Step 1: Read the graph, Step 2: Interpret the graph

Sometimes students are missing the basics.  Like, for instance, don't panic when you see a complicated graph, just start by figuring out what kind of data is presented, and how, and only then try to interpret the thing.

Interpreting graphs is such an integral part of the scientific life that we are barely even aware we are doing it - but students are just starting out, and are much more likely to be spooked if they do not immediately understand.  Some advice from Teaching Issues and Experiments in Ecology formalizes the most basic processes of graph interpretation as the unimaginatively titled "Step One-Step Two" method.