A chart can take a large variety of forms; however, there are common features that provide the chart with its ability to extract meaning from data. Typically, the data in a chart is represented graphically, since humans are generally able to infer meanings from pictures quicker than from text. Text is generally used only to annotate the data.
One of the most important uses of text in a graph is the title. A graph's title usually appears above the main graphic and provides a succinct description of what the data in the graph refers to. Dimensions in the data are often displayed on axes. If a horizontal and a vertical axis are used, they are usually referred to as the x axis and y axis respectively. Each axis will have a scale, denoted by periodic graduations and usually accompanied by numerical or categorical indications. Each axis will typically also have a label displayed outside or beside it, briefly describing the dimension represented. If the scale is numerical, the label...