Reading to Interpret Diagrams, Maps, and Sketches

READING TO INTERPRET DIAGRAMS, MAPS, AND SKETCHES

Reading to interpret diagrams, maps, and sketches means studying and understanding information that is shown in pictures, drawings, charts, or symbols instead of words. It helps you explain what a visual image is showing — such as a map of a town, a diagram of a plant, or a sketch of a classroom.

Key Terms

1. Diagram: A simple drawing that shows how something works or is arranged.
Example: a diagram of the human heart or a computer.

2. Map: A drawing that shows the position of places on the earth’s surface.
Example: a map of Nigeria showing states and rivers.

3. Sketch: A simple, quick drawing that shows how a place or thing looks.
Example: a sketch of your classroom or school compound.

Purpose

1. To understand information shown in non-verbal form (pictures, shapes, or symbols).

2. To describe what a diagram, map, or sketch represents.

3. To answer questions based on what you see in the visual.

How to Interpret Diagrams, Maps, and Sketches

1. Look carefully at the title — it tells you what the diagram or map is about.

2. Study the labels — they name the parts or features.

3. Read the key or legend (especially on maps) — it explains symbols and colours.

4. Observe direction — for maps, know where North, South, East, and West are.

5. Use scale (if given) to understand distance or size.

6. Explain in words what the diagram, map, or sketch shows.

Examples

Diagram Example: A diagram of a flower may have labels such as petal, sepal, stigma, stamen. To interpret, you explain what each part does.

Map Example: A map of Nigeria may show rivers, roads, and state boundaries. You interpret it by identifying locations and directions.

Sketch Example: A sketch of a school compound may show classrooms, offices, field, and gate. You describe where each is located.

Practice Exercise

Study this simple sketch of a classroom layout (imagine or draw it):

—————————
| T | B1 B2 B3 |
|—|———————–|
| D1 | D2 | D3 | D4 | Door |
—————————

Key:

T = Teacher’s table

B1–B3 = Benches

D1–D4 = Desks

Questions:

1. Where is the teacher’s table located?

2. How many benches are in the classroom?

3. What is found near the door?

4. What does “D” stand for in the sketch?

Answers

1. At the front of the classroom.

2. Three benches (B1, B2, B3).

3. Desk D4 is near the door.

4. “D” stands for desk.

Why It Is Important

1. Helps you understand visual information in Geography, Science, and English comprehension.

2. Improves your ability to describe and explain what you see.

3. Useful in reading textbooks, maps, and exam diagrams correctly.