Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-7-statistics [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse.md) › [English Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language.md) › [Edexcel IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse.md) › Statistics # Statistics English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 4.3.7 ## Statistics Statistics are facts which are expressed in numbers. They add credibility to your writing, as they support and prove your ideas, making your writing seem more accurate and believable. ### 74% of Year 11 students ![74% of Year 11 students](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/46f35257-bbd2-4ca0-8087-372ac5cebf8c/child-homework-thinking-memory.jpg) - Last year, __74%__ of Year 11 students stated that homework was actually preventing them from revising properly for their exams. - In this phrase, the statistic __‘74%’__ suggests that an actual study has been done, and that an overwhelming majority agreed with the idea that homework was a bad idea. The statistic itself implies that there is proof of the study and adds credibility to the writer’s ideas. - The high statistic (74%) is used to support the writer’s argument that homework is a negative thing. ### 8/10 teenagers ![8/10 teenagers](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/5285205c-0c0d-4b3a-8e65-a04f55e88f27/girl-sad-hurt.jpg) - __8/10__ teenagers currently suffer from mental health issues. - In this phrase, the statistic __‘8/10’__ suggests that an actual study has been done – this high statistic would also add to the writer’s arguments about the severity of mental health issues. - The high statistic (8/10) is used to support the writer’s argument that mental health issues are a big problem amongst teenagers. ### 13% of people recycle plastic ![13% of people recycle plastic](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/1.5.2%20-%20Energy%20resources/recycle-29227_640-min.jpg) - __Only 13%__ of people actually recycle all of their plastic waste. - In this phrase, the statistic __‘13%’__ suggests that an actual study has been done, and that an overwhelming minority of people recycle plastic, suggesting that a lack of recycling is a big problem. - The low statistic (13%) is used to support the writer’s argument that a lack of recycling is a huge problem. ## Tips for Using Statistics Statistics are facts which are expressed in numbers. They add credibility to your writing, as they support and prove your ideas, making your writing seem more accurate and believable. ### Make up believable statistics ![Make up believable statistics](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-11/ade23fad-da31-4755-aec7-4be241c94bb2/believe-tshirt-.jpg) - You can (and should) make up your statistics, but make them believable! Don’t, for example, claim that 100% of people who are forced to do homework will die horrible deaths – be sensible with your ideas. ### Use statistics to support your argument ![Use statistics to support your argument](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/678243d8-24b7-40dd-9608-598fb8a78894/shutterstock_696061531.jpg) - Make sure your statistics actually support the points you are making. For example, if you are arguing that school uniform should be abolished, you could say __‘82% of pupils in the school argue that uniform is pointless’__ – avoid something like __‘22%’__ because it doesn’t support the point strongly enough. ### Choose vocabulary carefully ![Choose vocabulary carefully](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/459a2801-295b-41b3-991f-dbe870731ba3/information-words-.jpg) - Your choice of vocabulary is vital in creating your language devices effectively. ## Test yourself on Statistics - What are statistics? - What is the statistic in this sentence?I think that it is appalling that around 100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens every year. - For an English Language exam, should you ever make up statistics in your writing? - Which of these are believable statistics? - You want to argue that cars are bad for the environment. Which statistic would support your argument? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/423a79c1-c6f6-452c-a5c3-d30176aa5c13/section/14531991-5147-483f-a560-612155c371f4/session) - Previous topic: [4.3.6 Exaggeration (Hyperbole)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-6-exaggeration-hyperbole.md) - Next topic: [4.3.8 Triple (Rule of 3)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-8-triple-rule-of-3.md) ## English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B contents ### 1 Key Terms - 1.1 Key Terms - [1.1.1 Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentences](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-1-key-terms-nouns-verbs-and-sentences.md) - [1.1.2 Key Terms - Sentence and Clause Types](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-2-key-terms-sentence-and-clause-types.md) - [1.1.3 Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-3-key-terms-words-sounds-and-language.md) - [1.1.4 Key Terms - Types of Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-4-key-terms-types-of-language.md) - [1.1.5 Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-5-key-terms-images-symbols-and-mood.md) - [1.1.6 Key Terms - Mood & Feelings](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-6-key-terms-mood-and-feelings.md) - [1.1.7 Key Terms - Other Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-7-key-terms-other-techniques.md) - [1.1.8 End of Topic Test - Key Terms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/1-1-8-end-of-topic-test-key-terms.md) ### 2 Language Devices - 2.1 Language Devices - [2.1.1 Metaphors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-1-metaphors.md) - [2.1.2 Similes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-2-similes.md) - [2.1.3 Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-3-metaphors-and-similes-hyperlearning.md) - [2.1.4 Personification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-4-personification.md) - [2.