實用英語寫作技巧之三十二 圖表作文Writing a Composition According

to Tables and Graphs

　　32.1 Introduction

　　This kind of writing is an information interpretation process.The information may be given in numbers，lines or curves，etc.，usually a few explanations are given.The organization of the writing is essential to a good essay of tables and graphs.Generally，it is as follows：

　　General introduction——Analysis——Conclusion

　　概要介紹——分析圖表——縂結概括

　　That is，in the first paragraph，you have to demonstrate the general situation of what has been reflected in the table or graph；Then，in the second paragraph，you have to analyse carefully the numbers，lines or curves，and point out the rate of increase or discrease；In the end，you have to write your own opinion or comment.

　　Sample Test Item

　　Directions：Write a composition based on the title and the following chart in no less than 120 words.The causes are given under the horizontal line and the precentage of the totalof 80 fire incidents is given in the vertical column on the left.write clearly.

　　Leading Causes of Fires in China（1987）

　　32.2 Basic Writing Process of the Composition

　　1）Have a correct understanding of the given information，and grasp the main idea；

　　2）Make a careful analysis of the information，for example，ask yourself the questions like：

　　a.Who or what caused the fires？

　　b.What is the relationship between cause and frequency of fires？

　　3）Write an outline；

　　4）Use the right technique of writing.（The most common techniques used in this kind of writing is：comparison and contrast.）

　　32.3 Analysis of the Sample Test Item

　　The main idea of the graph is：Fire causes.From the graph，we know that there are three main causes of fires：

　　a.Smokers （nearly50％）

　　b.Defective insulation （38％）

　　c.Children playing with matches （12％）

　　Thus，we can，by comparing the above information，make a comment of the main topic，then reach a conclusion.

　　Model Essay 32-1

　　From the graph above，we can see that fire，one of the most terrible killers in China，is mainly caused by smokers，defective insulations or children playing with matches.

　　In 1987，80 fire incidents took place in China.While nearly50％were caused by smokers，38％were caused by defective insulation，and12％were caused by children playing with matches.No matter what the type of the fire，we can almost be sure that they were caused by carelessness.

　　From the graph，we can conclude that smokers are the leading cause of fires，but we also need to educate our children，warning them of the dangers of playing with matches and instruct workers be more careful with insulation.

　　Writing Assignment for Unit 32

　　Directions：Write a composition based on the statistical table about the total amount of China import and export.Yourcomposition should be no less than 100 words.