Activity 2.9: Spot the errors

These overviews have incorrect facts. Can you find them?
1. The following chart shows the population of a certain town from 1861 to 2002.

The population fell and then increased over the period. At the start of the period, in 1861, the population was 110 people, and after decreasing to nearly half, the population only exceeded the 1861 level in 2002, when there were around 130 residents in the town.

Answer

Should be 110 thousand and 130 thousand.

2. The following graph shows the number of widgets, by type (A-N), that were produced by a company in one year.

The graph clearly shows that, after some early fluctuation, the production of widgets levelled out towards the end of the year.

Answer

The graph doesn't show change over time; it compares different types of items.

3. The following graph shows the average monthly rainfall in two major cities.

The monthly rainfall averages show similar patterns in the dry months (January to April, but different patterns in the rest of the year. Each city has two main peaks at different times and the highest monthly rainfall happens in London, in June.

Answer

Should be 'Berlin', not 'London·.

4. The following graph shows the percentage of people who recycle their rubbish, in five countries, over 12 years.

Between 1992 and 2004, there was a dramatic increase in the proportion of UK residents who recycle.

Answer

The increase was not 'dramatic'. It only increased from 26 per cent to 31 per cent. Don't overuse the word 'dramatic'!