) Month: ________________ (l) Month: ________________
Sales stabilised at $250 million, Sales had been constant for a
the level they had reached the month when they soared from
previous month. $230 million by $60 million to
reach $290 million, a new
record for the company.
7.3.2 Plotting Line Graphs
The following is an extract from the financial report of the Japanese advertising
agency Dentsu Incorporated. Read the report and draw the line graph in the
space provided.
ACTIVITY 7.8
The companyÊs net income increased considerably during the 1990s.
However, during the early 1990s, growth was very slow. This was
because most of the agencyÊs clients are Japanese companies and the
Japanese economy grew slowly during the first half of the decade. Net
income actually fell by $4 million from $25 million to $21 million in
1992 and revenues remained stagnant during the period 1993 to 1995.
As the Japanese economy grew faster during the late 1990s, the
companyÊs income increased significantly. The recovery started in
1996, when net income reached $30 million. It rose by $8 million in 1997
and by a further $24 million in 1998.
Then, in 1999, there was a very sharp increase and income reached a
record level of $102 million. In fact, income peaked in 1999 because in
2000, there was a slight fall in income to $96 million.
Adapted from:
R. Barnard and
J. Cady (1994).
Business
Venture 2,
Oxford
University Press
7.3.3 Useful Phrases
When interpreting line graphs, it is helpful to use linking words to show cause
and effect. Look at Figure 7.3:
Figure 7.3: Examples of linking words that show cause and effect
ACTIVITY 7.9
Use appropriate linking words to link the following sentences.
Effect Linking Cause
words
(a) Group earnings rose slightly owing to the low volume of
consumer spending.
(b) The low volume of high interest rates.
consumer spending
(c) This dramatic slump in some badly planned
profits diversification moves.
(d) Earnings began to grow some necessary
again restructuring.
(e) This period of zero growth the prolonged recession.
(f) Profits slumped again uncertainty in high-risk
countries.
(g) The group began to perform the appointment of a new
well again senior management team.
7.4 GETTING TO KNOW GANTT CHARTS
A Gantt chart is used for scheduling and tracking key events that are necessary to
complete a project. A Gantt chart shows the steps involved in a project and their
relationships over time.
The Gantt chart in Figure 7.4 was created by Armin Ahzab, a development team
leader at an advertising firm, DÊlight Advertising. ArminÊs Gantt chart shows the
key stages involved in developing an advertising clip for Brio ConfectioneryÊs
latest product Snap It!
Figure 7.4: Gantt Chart on the Development of Advertising Clip for Brio Confectionery
A Gantt chart is constructed with a horizontal axis representing the total time span
of the project, broken down into increments (days, weeks or months). In the chart
above, the project is scheduled to be completed between November 1 and 18.
The vertical axis of the Gantt chart consists of a listing of the key tasks that make
up the project. In the example given, the key tasks begin with „Brainstorm‰ and
end with „Final Presentation.‰
The graph area of the Gantt chart contains horizontal bars. For each task, the
length of the horizontal bar indicates the duration of that task or step. Work to
prepare „Video Presentation‰, for example, will commence on Nov 8.
The Gantt chart can also contain features such as milestones. A milestone is an
important checkpoint or interim goal for a project. In the Gantt chart above, the
„Final Presentation‰ is considered a milestone.
Dependencies are another variant. Dependencies refer to the idea that some
activities are dependent on other activities being completed first. In this chart,
„Copywriting‰ is dependent upon the „Brainstorming‰ that precedes it.
It sometimes helps to have an additional column containing numbers or initials
which identify who on the team is responsible for which task.
A Gantt chart can also help a team to document progress on a project. As the
project progresses along, the chart is updated by filling in the task bar to a length
proportional to the amount of work that has been finished.
ACTIVITY 7.10
1. Answer the following questions:
(a) A Gantt chart is normally used for scheduling and tracking
the key events and steps that are necessary to complete a
project. What else can a Gantt chart be used for?
(b) What does the length of the horizontal bars on a Gantt
chart indicate?
(c) What is meant by „dependencies‰?
(d) Which company developed this Gantt chart?
(e) Armin Ahzab is the team leader for this project. How
many members does he have on his team?
(f) Who will proofread the advertising copy developed by
Armin?
(g) What is Samy responsible for?
(h) Which member of the team will work the longest on this
project? What are the tasks that this person will work on?
(i) Which task will take the longest to complete?
(j) Which task has not yet been assigned to a team member?
Why?
