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Class 11 · CBSE

Presentation of Data — NCERT Class 11 Economics

Complete NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 4 — all exercise questions on tabular presentation, bar diagrams, pie charts, histograms, frequency polygons, and ogives answered clearly.

Updated 11 June 202611 min read

How to Use This Page

This page provides complete NCERT exercise solutions for CBSE Class 11 Economics Chapter 4 — Presentation of Data. Review the Key Concepts first, then work through the intext questions and chapter-end exercises. For construction-based questions (tables, diagrams, ogives), follow the step-by-step method shown. Use these answers to cross-check your work and prepare effectively for exams.


Key Concepts (Quick Recap)

  • Textual Presentation: data described in text; suitable for small data sets
  • Tabular Presentation: data arranged in rows and columns; most common method
  • Parts of a Table: Title, Stub (row headings), Caption (column headings), Body, Footnote, Source
  • Types of Tables: (a) Classification by purpose — Reference table, Summary table; (b) Classification by nature — Time series, Spatial, Qualitative, Quantitative
  • Diagrammatic Presentation: visual representation; types — bar diagrams, pie charts, histograms, frequency polygons, ogives
  • Bar Diagram: bars of equal width, height proportional to value, bars separated; types — simple, multiple, sub-divided, percentage
  • Pie Chart: circle divided into sectors; each sector angle = (Value/Total) × 360°
  • **Histogram: adjacent rectangles for continuous data; width = class interval, height = frequency; no gaps between bars
  • Frequency Polygon: line joining mid-points of histogram bars; can also be drawn without histogram
  • Ogive (Cumulative Frequency Curve): less-than type (S-curve rising) and more-than type (S-curve falling)
  • Arithmetic Line Graph (Time Series): time on X-axis, variable on Y-axis; shows trends over time

Intext Questions

Section 4.1 — Tabular Presentation

Q1. What are the advantages of tabular presentation over textual presentation?
Answer

1. Data is organised systematically in rows and columns. 2. Comparison between items is easier. 3. Patterns and trends can be identified quickly. 4. Unnecessary details are eliminated. 5. It occupies less space than textual description. 6. It is more appealing and easier to read.

Section 4.2 — Diagrammatic Presentation

Q2. When is a pie chart more appropriate than a bar diagram?
AnswerA pie chart is more appropriate when we want to show the proportion or percentage share of different components in a total. For example, showing the share of different sectors (agriculture, industry, services) in GDP. A bar diagram is more appropriate for comparing absolute values across categories.

Chapter-End Exercise

Question 1

Define tabular presentation. What are its main parts?

AnswerTabular presentation is the systematic arrangement of data in rows and columns for easy comparison and analysis.

Main parts of a table:

1. Title: describes the content of the table (placed at the top) 2. Stub: row headings on the left side 3. Caption: column headings at the top 4. Body: the main data arranged in cells 5. Headnote: general explanation below the title (e.g., "Figures in lakhs") 6. Footnote: explanation of specific entries (placed at the bottom) 7. Source: the origin of the data (placed at the bottom)

Question 2

Distinguish between classification of data and tabular presentation.

Answer
BasisClassificationTabular Presentation
MeaningGrouping data based on common characteristicsArranging classified data in rows and columns
PurposeSimplifies raw dataPresents data for easy comparison and analysis
OutputGroups or classesA table with rows and columns
SequenceComes before tabulationComes after classification
ExampleGrouping students by marksTable showing number of students in each marks group

Question 3

Explain the different types of bar diagrams.

Answer

1. Simple Bar Diagram: One bar for each category; height represents the value. Used for comparing different categories. Example: Production of different crops.

2. Multiple Bar Diagram: Two or more bars side by side for each category to compare sub-groups. Example: Male and female literacy rates across states.

3. Sub-divided (Component) Bar Diagram: One bar divided into segments representing components of a total. Each segment shows the share of a component. Example: Break-up of government expenditure into defence, education, health.

