Informational & promotional graphics
Graphic Communication · National 5 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about informational & promotional graphics, specifically to understand:
- bar charts, line graphs and pie charts
- the benefits of icons and symbols
- effective promotional graphics
Success criteria WILF
- I can choose and justify bar charts, line graphs and pie charts
- I can explain the benefits of icons and symbols
- I can describe effective promotional graphics
Graphs and charts
| Chart | Use it to |
|---|---|
| Bar chart | Compare amounts between categories |
| Line graph | Show change or a trend over time; help predict future values |
| Pie chart | Show parts of a whole as percentages (all segments add up to 100%) |
| Pictograph | Show amounts with repeated icons; eye-catching for a general audience |
"Easy to read" doesn't score: give the specific purpose of that chart type.
Icons and symbols
Symbols and icons are understood across languages, take up less space than words, look modern and are quick to recognise. "Easy to read" on its own isn't accepted.
Promotional graphics
Posters, leaflets, magazine covers and pages, packaging, web pages, pull-up banners, menus and business cards. Effective promotional graphics have a clear focal point, a strong heading, consistent colours and fonts linked to the brand, and the key information (what, where, when, price, how to buy). Instructions such as assembly sheets use numbered stages, each in a box, with the parts needed shown next to each stage.
Key terms
| Bar chart | Compares amounts between categories. |
|---|---|
| Line graph | Shows a trend or change over time. |
| Pie chart | Shows parts of a whole; segments total 100%. |
| Benefit of icons | Understood across languages and take up less space. |
Quick check
1. Sales over 12 months are best shown as a…
- Pie chart
- Line graph
- Pictograph
- Exploded view
Show answer
2. A pie chart shows…
- Change over time
- Comparison of many categories over time
- Parts of a whole
- Exact values only
Show answer
3. Which answer scores for why icons are used?
- They are easy to read on any page
- They make the layout look modern
- They are colourful and eye-catching
- They are understood regardless of language
Show answer
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.