(k) The „Final Presentation‰ is considered a milestone. Which
other event is also considered a milestone of this project?
(l) When will the slides be developed?
2. Based on your understanding, why are Gantt charts useful in
project management?
ACTIVITY 7.11
Mr Liew is a prosperous businessman. He has three sons and a daughter.
Mr Liew and his wife occupy the master bedroom in his house. However,
there are only three other bedrooms. Mr LiewÊs eldest son and daughter
have a room each. His two younger sons have to share a room. But the boys
are growing up and they each want a room of their own. Tired of the
constant pestering, Mr Liew decides to build an extension to his bungalow.
To accommodate the extension, it is necessary to tear up the old driveway to
Mr LiewÊs house. This is the Gantt chart that Mr Ashroff from Ashroff and
Loong Architect Sdn Bhd has developed for Mr Liew.
Fill in the blanks below with information from the Gantt Chart.
Mr LiewÊs house is more than 30 years old and he no longer has the
building and site plans. Mr Liew, therefore, had to first engage
______________ (1) to survey the site. The survey was carried out on
______________(2). The plan was then given to Ashroff and Loong Architect
Sdn Bhd who ______________ (3) for the extension.
The architects worked very hard and were able to complete the plan in
______________ (4) days. The plans were then submitted to the
______________ (5). Approval was obtained on ______________ (6). The
following day, ______________ (7) commenced work on ______________
(8) tasks. The first was ______________ (9) and the second was
______________ (10).
On ______________ (11) the concrete slab was poured on the site of
the extension and concrete was also poured for Mr LiewÊs new driveway.
The frame of the extension to Mr LiewÊs house was put up
in ______________ days (12) and in another ______________ (13) days
the roof was also completed.
Workmen from ______________ (14) then took just a day to
______________(15). Once this was completed, the workers from
______________ (16) then completed the finishing of the exterior on
______________ (17). Mr Liew was extremely happy. The extension to his
house had been completed in just ______________ (18) working days.
In this topic, you did several exercises which gave you insight into data
presented via graphic aids such as tables, charts and graphs.
You also learned to interpret information that is presented sequentially via
graphic aids.
The many grammar and vocabulary activities were designed to help you
correctly use words and expressions that describe changes and movements in
graphically displayed information.
Bar chart
Line graph
Gantt chart
Pictograph
11 OUMH2203_topic07
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. Describe the various graphic aids (tables, bar charts, line graphs, pie
charts and pictographs) often used in business communication;
2. Identify the type of data best suited to be represented by the
respective graphic aids;
3. Interpret data presented by these graphic aids; and
4. Use words and expressions which describe changes or movements
depicted by these aids.
? INTRODUCTION
This topic introduces a variety of exercises that aim to develop your skills in
comprehending numerical data presented in the form of tables, charts and
graphs. Also included are exercises to develop your ability to interpret
flowcharts as well as Gantt charts. In addition, there are exercises that will hone
your vocabulary and grammatical skills to facilitate your understanding of these
different types of graphic aids.
7.1 TYPES OF GRAPHIC AIDS
Graphic aids are an important part of business communication, and tables are
one of the most common of these aids. All graphic aids that are not tables are
considered figures .
The most common types of graphic aids are bar graphs, pictographs, line graphs,
pie graphs, organisation charts, flowcharts, line drawings, cutaway drawings and
photographs.
7.1.1 Tables
Tables are commonly used for presenting numerical data. They are convenient
for presenting lots of data and giving absolute values when precision is very
important.
However, since they present items one at a time in columns, tables emphasise
discrete rather than continuous data. Tables are not visual; you need to use your
mind to translate each number into a relationship with every other number. This
makes it hard to show trends or direction via tables.
7.1.2 Bar Graphs
A bar graph uses bars of equal width in varying lengths to represent:
A comparison of items at one particular point in time;
A comparison of items over time;
Changes in one item over time; and
A comparison of portions of a single item.
The horizontal and vertical axes represent the two elements being illustrated,
such as time and quantity. Bars can extend in either a vertical or horizontal
direction. Bars can also appear on both sides of the axis to indicate positive and
negative quantities.
Bar graphs cannot represent exact quantities or provide comparisons of
quantities as precisely as tables can, but are useful for readers who want to
understand overall trends and comparisons.
7.1.3 Pictographs
A pictograph is a variation of a bar graph that uses symbols instead of bars to
illustrate specific quantities of items. Normally, a pictograph shows the changes
in particular items over a period of time.
