GRAPHIC FORMATS
Many different graphic formats can be used to support the text's main ideas. However, the ideal graphic format depends on the type of data being presented.
Tables
The table presents large amounts of data in a simple, brief, and clear linear format. The same data in prose would be bulky, confusing, and inaccessible. Tables help the reader grasp relationships that might be invisible in prose. Also, tables allow the writer to focus attention on specific pieces of data while retaining a clear presentation of the whole.
Graphs and Charts
Graphs and charts present numerical data pictorially, helping readers visualize relationships among those data.
Graphs
Basically, the graph is a two-dimensional field used to plot the relationships among two interrelated sets of data. The most common sort of graph has the familiar X and Y axes, with data of one sort on the X axis and data of another related sort set on the Y axis. Such a representation allows the reader to see at a glance not just the data, but more important, the relationship between the two sets of data. For any value on either axis, the reader can quickly derive the related value or values on the other axis.
In creating graphs, the writer must select an appropriate scale for both axes. One too small distorts overall patterns, with even small variations appearing to cause large changes on the graph. One too large has the opposite effect, as even large variations in data will appear to have little impact on the basic shape of the graph.
Charts
While the graph illustrates relationships, the chart illustrates comparisons, usually among several sets of information.
Many other sorts of charts are possible, including the pie chart, the pictorial chart, which uses drawings to represent numerical information, and the map chart, a schematic representation of a geographical area, on which various pictures, drawings, or other devices are superimposed.
Photographs, Drawings, and Diagrams
When supporting material is pictorial rather than numerical, writers choose photographs, drawings, and diagrams as their graphic aids. All three use the same key principles:
1. All pictorial representations should conform to the general principles for any graphic aid:
Provide a detailed view of something difficult or impossible to convey in prose
Clearly support the text
Be visible simultaneously with the text they support
2. The details of the pictorial aid should be clear, especially those most relevant to the point being made. In a photograph,
clarity is achieved through good lighting, wisely chosen camera angle, and an absence of irrelevant background detail.
Drawings and diagrams use the same basic elements to achieve clarity: focus on relevant details and intelligent selection of
presentation angle.
3. Many pictorial graphic aids can be further clarified by superimposing explanatory labels to identify key parts. As always,
the writer's goal is to direct the reader's attention.
Photographs, drawings, and diagrams each have unique features. The writer considers these features when selecting which one of the three graphic aids to use.
All these graphic aids have the common purpose of illustrating and supporting conclusions, recommendations, and interpretations the writer places in the text. The writer selects the exact graphic aid by considering the situation behind the writing-especially the purpose, audience, and author's role
Many different graphic formats can be used to support the text's main ideas. However, the ideal graphic format depends on the type of data being presented.
Tables
The table presents large amounts of data in a simple, brief, and clear linear format. The same data in prose would be bulky, confusing, and inaccessible. Tables help the reader grasp relationships that might be invisible in prose. Also, tables allow the writer to focus attention on specific pieces of data while retaining a clear presentation of the whole.
Graphs and Charts
Graphs and charts present numerical data pictorially, helping readers visualize relationships among those data.
Graphs
Basically, the graph is a two-dimensional field used to plot the relationships among two interrelated sets of data. The most common sort of graph has the familiar X and Y axes, with data of one sort on the X axis and data of another related sort set on the Y axis. Such a representation allows the reader to see at a glance not just the data, but more important, the relationship between the two sets of data. For any value on either axis, the reader can quickly derive the related value or values on the other axis.
In creating graphs, the writer must select an appropriate scale for both axes. One too small distorts overall patterns, with even small variations appearing to cause large changes on the graph. One too large has the opposite effect, as even large variations in data will appear to have little impact on the basic shape of the graph.
Charts
While the graph illustrates relationships, the chart illustrates comparisons, usually among several sets of information.
Many other sorts of charts are possible, including the pie chart, the pictorial chart, which uses drawings to represent numerical information, and the map chart, a schematic representation of a geographical area, on which various pictures, drawings, or other devices are superimposed.
Photographs, Drawings, and Diagrams
When supporting material is pictorial rather than numerical, writers choose photographs, drawings, and diagrams as their graphic aids. All three use the same key principles:
1. All pictorial representations should conform to the general principles for any graphic aid:
Provide a detailed view of something difficult or impossible to convey in prose
Clearly support the text
Be visible simultaneously with the text they support
2. The details of the pictorial aid should be clear, especially those most relevant to the point being made. In a photograph,
clarity is achieved through good lighting, wisely chosen camera angle, and an absence of irrelevant background detail.
Drawings and diagrams use the same basic elements to achieve clarity: focus on relevant details and intelligent selection of
presentation angle.
3. Many pictorial graphic aids can be further clarified by superimposing explanatory labels to identify key parts. As always,
the writer's goal is to direct the reader's attention.
Photographs, drawings, and diagrams each have unique features. The writer considers these features when selecting which one of the three graphic aids to use.
All these graphic aids have the common purpose of illustrating and supporting conclusions, recommendations, and interpretations the writer places in the text. The writer selects the exact graphic aid by considering the situation behind the writing-especially the purpose, audience, and author's role
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