A graph can be used to show a comparison between two or more groups of figures, or to show an increasing or decreasing tendency during a particular period of time.

图表用来在两组或多组数据之间进行比较，或者表示某一特定时间内的上升或下降的趋势。

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Many of these groups have been backed by political figures or ethnic figures in the Niger Delta, to vie for influence ahead of elections in 2007.

NPR: Militant Group Targets Oil Producers in Nigeria

There were groups of men working on it, like scavengers, small figures, amidst the immensity of the rubble.

BBC: 9/11 defined the past decade for the US and Europe

The government needs to act now to make sure enough affordable homes are being built, campaign groups have said, after figures showed the number of housing starts in England fell 11% in 2012.

BBC: Government 'must do more on affordable housing'