Increase Statistical Literacy With This Misleading Graphs Worksheet Set

Help your students become savvy data interpreters with this engaging worksheet set focused on identifying and correcting misleading graphs. Each of the four worksheets presents real-world-style data visualisations that intentionally mislead through design choices—like distorted axes, inconsistent bar widths, or omitted data points. 

Students will analyse each graph, explain what makes it misleading, and suggest or create improved versions. This activity is perfect for building critical thinking and media literacy skills. Answer keys are included for easy grading!

This misleading graphs worksheet set includes the following data displays:

• Bar graphs with visual distortions
• Pie charts with misleading proportions
• Line graphs with missing or manipulated time intervals

How to Spot Misleading Statistical Graphs 

There are many ways that data can be manipulated and displayed to influence a target audience. Here are some things to look out for when trying to spot misleading statistical graphs. Share them with your students!

Axis Manipulation

• Truncated Y-Axis – Starting the Y-axis at a value other than zero exaggerates differences.
• Inconsistent Intervals – Uneven spacing on axes can distort trends or comparisons.
• Missing Time Periods – Omitting dates or intervals hides fluctuations or gaps in data.

Visual Distortion

• Varied Bar Widths – Wider bars can appear more significant even if the height (value) is the same.
• Pie Slices Not to Scale – Visual proportions don’t match actual data values.

Data Selection

• Cherry-Picking Data – Only showing data that supports a specific narrative.
• Omitting Context – Leaving out relevant comparisons or background information.
• Small Sample Sizes – Drawing broad conclusions from data from a small sample size.

Ambiguous or Misleading Labels

• Vague Categories – Labels that don’t clearly define what’s being measured.
• Inconsistent Units – Mixing units (e.g., percentages and raw numbers) without clarification.

See how many of these your students can spot in this misleading graphs worksheet set!

Download These Misleading Data Worksheets

These misleading data worksheets are available in both Google Slides and PDF formats. To download the set, click the drop-down arrow on the download button and choose the version that you prefer.

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a teacher and a Teach Starter collaborator.

Additional Data Analysis Worksheets 

Want more data analysis worksheets and activities? We’ve got you covered! Check out the resources below. 

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