Activity 2.4

The following graphs show exports from the UK, USA and China in one year.

Which diagram (1-4) shows:

1. a big gap that shrinks over time?
2. a gradual increase that suddenly increases more quickly?
3. two things that show a similar growth for most of the period?
4. something that starts out highest, but becomes the lowest?
5. something that starts out highest, but becomes middle-ranked?
6. two things that show a similar growth for a part of the period?
7. two countries with the same share of something?

Activity 2. 5

Match the graph (1-4) to the overview.

1. The USA had the highest proportion of regional exports, but the lowest proportion of international exports. China and the UK had similar proportions of international exports, but different proportions of the other categories.
2. Exports rose steadily in every country, but increased sharply in the USA and the UK, and gradually in China. The UK showed the greatest increase overall.
3. The USA showed a reasonably steady decline in exports over the period, while the UK's exports fluctuated, but showed an overall slight increase. China showed dramatic fluctuations in exports, but there was no overall increase or decrease over the period.
4. Exports showed an increasing trend, with some fluctuations, in every country over the period. However, in the future the most dramatic increase is predicted for China. It will go from the lowest of the three countries shown, to the highest.