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-5-pathetic-fallacy.md) - [2.1.6 Puns & Oxymorons](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-6-puns-and-oxymorons.md) - [2.1.7 Hyperbole & Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-7-hyperbole-and-emotive-language.md) - [2.1.8 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-8-alliteration.md) - [2.1.9 Sibilance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-9-sibilance.md) - [2.1.10 Onomatopoeia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-10-onomatopoeia.md) - [2.1.11 Recap: Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-11-recap-language-devices.md) - [2.1.12 End of Topic Test - Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/2-1-12-end-of-topic-test-language-devices.md) ### 3 Writing Structure - 3.1 Writing Structure - [3.1.1 Narrators](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-1-narrators.md) - [3.1.2 Paragraphs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-2-paragraphs.md) - [3.1.3 Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-3-tense.md) - [3.1.4 Present vs Past vs Future Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-4-present-vs-past-vs-future-tense.md) - [3.1.5 Foreshadowing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-5-foreshadowing.md) - [3.1.6 Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-6-structure.md) - [3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Writing Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/3-1-7-end-of-topic-test-writing-structure.md) ### 4 Section B: Reading & Writing - 4.1 Writing Formats - [4.1.1 Letter](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-1-letter.md) - [4.1.2 Reports & Essays](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-2-reports-and-essays.md) - [4.1.3 Journal/Diary Entry](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-3-journaldiary-entry.md) - [4.1.4 Speech](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-4-speech.md) - [4.1.5 Newspaper Article](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-5-newspaper-article.md) - [4.1.6 Leaflet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-6-leaflet.md) - [4.1.7 Review](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-7-review.md) - [4.1.8 Travel Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-8-travel-writing.md) - [4.1.9 End of Topic Test - Writing Formats](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-1-9-end-of-topic-test-writing-formats.md) - 4.2 Writing to... - [4.2.1 Writing to Inform](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-1-writing-to-inform.md) - [4.2.2 Writing to Inform - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-2-writing-to-inform-example.md) - [4.2.3 Writing to Explain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-3-writing-to-explain.md) - [4.2.4 Writing to Explain - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-4-writing-to-explain-example.md) - [4.2.5 Writing to Persuade](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-5-writing-to-persuade.md) - [4.2.6 Writing to Persuade - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-6-writing-to-persuade-example.md) - [4.2.7 Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-7-writing-to-argue.md) - [4.2.8 Writing to Argue - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-8-writing-to-argue-example.md) - [4.2.9 Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-9-writing-to-persuade-vs-writing-to-argue.md) - [4.2.10 Writing to Advise](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-10-writing-to-advise.md) - [4.2.11 Writing to Advise - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-11-writing-to-advise-example.md) - [4.2.12 End of Topic Test - Writing to...](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-2-12-end-of-topic-test-writing-to.md) - 4.3 Acronym of Techniques - DAFORESTAR - [4.3.1 Direct Address](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-1-direct-address.md) - [4.3.2 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-2-alliteration.md) - [4.3.3 Facts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-3-facts.md) - [4.3.4 Opinions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-4-opinions.md) - [4.3.5 Repetition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-5-repetition.md) - [4.3.6 Exaggeration (Hyperbole)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-6-exaggeration-hyperbole.md) - [4.3.7 Statistics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-7-statistics.md) - [4.3.8 Triple (Rule of 3)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-8-triple-rule-of-3.md) - [4.3.9 Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-9-emotive-language.md) - [4.3.10 Rhetorical Questions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-10-rhetorical-questions.md) - [4.3.11 End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/4-3-11-end-of-topic-test-daforester.md) ### 5 Section C: Writing - 5.1 Writing Task - [5.1.1 Discursive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-1-discursive-writing.md) - [5.1.2 Narrative Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-2-narrative-writing.md) - [5.1.3 Descriptive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-3-descriptive-writing.md) - [5.1.4 End of Topic Test - Writing Task](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/english-language/edexcel-igcse/5-1-4-end-of-topic-test-writing-task.md)