E9 M - Read and explain an environmental infographic
aiMOOCE9 M - Read and explain an environmental infographic
QR-Code
Einleitung
E9 M - Read and explain an environmental infographic
In this aiMOOC, you learn how to read an English environmental infographic, find the most important information and data, and explain the main message in clear English. You do not translate every word. You use this learning loop:
English first → understand → respond → ask → hint → improve → use again
Your main practice topic is plastic pollution and waste. You also compare a climate data graphic. The focus is on language skills, careful source checking and clear communication.
First look – 30 seconds: What do you notice first? Write down one topic word, one number and one visual element. Do not use a dictionary yet.
Deutsch-Hilfe: Schau zuerst nur auf Titel, Bilder, große Zahlen und auffällige Wörter. Übersetze nicht die ganze Grafik.
I can ...
| I can ... | My target |
|---|---|
| find the topic, source and main message of an infographic | I can do this with little help. |
| select two or three important facts instead of listing everything | I can choose relevant information. |
| explain data with phrases such as according to, compared with and this shows | I can speak and write in connected sentences. |
| check whether a striking claim needs another source | I can separate information from proof. |
| give a short opinion and react to another person | I can agree, disagree and give a reason. |
Medien-Einstieg: Scan, do not translate
Quick task: Look at the visual hierarchy. Which action is presented as most important? Which design element helps you see the order?
Think – pair – share: Compare the two graphics. Which one is easier to understand quickly? Give one reason in English.
Useful start: I find ... clearer because ...
Vorwissen
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| What is an infographic? | Give a one-sentence definition in English. |
| Where do you usually look first? | Choose: title, picture, number, source or legend. |
| What can make data misleading? | Name one problem, for example a missing source or unclear scale. |
Deutsch-Hilfe: Eine Infografik verbindet visuelle Elemente mit Informationen. Wichtig sind nicht nur Zahlen, sondern auch Quelle, Zeitraum, Maßstab und Gestaltung.
Listening and Viewing
Viewing task – Plastics 101:
- Watch once without stopping. Note three key words.
- Watch again. Note one cause, one effect and one possible action.
- Compare your notes with a partner. Keep only the three most useful points.
Sentence frame: The video explains that ... One important effect is ... A possible response is ...
Second viewing – UN Environment Programme: Listen for repeated words and action verbs. Which message is repeated most clearly?
Two-speaker follow-up: Student A gives the main message in 20 seconds. Student B asks one follow-up question. Then swap roles.
Deutsch-Hilfe: Beim ersten Hören geht es nur um das Thema. Beim zweiten Hören suchst Du gezielt nach Ursache, Wirkung und Handlung.
Reading an environmental infographic
Use the infographic as a learning object. A graphic can communicate information effectively, but it is not automatically proof that every claim is correct.
| Step | What you do | Useful English |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Identify | Find title, topic, source and date. | The infographic is about ... |
| 2. Select | Choose two or three central facts. | One key fact is ... |
| 3. Connect | Explain how facts support the message. | This shows that ... |
| 4. Compare | Link two values, categories or trends. | Compared with ..., ... |
| 5. Check | Ask what is missing or needs verification. | The graphic does not show ... |
Core task: Choose three pieces of information from the infographic. One should be a number, one a cause or effect, and one an action. Explain how they connect.
Do not copy long phrases. Paraphrase.
Data challenge: read a more complex visual
Read the chart: What do the colours represent? What does the vertical axis show? What is the overall pattern?
Your answer should have three parts: The chart shows ... / A clear pattern is ... / This suggests ...
Source check: Before using a number from a graphic in a presentation, identify the source, date, population or area, and unit.
Context vocabulary
| Word or phrase | Meaning in simple English | Use it |
|---|---|---|
| source | where information comes from | The source is ... |
| data | collected facts or numbers | The data show ... |
| trend | a general direction of change | The trend is increasing. |
| share | one part of a total | A large share of ... |
| increase | become larger | The amount increases. |
| decrease | become smaller | The figure decreases. |
| impact | an effect on something | This has an impact on ... |
| waste | material that is thrown away | Plastic waste can ... |
| reuse | use something again | We can reuse ... |
| recycle | process material for new use | Some materials can be recycled. |
| according to | introduces a source | According to the infographic, ... |
| compared with | introduces a comparison | Compared with ..., ... |
Word detective: If you meet an unknown word, first use the picture, heading, word family and sentence context. Use a dictionary only after trying these clues.
Pronunciation and fluency
Focus on clarity before accent.
Practise these chunks as whole units: according to the infographic · the main message is · compared with · this suggests that · one important detail is
Fluency drill: Speak for 30 seconds. Pause between ideas, not after every word. Stress content words such as main, data, increase, impact and source.