The symbols should realistically correspond to the items, for instance, using the
symbol of a cow to represent milk production.
Pictographs provide novelty and eye-catching appeal, particularly in documents
intended for consumers. The use of pictographs is however, limited by the fact
that symbols cannot adequately represent exact figures or fractions.
7.1.4 Line Graphs
A line graph uses a line between the horizontal and vertical axes to show changes
in the relationship between the elements represented by the two axes. Line
graphs usually plot changes in quantity, or in position, and are particularly
useful for illustrating trends.
However, line graphs suffer from the same weakness as pictographs. Three or
four lines representing different items can appear on the same graph for
comparison. These lines must be differentiated by colour or design and a key
must identify them.
7.1.5 Pie Charts
A pie chart or pie graph is a circle representing a whole unit, with segments of
the circle or pie representing portions of the whole. These charts are often used to
indicate distribution trends.
Pie charts or pie graphs are particularly good at providing a quick visual impression
of a particular item but less effective in representing exact quantities. This difficulty
can be overcome by using call-outs which indicate the exact quantity of the item.
They are useful if the whole unit has between three and 10 segments.
Colours and shading are used to highlight segments of special importance or to
separate one segment from the pie for emphasis.
In preparing a pie chart, it is normal practice to place the largest segment at the
12 oÊclock position and then move clockwise, with the remaining segments in
descending order of size.
ACTIVITY 7.1
1. Match the labels in the box to the following graphic aids. Which of
these aids do you think have good visual impact?
pictograph bar chart pie chart line graph table
(a)
Answer: ______________________________________
(b)
Answer: ______________________________________
(c)
Answer: ______________________________________
(d)
Answer: ______________________________________
(e)
Answer: ______________________________________
2. Answer these questions by refering to information found in the
five graphic aids mentioned earlier.
(a) Which footwear brand had higher sales in 2000?
(b) What was the difference between the number of pairs of Nike
and Reebok shoes sold in 2003?
(c) In graphic (b), how many more cars were produced in 1996
as compared to 1994?
(d) In which year was the largest number of Ford cars produced
in the United States?
(e) How many cars did Chrysler produce in 1989?
(f) In graphic (d), which item recorded the biggest difference in
costs between 2001 and 2002?
(g) What was the amount spent on fuel in 2001?
(h) Which item in graphic (e) made up the smallest proportion of
the total expenditure on software development?
(i) What proportion of total software development expenditure
was spent on designing and troubleshooting?
3. Complete the table.
Type of Data Strengths Weaknesses
Tables For numerical data. Able to provide
very precise data.
Bar graphs Comparison of Cannot
items at one represent
particular time. exact
Comparison of quantities
items over time. or provide
Changes in one precise
item over time. comparisons
Comparison of of quantities.
portions of a
single item.
Pictographs Novelty appeal
and eye- catching.
Line Graphs Changes in quantity
or in position.
Pie Graphs Difficult to
represent exact
quantities.
4. In your opinion, how do graphic aids help to enhance business
communication?
? 129
7.2 TABLES
In this subtopic, we will learn about:
Interpreting data; and
Describing changes in data
7.2.1 Interpreting Data
This section gives you practice in interpreting data from tables. Table 7.1
compares the quantity of cars sold in Malaysia in 2000 and 2002.
Table 7.1: Car Sales in Malaysia (2000 and 2002)
CAR SALES IN MALAYSIA (2000 and 2002)
Company 2000 2002 % change
Proton 1,351,875 1,443,652 6.8
Ford 714,097 758,207 6.2
Chrysler 274.333 300,893 9.7
Honda 264,705 279,765 5.7
Toyota 128,546 140,983 9.7
BMW 91,730 85,205 -7.1
Nissan 77,888 74,232 -4.7
Mazda 93,138 64,155 -31.1
ACTIVITY 7.2
Using the information in Table 7.1, match the first halves of the sentences
(in Column A) with the correct endings (in Column B).
Column A Column B
(a) Proton (i) Slightly more cars than Honda.
(b) In 2002, BMWÊs production (ii) Was the second largest car
manufacturer.
(c) Ford (iii) Produced more cars than any other
manufacturer.
(d) In 2000, NissanÊs production (iv) Over twice as many cars as Chrysler.
(e) In both periods, Ford produced (v) Was 7.1% lower than in 2000.
(f) In both periods, Chrysler (vi) Was around 15,000 less than MazdaÊs.
produced
ACTIVITY 7.3
Look at the data in the table below to locate the errors in the paragraph that
follows. Cross out the errors and write your corrections above them.
