Chapter 3 . Topic 2
Explaining graphical and numerical data
Skills focus ✓ Analysis
Learning focus • Identify the graphical or numerical data in a source. • Explain how the graphical or numerical data support an argument or perspective.
Big question: Are national parks a good way of developing an area sustainably?
Getting started
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Working in a group of four, choose one park each and quickly research it. Find out: • where the park is
• why people might visit it.
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• at least one species it is famous for or is trying to preserve
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Yellowstone
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Have you heard of ‘National Parks’? They are generally large, natural spaces owned by the government that are preserved and protected in law. Often, they have a strong conservation goal and are intended to symbolise national pride. Four well-known ones are:
Data is quantifiable and is often seen as pure fact as opposed to emotional assertion.
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People who wish to argue for or against a particular course of action often use data to support their argument. They do this for several reasons:
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Data can show trends or changes over time, enabling someone to make comparisons.
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Data can be carefully selected in order to stress the evidence in support of one view.
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Data can be presented in graphic ways that are memorable.
In the last topic, you began to think about developing a local natural area. One key question you might ask is: Can you preserve a natural area and develop it at the same time? Look at the infographic created by the US National Park Service. The heading states ‘National Parks benefit you’ – which here probably means citizens of the USA.
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Chapter 3 Exploring arguments
White Desert National Park, Egypt.
Key terms data: facts and statistics (numerical data) gathered for analysis quantifiable: can be measured in a scientific way assertion: a statement presented as fact without supporting evidence trend: a general development in the way something happens infographic: information displayed in an interesting way visually
