Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Understanding Pictures and Graphics
You have probably heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words." This means that a picture is much easier to understand than a wordy explanation. Textbooks often use many different kinds of pictures and graphics in order to help you, the reader, understand the concepts being presented. It is helpful to know how to read and interpret these important aids.
Photographs are real-life images. They are used to illustrate an important point or concept. An explanation of the picture usually goes along with it. This may be above, beside, or underneath it. The picture is often referred to in the text. It is important to take a moment to study the picture closely. Read the explanation. This will give you visual clues to help you to understand and remember the concept you are studying.
Textbooks are also full of diagrams. A diagram is a drawing or plan that explains something. Like photographs, diagrams may also have explanations next to them. There might also be words or phrases within the diagram. These are usually labels that help you to understand what the diagram is showing. Carefully read all the information in and surrounding the diagram.