Car Production by Japanese Manufacturers in
the United States 1985 - 1989
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
Sokayama (Honda) 13 44 55 231
Litrefree (Toyota) 145 238 324 366 362
*Figures are in Ê000 and are fictitious
The number of cars made by major Japanese manufacturers in the United
States grew considerably during the period from 1985 to 1989. Toyota
started making cars in the United States in 1985. In its first year, it
produced 14,000 cars. This was much more than Honda, the leading
Japanese car manufacturer in the United States. Both ToyotaÊs and
HondaÊs production fell in 1987 and 1988, (only slightly in 1987 but
sharply in 1988). In 1989, however, ToyotaÊs production rose very sharply
from 55,000 to 321,000. Honda, on the other hand, produced 362,000
cars five thousand more than in the previous year.
7.2.2 Describing Changes in Data
You will now be introduced to vocabulary that is often used to describe a change
or movement in the quantity or price of an item/ items.
Read the following newspaper extracts. The underlined words and expressions
describe a change or movement in terms of quantity or price. Please refer to
Figure 7.1.
Figure 7.1: Sample of words used to describe a change of quantity and price
The use of appropriate adverbs can also describe how changes in price/quantity
take place, for example as shown in Figure 7.2:
Figure 7.2: Changes in graphs
Read the sentences below. Some of them do not make sense. Explain why and
make the necessary changes.
(i) Sales of PCs fell steadily throughout last year.
(ii) Car sales plummeted marginally at the end of June.
(iii) The price of oil rocketed gradually in 1973.
(iv) The retail price index edged up sharply at the beginning of the year.
(v) Share prices dipped slightly towards the close of trading.
(vi) The government expects unemployment to continue to fall steadily.
ACTIVITY 7.4
Read the following extracts and underline the words that describe a
change or movement in terms of quantity or price.
(a) Rado Bank said net profit last (b) Sales of Malaysian-made cars
year grew by 12% and revenues plummeted again last month
went up by RM1.5 billion to despite a slight upturn in the
RMl2.88 billion. economy. Foreign importers
continued to strengthen their
However, this year, the bank
position, with European
expects cost increases to
producers edging up to third
accelerate and margins to come
position. The ringgit continues to
under growing pressure.
weaken, prolonging the slump in
Accordingly, it has boosted
Malaysian-made car exports to
provisions for general the Middle East.
contingencies to RM500 million.
The bank also reported an
advance in the volume of
lending despite the unsettled
local economy.
(c) Petrobras, the Brazilian (d) Ramli Bahari, chairman of
petroleum products monopoly, Malaysian Computer Designs,
increased the price of petrol on said on Friday that its personal
Monday by two cents. This is the computer shipments had risen
fifth price hike in the last month, sharply. Ramli said that
confirming the steady upward deliveries should climb to more
trend since the beginning of the than 25,000 units this year,
year. compared to 17,000 last year.
However, price reductions are
still eating into profit margins.
Adapted from: Sweeney, S. (2003).English for Business
Communication. Teacher's Book. London: Klett.
2. Indicate which of the given words below mean „to increase‰
(?), „to decrease‰ (?) and „to stay the same, that is, to remain
constant‰ (?).
(a) To drop (e) To touch bottom
(b) To soar (f) To remain at
(c) To rise (g) To edge down
(d) To fall
3. Three of the verbs above have an equivalent noun form. For
example, the noun form of to increase is an increase. Identify these
three verbs. Think of other verbs that could be included in this list.
Do they have equivalent noun forms? If so, what are they?
ACTIVITY 7.5
Use the prepositions in the box below to fill in the blanks in Text A and
Text B. Each preposition may be used more than once.
over under at by from of to
Text A
MalaysiaÊs biggest semi-conductor production company, Uniconductor
Berhad, raised net earnings _____________ (a) 13.2% last year _____________
(b) RM418 million, an increase _____________ (c) RM16 million. Preliminary
consolidated group profits rose_____________ (d) 9.2% _____________ (e)
RM490 million after tax.
Text B
At the end of June, sales stood ____________(a) RM125 million, having
risen _____________ (b) a previous low point _____________ (c) RM98
million. Then, in July, they crept up ______________(d) just
____________(e) RM130 million, but declined again _____________ (f)
just _____________ (g) RM120 million in September and October. This
fall continued throughout the latter half of the year when sales
decreased _____________ (h) another RM30 million.
