© 2004 pearson education, inc., publishing as longman publishers chapter 8: reading graphics and...
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© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Chapter 8: Reading Graphics Chapter 8: Reading Graphics and Technical Writingand Technical Writing
College Reading and Study Skills,
Ninth Edition
by Kathleen T. McWhorter
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Objective:Objective:
In this chapter you will learn to use visual aids as a learning tool.
LEARNING PRINCIPLE: Visualization enables you to grasp ideas, see relationships, and recall information easily.
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How to Read GraphicsHow to Read Graphics
1. Read the title or caption.
2. Determine how the graphic is organized.
3. Identify the variables.
4. Anticipate the purpose.
5. Determine scale, values, or units of measurement.
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How to Read GraphicsHow to Read Graphics
6. Study the data to identify trends or patterns.
7. Draw connections with the chapter content.
8. Make a brief summary note in the margin about the graphic and what it shows.
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Types of GraphicsTypes of Graphics
TABLES are organized displays of factual information, usually numbers or statistics. They try to make comparisons between or among data.
GRAPHS plot a set of points on a set of axes to show relationships.
CHARTS display a relationship, either quantitative or cause-effect.
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Types of GraphicsTypes of Graphics
DIAGRAMS explain processes, showing relationships between parts and helping you understand what follows what.
MAPS describe relationships and provide information about location and direction.
CARTOONS usually add humor to a text.PHOTOGRAPHS spark your interest and try
to draw an emotional response.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
How to Read TablesHow to Read Tables
1. Determine how the data are classified or divided.
2. Make comparisons and look for trends or patterns.
3. Draw conclusions.
See Figure 8.2 in your textbook for a sample table.
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Types of GraphsTypes of Graphs
BAR GRAPHS: make comparisons between quantities or amounts to emphasize differences, particularly over time.– Multiple Bar Graphs display at least two or
three comparisons simultaneously (Figure 8.5).– Stacked Bar Graphs place bars one on top of
another to show whole/part relationships (Figure 8.6).
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Types of GraphsTypes of GraphsLINEAR GRAPHS: points are plotted
along a vertical and a horizontal axis and then connected to form a line (Figure 8.7).– Present more detailed and/or larger quantities
of information.– Display positive, negative, or independent
relationships (Figure 8.8).
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Types of Graphics: ChartsTypes of Graphics: Charts
CHARTS: intended to display a relationship, either quantitative or cause-effect.– Pie Charts (circle graphs) show whole/part
relationships or show howparts of a unit have been divided or classified(Figure 8.12).
– Flowcharts show how a process or procedure works and use lines or arrows (Figure 8.14).
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Types of Graphics: ChartsTypes of Graphics: Charts
CHARTS: intended to display a relationship, either quantitative or cause-effect.– Organizational charts divide an organization into
administrative parts or lines of authority (Figure 8.13).
– Pictograms use symbols or drawings instead of bars or lines to represent specified amounts (Figure 8.15).
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Types of Graphics: DiagramsTypes of Graphics: Diagrams
Diagrams: often explain processes, showing relationships between parts, and helping you understand what follows what (Figure 8.18).– Often include large segments of text, so it is best
to switch back and forth from text to diagram when reading them.
– Read them more than once.– Try redrawing them without looking at the
original.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Types of Graphics: MapsTypes of Graphics: Maps
Maps: describe relationships and provide information about location and direction.– Read the caption to identify the subject.– Use the legend or key.– Note distance scales.– Study the map for trends or key points.– Create a mental picture of the map.– Write a statement about what the map shows.
See Figure 8.20 in the text.
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Types of Graphics: CartoonsTypes of Graphics: Cartoons
Cartoons: make a point quickly or lighten the text with humor. There is usually no legend with a cartoon (Figure 8.21).
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Types of Graphics: Types of Graphics: PhotographsPhotographs
Photographs: used to spark your interest and often, to draw out an emotional response or feeling (Figure 8.22).
Click on the photograph!
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Reading Technical WritingReading Technical Writing
Adjust your reading rate. Slow down!Plan on rereading.Preread carefully. Alternate between text
and graphics.Use visualization.
See Figure 8.23 in your textbookfor characteristics of technicalwriting.
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Tips for Studying Technical Tips for Studying Technical MaterialMaterial
Reserve Large Blocks of TimeLearn Technical VocabularyStudy by Drawing Diagrams and PicturesFocus on Concepts and PrinciplesIntegrate Lab, Lecture, and Classroom
Activities
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Tips for Studying Technical Tips for Studying Technical MaterialMaterial
Use the Glossary and IndexHighlight Selectively (See Chapter 13)Use Outlining (See Chapter 14)Learn Processes and Procedures
– Prepare study sheets.– Write out steps of a process.– Use index cards to record steps.
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Summary QuestionsSummary Questions
What steps can be taken to read graphic material more effectively?
How is technical writing different from other types of writing?
How should technical material be read?How can technical material be studied more
effectively?
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Take a Reading Road Trip!Take a Reading Road Trip!
Take a trip to WALL STREET in New York City and visit the Graphics and Visual Aids module on your CD-ROM.