Optional recording: Record yourself only if you want to. Keep recordings private unless you actively choose to share them. Do not upload recordings to external AI services for this task.
Speaking
One-minute infographic talk:
Use this structure: Topic → main message → two details → short evaluation
Model: The infographic is about plastic use and pollution. The main message is that our choices create long-term environmental effects. One important detail is ... Another key point is ... The graphic is easy to scan, but I would also check ...
Partner response: I agree because ... / I see it differently because ... / Can you explain ...? / Which detail supports that?
Deutsch-Hilfe: Sprich nicht über jedes Detail. Formuliere zuerst die Hauptaussage und stütze sie dann mit zwei Belegen.
Writing
Write 100–130 words explaining the infographic.
Your text should include:
- a clear opening sentence
- the main message
- two important details or data points
- one comparison or connection
- one sentence about source quality or missing information
- a short conclusion
Useful connectors: first, also, however, because, therefore, compared with, overall
Deutsch-Hilfe: Ziel ist ein zusammenhängender kurzer Text. Nicht Punkt für Punkt abschreiben. Verbinde Informationen und erkläre ihre Bedeutung.
Functional grammar: make data meaningful
| Function | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| describe | shows / presents / illustrates | The infographic shows different types of waste. |
| compare | more ... than / less ... than / compared with | Reuse is presented as more desirable than disposal. |
| explain a result | because / so / therefore | The material stays in use longer, so less waste is created. |
| be careful | may / can / suggests | The data suggest a clear pattern. |
| refer to evidence | according to | According to the infographic, ... |
Accuracy tip: Use shows for what is visible. Use proves only when the evidence really supports such a strong claim.
Mediation
A German classmate asks: “Worum geht es in der Grafik, und was ist besonders wichtig?”
Give a short answer in German, but do not translate the full infographic. Select the main message and two useful details.
Then switch back to English and explain why you selected these details.
Deutsch-Hilfe: Mediation bedeutet sinngemäß vermitteln. Du wählst relevante Informationen für eine bestimmte Person und Situation aus.
Help levels
| Level | Help |
|---|---|
| Hint 1 | Find title, biggest number, repeated word and source. |
| Hint 2 | Use: The infographic is about ... The main message is ... One key detail is ... |
| Hint 3 | Use: According to the infographic, ... Compared with ..., ... This suggests ... |
Improve step: After feedback, change at least one content choice and one language feature. Then use the improved pattern on the second graphic.
Feedback and error analysis
Use two stars and one next step.
| Check | Feedback question |
|---|---|
| Content | Did the speaker choose central information? |
| Evidence | Is each important statement linked to a visible detail or source? |
| Language | Are connectors and comparison phrases used correctly? |
| Clarity | Is the main message easy to follow? |
| Improvement | What is one specific next step? |
Common repair moves:
- Too many details → keep only the details that support the main message.
- Copying → paraphrase with simpler words.
- Number without context → add unit, category or time period.
- Strong claim → use suggests, may or can when evidence is limited.
- Translation sentence by sentence → return to the English key words and summarise.
Digital and source safety
Check facts before repeating them. This applies to infographics, videos and AI-generated explanations.
- Verify striking numbers with the named source when possible.
- Keep your own draft; do not replace it with an AI text.
- Treat AI feedback as a suggestion, not as proof.
- Do not enter private social-media data or real application data into exercises.
- Use fictional profiles if a task needs personal details.
- Recordings are voluntary and private by default.
- Do not upload work or recordings to external AI tools without a clear, informed choice.
Transfer
Choose another environmental graphic, for example about energy, waste, transport or climate. Use the same five-step method:
Identify → select → connect → compare → check
Transfer challenge: Explain this visual in 45 seconds without translating all labels. Use at least one comparison phrase and one cautious phrase such as suggests or may.
