6.

several popular types of graphics and their usage

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:

a) 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 b) 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. c) 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.

Photographs

Photographs are the most realistic and dramatic representation of physical features. In a good photograph the reader can see exactly what the writer is talking about. The range of photographic possibilities has greatly increased. Today's photographer has many special lenses that allow shots not possible before. Furthermore, cameras can be fastened to other equipment, such as microscopes and telescopes, to provide pictures not visible to the unaided human eye. Finally, cameras can go places the human eye cannot normally go. For instance, photographs can be taken from a plane looking at the earth below or show magnified views of objects which would otherwise be indiscernible to the human eye.

Drawings

Sometimes the writer wants to represent something that cannot be produced in the real world and so cannot be photographed. Other times a photograph is too expensive or time consuming. Then the writer uses a drawing. For instance, a cross section or cutaway view of a machine, while possible to photograph, requires ruining the machine-the only way to photograph a cross section of a coffee maker is to cut one in half! Drawings may also be preferable to photographs when the writer wants to show things that cannot be photographed, such as a memory, or nonexistent or imaginary items, such as an artist's rendition of a proposed building.

Diagrams

Finally, sometimes writers want to show, not physical objects, but ideas. A diagram is a symbolic representation well-suited to the presentation of ideas. For instance, a flow diagram of a company's corporate structure symbolically represents the power relationships among employees. Another common diagram, based on a physical object, is the exploded view, which does not aim to picture the object, but to show the working relationships among its parts. Other typical examples of diagrams include blueprints, wiring schematics, and maps. 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