Using Graphs and Charts to Support Arguments

Khan Academy

This educational video explores the relationship between written text and quantitative information, specifically demonstrating how graphs and charts can strengthen written arguments. Using a relatable analogy of describing a galloping horse followed by a practical example of a neighborhood bake sale, the narrator illustrates how visual data provides efficiency and clarity that words alone sometimes lack. The video breaks down the specific roles of text versus visuals: text provides context and severity (e.g., the danger of allergies), while graphs provide specific breakdown and prevalence (e.g., exact numbers of people allergic to specific nuts). The key themes include the efficiency of communication, the synthesis of information from multiple sources, and the function of text features in informational writing. It specifically covers how to read and interpret bar graphs and pie charts in the context of a persuasive argument, highlighting how authors use these tools to back up claims with evidence. For the classroom, this video is an excellent resource for bridging English Language Arts and Math skills (data literacy). It helps students meet standards related to integrating information from diverse formats and evaluating the advantages of using different mediums. Teachers can use this to introduce text features, support lessons on persuasive writing, or help students practice synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data to fully understand a topic.