7.3 LINE GRAPHS
Line graphs usually plot changes in quantity or in position and are useful for
highlighting movement or trends. You need to be able to read and interpret data
from graphs as well as to use data to plot graphs.
7.3.1 Interpreting Line Graphs
ACTIVITY 7.6
The line graph shows the movement in the price of gold in the year
2001. Study it carefully and fill in the blanks in the the text below,
using the words provided in the box.
marginally slightly steadily sharply gradually
The price of gold rose _________(i) during the first quarter from its
turn-of-the-year price (RM255 per ounce) but turned up
___________(ii) towards the end of June and continued to climb until
the end of the third quarter, when it fell ___________(iii).
However, it picked up __________(iv) again in November and
December and is expected to rise ________(v) in the New Year.
ACTIVITY 7.7
The graph below shows the sales for DuPint and Delottery for a year. A
set of 12 cards is given below the graph. Each card describes DuPint and
DeLotteryÊs sales for a month. Study the graph and indicate the month
that each card represents by filling in the blanks.
(a) Month: ________________ (b) Month: ________________
Sales had decreased to $230 The previous monthÊs sales had
million in the preceding month reached a peak at $290 million.
and levelled off at that figure in They now dropped by $40 million.
the last month of the quarter.
(c) Month: ________________ (d) Month: ________________
Sales had finished the previous Sales had remained above the $200
year at $220 million. They million mark since the beginning
started the new year with a rise of the year but now dropped by
of $30 million over the first $70 million to reach $190 million,
month. the lowest point for the year.
(e) Month: ________________ (f) Month: ________________
In spite of a $10 million drop in Sales had reached $250 million.
the last month, sales still They now fell by $20 million.
finished $20 million up in the
same month in the previous
year.
(g) Month: ________________ (h) Month: ________________
The most difficult period was Sales had been steady for a
now over and in the following month at $250 million. They
month recovery began. Sales now increased slightly, picking
increased by $30 million to up by $10 million to reach $260
reach $220 million. million.
(i) Month: ________________ (j) Month: ________________
Sales had reached their worst Sales increased again by the
level for the year and they same amount they had risen the
bottomed out at $190 million preceding month, which
for a month. brought them up to $250
million.
(k) Month: ________________ (l) Month: ________________
Sales stabilised at $250 million, Sales had been constant for a
the level they had reached the month when they soared from
previous month. $230 million by $60 million to
reach $290 million, a new
record for the company.
7.3.2 Plotting Line Graphs
The following is an extract from the financial report of the Japanese advertising
agency Dentsu Incorporated. Read the report and draw the line graph in the
space provided.
ACTIVITY 7.8
The companyÊs net income increased considerably during the 1990s.
However, during the early 1990s, growth was very slow. This was
because most of the agencyÊs clients are Japanese companies and the
Japanese economy grew slowly during the first half of the decade. Net
income actually fell by $4 million from $25 million to $21 million in
1992 and revenues remained stagnant during the period 1993 to 1995.
As the Japanese economy grew faster during the late 1990s, the
companyÊs income increased significantly. The recovery started in
1996, when net income reached $30 million. It rose by $8 million in 1997
and by a further $24 million in 1998.
Then, in 1999, there was a very sharp increase and income reached a
record level of $102 million. In fact, income peaked in 1999 because in
2000, there was a slight fall in income to $96 million.
Adapted from:
R. Barnard and
J. Cady (1994).
Business
Venture 2,
Oxford
University Press
7.3.3 Useful Phrases
When interpreting line graphs, it is helpful to use linking words to show cause
and effect. Look at Figure 7.3:
Figure 7.3: Examples of linking words that show cause and effect
ACTIVITY 7.9
Use appropriate linking words to link the following sentences.
Effect Linking Cause
words
(a) Group earnings rose slightly owing to the low volume of
consumer spending.
(b) The low volume of high interest rates.
consumer spending
(c) This dramatic slump in some badly planned
profits diversification moves.
(d) Earnings began to grow some necessary
again restructuring.
(e) This period of zero growth the prolonged recession.
(f) Profits slumped again uncertainty in high-risk
countries.
(g) The group began to perform the appointment of a new
well again senior management team.
7.4 GETTING TO KNOW GANTT CHARTS
A Gantt chart is used for scheduling and tracking key events that are necessary to
complete a project. A Gantt chart shows the steps involved in a project and their
relationships over time.
The Gantt chart in Figure 7.4 was created by Armin Ahzab, a development team
leader at an advertising firm, DÊlight Advertising. ArminÊs Gantt chart shows the
key stages involved in developing an advertising clip for Brio ConfectioneryÊs
latest product Snap It!
