📊 Crack the Code of Data! Interpreting Tables & Diagrams Made Easy

Interpreting data is a **core skill** for every O Level student. Whether you’re reading weather charts, sports league tables, or exam score diagrams, the ability to decode information quickly can earn you easy marks and help you make informed decisions in real life.

Key Skills to Master

Locate and read values accurately (titles, labels, keys, scales).
Compare quantities by looking for **largest**, **smallest**, or differences.
Spot trends (rising/falling patterns) and calculate totals or averages, e.g. $\text{mean}=\dfrac{\text{sum of values}}{\text{number of values}}$ .

Worked Example: Bus Timetable Question

Problem: A bus timetable shows departures from Town A at 07:40, 08:10, 08:40, 09:10 and arrivals at Town B exactly 35 minutes later. A student must reach Town B by **09:00** for an exam. Which bus should she take? Solution (step-by-step): 1. Write arrival times:

07{:}40+35=08{:}15

08{:}10+35=08{:}45

08{:}40+35=09{:}15

09{:}10+35=09{:}45

. 2. Select the last arrival that is

\le 09{:}00

: **08 : 45**. 3. Therefore, she should board the **08 : 10** bus. This example shows how careful reading of a table and simple addition of times leads directly to the answer.