4. Percentage Bar Diagram: Like sub-divided bar, but each bar shows percentage share of components. All bars are of equal height (100%). Example: Percentage share of different sectors in GDP across years.

Question 4

What is a histogram? How does it differ from a bar diagram?

AnswerA histogram is a graphical representation of a continuous frequency distribution using adjacent rectangles. The width of each rectangle equals the class interval, and the height equals the frequency. There are no gaps between rectangles.

Difference from bar diagram:

BasisHistogramBar Diagram
Data typeContinuous dataDiscrete or categorical data
GapsNo gaps between barsGaps between bars
WidthWidth represents class intervalWidth is uniform and decorative
ConstructionBased on frequency distributionBased on values of categories
X-axisClass limitsCategory names
PurposeShows distribution patternCompares values across categories

Question 5

Construct a pie diagram from the following data:

ItemExpenditure (Rs)
Food3000
Clothing1000
Rent1500
Education500
Total6000
Answer

Step 1: Calculate degrees for each item using: Degrees = (Value / Total) × 360°

ItemExpenditureDegreesCalculation
Food3000180°(3000/6000) × 360 = 180°
Clothing100060°(1000/6000) × 360 = 60°
Rent150090°(1500/6000) × 360 = 90°
Education50030°(500/6000) × 360 = 30°
Total6000360°

Step 2: Draw a circle of convenient radius. Using a protractor, draw sectors of 180°, 60°, 90°, and 30° for Food, Clothing, Rent, and Education respectively. Label each sector.

Question 6

What is an ogive? Explain its types.

AnswerAn ogive is a cumulative frequency curve drawn on a graph. It is constructed by plotting cumulative frequencies against class limits and joining the points with a smooth curve.

Types:

1. Less-than Ogive: Plot upper class limits on the X-axis and less-than cumulative frequencies on the Y-axis. The curve rises from left to right in an S-shape.

2. More-than Ogive: Plot lower class limits on the X-axis and more-than cumulative frequencies on the Y-axis. The curve falls from left to right.

Finding the Median: The point where the less-than ogive and more-than ogive intersect gives the median value. Drop a perpendicular from this intersection point to the X-axis to read the median.

Question 7

Construct a less-than ogive from the following data:

Marks0-1010-2020-3030-4040-50
Frequency581273
Answer

Step 1: Calculate less-than cumulative frequencies.

Marks (Less than)Cumulative Frequency
Less than 105
Less than 205 + 8 = 13
Less than 3013 + 12 = 25
Less than 4025 + 7 = 32
Less than 5032 + 3 = 35

Step 2: Plot the points (10, 5), (20, 13), (30, 25), (40, 32), (50, 35) on graph paper. Mark X-axis with marks (0 to 50) and Y-axis with cumulative frequency (0 to 35).

Step 3: Join the points with a smooth freehand curve. The resulting S-shaped curve is the less-than ogive.

Question 8

Construct a more-than ogive from the same data (Question 7).

Answer

Step 1: Calculate more-than cumulative frequencies.

Marks (More than)Cumulative Frequency
More than 05 + 8 + 12 + 7 + 3 = 35
More than 108 + 12 + 7 + 3 = 30
More than 2012 + 7 + 3 = 22
More than 307 + 3 = 10
More than 403

Step 2: Plot the points (0, 35), (10, 30), (20, 22), (30, 10), (40, 3) on graph paper.

Step 3: Join the points with a smooth freehand curve. The resulting downward-sloping curve is the more-than ogive.

Question 9

What is a frequency polygon? How is it constructed?

AnswerA frequency polygon is a line graph connecting the mid-points of the tops of histogram bars. It can be constructed in two ways:

Method 1 (using histogram): 1. Draw the histogram for the frequency distribution. 2. Mark the mid-point of the top of each bar. 3. Join these mid-points with straight lines. 4. Close the polygon by connecting to the mid-points of the previous and next class intervals (with zero frequency).

