To draw a compound (composite) bar chart, follow these clear steps. This type of chart is used when you want to show subdivisions within each category, such as comparing parts of a whole over several categories (e.g. number of boys and girls in different classes).

 Requirements:

• Graph paper or grid

• Ruler and pencil

• Coloured pencils or shading patterns (optional but helpful)

 Steps to Draw a Compound Bar Chart:

1. Draw Axes

• Draw a horizontal axis (x-axis) and a vertical axis (y-axis).

• Label the x-axis with the categories (e.g. Class A, Class B, Class C).

• Label the y-axis with a suitable scale that can accommodate the total values (e.g. total number of students).

2. Choose a Consistent Bar Width

• Decide the width of each bar and spacing between them.

• All bars should be of the same width.

3. Stack Sub-Groups in Each Bar

• For each category, draw a single bar and divide it vertically into segments representing the sub-groups (e.g. boys and girls).

• Use different colours or shading patterns to differentiate sub-groups.

4. Add a Key/Legend

• Show which colour or pattern represents which sub-group.

• Example: = boys, = girls

5. Title and Labels

• Give your chart a clear title.

• Label both axes.

• Make sure the y-axis has evenly spaced intervals and starts from zero.

 Example Data:

You’ll draw:

• A single bar for Class A, going up to 25 (10 boys + 15 girls), with the bottom 10 shaded for boys, top 15 shaded for girls.

• Repeat for Class B (total 30) and Class C (total 22).

What is a pictogram?
A pictogram is a chart that uses pictures or symbols to show data.
Each picture represents a certain number of items.

 Why it’s easy to read:

• Pictures make it fun and visual.

• You can quickly count and compare the data.

• A key shows how many items each picture stands for.

How is a bar chart different from a pie chart?

• A bar chart uses bars (rectangles) to show the size of each group.

• A pie chart shows data as slices of a circle, like pieces of a pie.

 Difference:

• Bar charts are good for comparing amounts side by side.

• Pie charts show parts of a whole (percentages or proportions).

Why do we use line graphs?
A line graph shows how something changes over time.
Points are plotted and joined by straight lines.

 We use line graphs to:

• Show trends (going up or down).

• Compare values across a time period.

• Spot improvements, drops, or patterns in data.