BADGE – Becoming a Digital Global Engineer
Intellectual Output
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BADGE – Becoming a Digital Global Engineer
Project 2019-1-FR01-KA203-063010 (167 512 512)
BADGE – Becoming a Digital Global Engineer
Project 2019-1-FR01-KA203-063010 (167 512 512)
After studying this unit, you will be able to …
include a written data description in your project, paper or dissertation;
describe and interpret data presented in a graphical form;
summarise information by selecting and reporting the main features;
make written comparisons where relevant.
Why do we use graphs in projects, papers, academic and scientific articles or dissertations?
What is a written graph description?
What is the difference between oral and written graph descriptions?
The basic procedure for both oral and written graph descriptions is the same - introducing the graph, giving an overview, analysing the details, interpreting and summarising. A written description, however, tends to be more formal and strict, is often shorter but is also more precise.
Oral and written forms of communication are similar in many ways but are not the same. If we compare an oral graph description to a written one, a lot of the rules are the same but there are some significant differences we should be aware of. Written communication is the process by which messages or information are exchanged or communicated between sender and receiver in written form. Thus, a written graph description requires a formal register, appropriate vocabulary and structure.
Text, being a description of data, is a very powerful communication tool. Thus, a combination of graphics and their description can make an article not only easy to understand, but can also attract and sustain the interest of readers. A graph description can explain large amounts of complex information. Indeed, in many academic articles, it is the graphics and their description that creates the first impression and this cannot be ignored.
In academic articles, charts, graphs, diagrams and other graphics are usually labelled Figures (Fig. 1, and, respectively, 2, 3, etc.).
When describing graphs, we should not forget about the important processes of making comparisons, categorizing, grouping the data and evaluation.
Examples of some useful words, phrases and expressions are listed below:
The following graph language can be used interchangeably:
Examples of useful phrases and expressions for an overall summary:
For evaluation and interpretation the following expressions can be helpful:
Let us focus our attention on key areas.
(Analysis) The first one is ………. (explain data)
(Evaluation) This is / was clearly due to …………
(Analysis) The second one is ……. (explain data)
(Evaluation) This is/was possibly because of ….
Overall, this graph provides clear evidence that…
A future prediction is that……
Below you will find collocations and expressions used more specifically to talk about percentages and values being compared with each other, both of which are common features of tables and charts:
Collective expressions are another aspect worth considering when describing graphs. They express a collective feature (the type of information they contain) using one word. Such nouns describe axes, bars, columns, etc.
Some examples are listed below:
age |
how old |
date |
which day, month, year, etc. |
degrees |
how hot or cold |
duration |
the length of time required |
height |
how tall |
length |
how long |
percentage |
a portion of 100% |
time |
how much time is required |
weight |
how heavy |
width |
how wide |
Summing up effective data presentation and description, we can enumerate some important aspects which should be taken into account.
First of all, the title of the graph should be appropriate to indicate the subject of the presentation. We cannot forget about the units of measurement and a proper scale to represent data accurately. When describing graphs, we need to interpret the index since colors or shades have a meaning. Data sources should also be included. A graph description should be ordered, logical and comprehensive for the reader.
In many subject areas, you may need to refer to numbers, statistics and other data. This is likely to be data either collected by other scientists, which you will use to support your written work, or it may be data that you have collected yourself as part of your research. Data is generally presented in the form of graphics, which makes it easier for readers to understand and follow. However, it is often necessary to describe, paraphrase and refer to this type of information in words, as part of a report or written assignment.
McCarthy, M., O’Dell, F. (2016) “Academic Vocabulary in Use”, Cambridge University Press.
Reynolds, S., Valentine, D. (2006). “Guide for internationals” Culture, communication and ESL (English as a Second Language) (Prentice Hall Series in Advanced Business Communication). Pearson Prentice Hall.
Szczuka-Dorna, L., Vendome, E. (2017). “Introduction to Interpersonal Communication”. Poznan Publishing House of Poznan University of Technology.
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/Charts_and_Diagrams.htm