Method 2 (without histogram): 1. Calculate class mid-points: Mid-point = (Lower + Upper) / 2. 2. Plot mid-points on X-axis and frequencies on Y-axis. 3. Join the points with straight lines. 4. Close the polygon by extending to one class mid-point before and after with zero frequency.

Question 10

Distinguish between a simple bar diagram and a multiple bar diagram.

Answer
BasisSimple Bar DiagramMultiple Bar Diagram
Bars per categoryOne bar per categoryTwo or more bars per category
PurposeCompare different categoriesCompare sub-groups within each category
ExampleProduction of rice across statesMale and female literacy rates across states
ColoursSingle colour or shadeDifferent colours for different sub-groups
LegendNot neededRequired to identify sub-groups

Question 11

What are the limitations of diagrammatic presentation?

Answer

1. Diagrams provide only approximate values — exact figures cannot be read. 2. They are not suitable for precise analysis. 3. They can be misleading if drawn with wrong scales or proportions. 4. They are not a substitute for tables; data may need to be presented in both forms. 5. They require skill and care in construction; a poorly drawn diagram misrepresents data. 6. They are difficult to construct for large data sets.

Question 12

What is an arithmetic line graph? When is it used?

AnswerAn arithmetic line graph (or time series graph) plots time on the X-axis and the value of the variable on the Y-axis. The points are connected by straight lines to show the trend over time.

When to use: It is used to show changes in a variable over time. For example, population growth, price trends, production trends, GDP growth. It helps identify trends, cycles, and fluctuations in the data.

Question 13

Explain the rules for constructing a good table.

Answer

1. Title: Should be clear, brief, and self-explanatory. 2. Stub and Caption: Row and column headings should be clear and short. 3. Body: Data should be arranged logically — alphabetical, chronological, or size order. 4. Units: Units of measurement should be clearly stated. 5. Totals: Row and column totals should be provided. 6. Footnotes: Should explain abbreviations or exceptional entries. 7. Source: Origin of data should be mentioned. 8. Ruling and Spacing: Proper lines and spacing for clarity. 9. Approximation: Large figures can be rounded off with a headnote. 10. No overload: Table should not be overloaded with too much data.

Question 14

Explain the advantages of diagrammatic presentation of data.

Answer

1. Attractive and eye-catching: Diagrams have visual appeal and attract attention. 2. Simple to understand: Even a layperson can interpret diagrams. 3. Comparison is easy: Differences between values are visually apparent. 4. Memorable: Visual impressions last longer than numbers. 5. Reveals trends: Graphs clearly show patterns and trends over time. 6. No need for mathematical knowledge: Simple diagrams can be understood without training. 7. Universal use: Diagrams are used in economics, business, science, and media.

Question 15

What precautions should be taken while drawing diagrams?

Answer

1. The diagram should be neat, clean, and properly labelled. 2. The title should be clear and appropriate. 3. The scale should be clearly indicated and proportionate. 4. The diagram should be drawn to scale — no visual distortion. 5. Colours or shades should be used consistently and a legend provided. 6. The source of data should be mentioned. 7. The diagram should not be misleading — avoid 3D effects that distort proportions. 8. Appropriate type of diagram should be chosen for the data. 9. Axes should be clearly labelled with units. 10. The diagram should be simple — avoid unnecessary decoration.


Internal Links

  • [Chapter 4 Guide — Presentation of Data](/school/cbse/class/11/economics/cbse-presentation-of-data)
  • [All Class 11 Economics Solutions](/school/cbse/class/11/economics/solutions)
  • [Class 11 Economics Subject Guide](/school/cbse/class/11/economics)

Frequently Asked Questions

A histogram is used for continuous data with adjacent rectangles (no gaps), where width represents class interval and height represents frequency. A bar diagram is used for discrete or categorical data with separated bars of equal width, where height or length represents the value.
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