Can-do check
| I can ... | not yet | with help | independently |
|---|---|---|---|
| find the main message | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| select relevant data | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| compare two pieces of information | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| explain a graphic in connected English | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| ask a useful follow-up question | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| check source, date and missing information | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Next course: Compare two environmental infographics
Interaktive Aufgaben
Quiz: Teste Dein Wissen
What should you identify first when reading an infographic? (The topic and main message) (!Every unknown word) (!A full German translation) (!Your final opinion)
Which phrase is useful for referring to evidence? (According to the infographic) (!I guess from nowhere) (!It proves everything) (!Translate every sentence)
What is the best way to use a striking number? (Give its context and check the source) (!Repeat it without a unit) (!Ignore the source) (!Change it into a simpler number)
Which phrase is useful for a comparison? (Compared with) (!In spite yesterday) (!At all numbers) (!By the picture of)
What does a main message do? (It summarises the central point) (!It lists every label) (!It translates every word) (!It gives only your feelings)
Which verb is cautious when evidence is limited? (Suggests) (!Proves) (!Guarantees) (!Commands)
What is useful when you meet an unknown word? (Use context and visual clues first) (!Stop reading immediately) (!Translate the full page) (!Skip the whole infographic)
What should a short infographic explanation include? (A main message and supporting details) (!Only copied phrases) (!Only isolated numbers) (!Only a personal opinion)
What is mediation in this course? (Selecting and conveying relevant information) (!Translating every sentence exactly) (!Reading the infographic aloud) (!Changing the original data)
What is a good feedback next step? (Change one specific content or language feature) (!Rewrite everything without checking) (!Ignore all feedback) (!Add as many facts as possible)
Memory
| main message | central point |
| source | origin of information |
| trend | general direction of change |
| impact | effect on something |
| compare | show similarities or differences |
| evidence | information that supports a statement |
Drag and Drop
| Ordne die richtigen Begriffe zu. | Thema |
|---|---|
| Identify | topic and source |
| Select | key facts |
| Connect | facts and main message |
| Compare | similarities and differences |
| Check | reliability and missing context |
...
Kreuzworträtsel
| Source | Where does the information come from? |
| Trend | What word means a general direction of change? |
| Recycle | What verb means processing material for new use? |
| Compare | What do you do when you look for similarities and differences? |
| Impact | What word means an effect on something? |
| Evidence | What supports a statement or conclusion? |
LearningApps
Lückentext
Offene Aufgaben
Leicht
- 30-second scan: Look at the main infographic and note one title idea, one number, one image and one source clue.
- Word detective: Choose five useful English words from the infographic and explain each with a simple English definition or example.
- Main message: Write one sentence that gives the main message without copying the title.
- One-data explanation: Choose one number and explain what it refers to, including its unit or category if visible.
Standard
- Compare: Compare two parts of the infographic in four connected English sentences.
- One-minute talk: Give a one-minute explanation with a main message, two details and one source-check comment.
- Mediation: Explain the most useful information to a German-speaking classmate without translating the full graphic.
- Peer feedback: Exchange short texts and give two strengths and one specific next step.
Schwer
- Source audit: Check the date, author or organisation, source references and possible missing context. Explain what you trust and what still needs verification.
- Compare visuals: Compare the plastic infographic with the extreme-heat chart. Explain how design changes what you notice first.
- Mini presentation: Prepare a two-minute presentation with one infographic, one verified source and a short question for the audience.
- Create and test: Design a simple environmental infographic with fictional or openly licensed data, ask a partner to interpret it, revise unclear parts and explain your changes.
|
|
Lernkontrolle
- Main message and evidence: Explain the main message of an unfamiliar environmental infographic and support it with two carefully selected details.
- Data in context: Choose one number from a new graphic and explain why unit, category, date or comparison point matters.
- Source judgement: Identify two features that increase trust and one feature that would make you verify the information elsewhere.
- Language transfer: Use the patterns from this course to explain a new infographic about energy or transport.
- Audience change: First explain a graphic to a classmate in English, then mediate the same core information briefly for a German-speaking family member.
- Revision: Improve a first draft after feedback and mark two changes that make the explanation clearer or more accurate.
Lernnachweis
Für einen Lernnachweis zu diesem Thema ist wichtig:
- Du erkennst Thema, Quelle, Hauptaussage und relevante Daten.
- Du wählst Informationen aus, statt alles wiederzugeben.
- Du erklärst Zahlen und Vergleiche im passenden Kontext.
- Du sprichst oder schreibst zusammenhängend auf B1-orientiertem M-Niveau.
- Du nutzt passende Redemittel für Beschreibung, Vergleich, Begründung und vorsichtige Schlussfolgerungen.
- Du kannst Informationen sinngemäß zwischen Englisch und Deutsch vermitteln, ohne vollständig zu übersetzen.
- Du prüfst Quelle, Datum und mögliche fehlende Informationen.
- Du überarbeitest eigene Texte und behältst Deine eigene Formulierung erkennbar bei.
OERs zum Thema
Freie Lernmedien in diesem aiMOOC: Die eingebundenen Grafiken stammen aus Wikimedia Commons. Prüfe bei Weiterverwendung die jeweilige Dateiseite und Lizenzangabe.
Verknüpfte Lernbereiche
aiMOOC-Projekte
MOOCwiki · Deutsch
Nach dem Lernen ist vor dem Lernen
Entdecke direkt den nächsten Lernkurs. Weitere Inhalte erscheinen, wenn Du weiter nach unten scrollst.
Zur MOOCwiki-HauptseiteJetzt üben: Nature, national parks and environmental choices →Mediathek
Mediathek wird aus dem Wiki geladen ...
Keine passenden Inhalte gefunden. Bitte ändere Suche oder Filter.