Data

Begin every data question by reading the title, headings, axis labels, units and key. Check the scale carefully: equal distances must represent equal numerical intervals, but an axis does not have to start at zero. A broken or shortened axis can make a small change look visually dramatic.

Scientists usually move through a cycle of collecting, presenting and analysing data before drawing conclusions. Presentation organises the observations so that another person can understand what was recorded, compare results and look for patterns without having to interpret a long account of the experiment.