Figure 7.4: Gantt Chart on the Development of Advertising Clip for Brio Confectionery
A Gantt chart is constructed with a horizontal axis representing the total time span
of the project, broken down into increments (days, weeks or months). In the chart
above, the project is scheduled to be completed between November 1 and 18.
The vertical axis of the Gantt chart consists of a listing of the key tasks that make
up the project. In the example given, the key tasks begin with „Brainstorm‰ and
end with „Final Presentation.‰
The graph area of the Gantt chart contains horizontal bars. For each task, the
length of the horizontal bar indicates the duration of that task or step. Work to
prepare „Video Presentation‰, for example, will commence on Nov 8.
The Gantt chart can also contain features such as milestones. A milestone is an
important checkpoint or interim goal for a project. In the Gantt chart above, the
„Final Presentation‰ is considered a milestone.
Dependencies are another variant. Dependencies refer to the idea that some
activities are dependent on other activities being completed first. In this chart,
„Copywriting‰ is dependent upon the „Brainstorming‰ that precedes it.
It sometimes helps to have an additional column containing numbers or initials
which identify who on the team is responsible for which task.
A Gantt chart can also help a team to document progress on a project. As the
project progresses along, the chart is updated by filling in the task bar to a length
proportional to the amount of work that has been finished.
ACTIVITY 7.10
1. Answer the following questions:
(a) A Gantt chart is normally used for scheduling and tracking
the key events and steps that are necessary to complete a
project. What else can a Gantt chart be used for?
(b) What does the length of the horizontal bars on a Gantt
chart indicate?
(c) What is meant by „dependencies‰?
(d) Which company developed this Gantt chart?
(e) Armin Ahzab is the team leader for this project. How
many members does he have on his team?
(f) Who will proofread the advertising copy developed by
Armin?
(g) What is Samy responsible for?
(h) Which member of the team will work the longest on this
project? What are the tasks that this person will work on?
(i) Which task will take the longest to complete?
(j) Which task has not yet been assigned to a team member?
Why?
(k) The „Final Presentation‰ is considered a milestone. Which
other event is also considered a milestone of this project?
(l) When will the slides be developed?
2. Based on your understanding, why are Gantt charts useful in
project management?
ACTIVITY 7.11
Mr Liew is a prosperous businessman. He has three sons and a daughter.
Mr Liew and his wife occupy the master bedroom in his house. However,
there are only three other bedrooms. Mr LiewÊs eldest son and daughter
have a room each. His two younger sons have to share a room. But the boys
are growing up and they each want a room of their own. Tired of the
constant pestering, Mr Liew decides to build an extension to his bungalow.
To accommodate the extension, it is necessary to tear up the old driveway to
Mr LiewÊs house. This is the Gantt chart that Mr Ashroff from Ashroff and
Loong Architect Sdn Bhd has developed for Mr Liew.
Fill in the blanks below with information from the Gantt Chart.
Mr LiewÊs house is more than 30 years old and he no longer has the
building and site plans. Mr Liew, therefore, had to first engage
______________ (1) to survey the site. The survey was carried out on
______________(2). The plan was then given to Ashroff and Loong Architect
Sdn Bhd who ______________ (3) for the extension.
The architects worked very hard and were able to complete the plan in
______________ (4) days. The plans were then submitted to the
______________ (5). Approval was obtained on ______________ (6). The
following day, ______________ (7) commenced work on ______________
(8) tasks. The first was ______________ (9) and the second was
______________ (10).
On ______________ (11) the concrete slab was poured on the site of
the extension and concrete was also poured for Mr LiewÊs new driveway.
The frame of the extension to Mr LiewÊs house was put up
in ______________ days (12) and in another ______________ (13) days
the roof was also completed.
Workmen from ______________ (14) then took just a day to
______________(15). Once this was completed, the workers from
______________ (16) then completed the finishing of the exterior on
______________ (17). Mr Liew was extremely happy. The extension to his
house had been completed in just ______________ (18) working days.
In this topic, you did several exercises which gave you insight into data
presented via graphic aids such as tables, charts and graphs.
You also learned to interpret information that is presented sequentially via
graphic aids.
The many grammar and vocabulary activities were designed to help you
correctly use words and expressions that describe changes and movements in
graphically displayed information.
Bar chart
Line graph
Gantt chart
Pictograph
No comments:
Post a Comment