Describing Data Quiz

Which verb describes a significant upward movement in data?

• Decline

• Fluctuate

• Plateau

• Spike

Answer explanation

This is what a spike looks like. It's a rapid and sudden increase.

Which adjective best describes a very rapid increase in data?

• Gradual

• Steady

• 
  Substantial

• Sudden

In technical English, which adjective is more appropriate for describing a small change in data?

• Little

• Significant

• Slight

• Small

In technical English, which adjective is more appropriate for describing a big change in data?

• Big

• Important

• Large

• Significant

The verb "plateau" indicates that data has experienced a significant increase.

• True

• False

Which verb indicates that data has stayed the same over a period of time?

• Fall

• Fluctuate

• Plateau

• Trend

Answer explanation

Plateau is when data stabilizes (or levels off) after a change.

Compare the connotation of the verb "plateau" with "remain steady".

• 
  Both are used interchangeably without any difference in connotation.

• 
  "Plateau" has a negative connotation, suggesting progress has stopped, while "remain steady" simply implies stability.

• 
  Both imply negative outcomes in data analysis.

• 
  "Plateau" always implies positive progress, while "remain steady" suggests stagnation.

Answer explanation

While "plateau" is technically neutral and indicates that data has stabilized, in practice it can often carry a negative connotation, especially in contexts where continuous growth or improvement is expected or desired.

So, if you want to indicate that data has stayed the same over a period of time without any negative implications, "remain" might be a better choice.