Graphics in Expository Writing: A Guide Meg gorzycki, Ed.D

Graphic Representations of Data Edward Tufte, (2001) notes that graphic illustrations of data helps readers grasp what are sometimes confusing and complex data Effective graphic illustrations are clear, accurate, and not so many in number as to overwhelm the reader

Graphic Representations of Data Expository and technical writing often rely on quantitative data to support assertions Quantitative data can be used to describe behavior, reveal trends over time, represent natural phenomenon, compare and contrast behavior and phenomenon Quantitative data can be generated by scientific measurements, surveys, and a variety of methods

Graphic Representations of Data Graphic illustrations can take many forms…Here are just a few: Pie Chart Scatter Plot Box Plot Contour Maps Bar Graph

Graphic Representations of Data Graphic illustrations can represent relationships found in data This graph illustrates a positive correlation between students’ rating of their reading skills (Y Axis) and the scores students got on a reading test (X Axis). The distribution of scores for two separate behaviors in this case shows readers that students with low test scores are aware of their deficits with reading, and that students with high test scores are aware of their competence with reading

Graphic Representations of Data Graphic illustrations help readers compare and contrast behavior This graph illustrates how five generations respond to the question of whether they doubt the existence of God, and it traces those responses over time. The graph is useful because it illustrates trends and represents a distribution of public opinion, but it does not explain how the data was gathered, why the data matters, or why those in the study believed the way they believed. Good graphics need good expository writing.

Graphic Representations of Data Writers should consider the readers’ level of sophistication This graph depicts the losses sustained by Napoleon’s invasion of (brown line) and retreat from (black line) Russia in 1812. It traces temperatures faced by soldiers from Poland to Russia (Tufte, p. 41) Who might this graphic confusing?

Graphic Representations of Data Is my purpose to show readers I know how to make a graph or to help them understand complex issues at a glance? Which illustration or format will provide readers with the clearest summary of data? What limitations on graphic illustrations does my publisher impose on this essay? Do I really need illustrations to make my point? Which data should be illustrated?

Tables Can Be Tricky Table 1: Persons at the Poverty Level in the U.S. by Selected Characteristics (number in thousands) Is it correct to say that in 1995, over 36 million people in the U.S. lived in poverty? Does it matter that the tile of the table and the title in the able do not match? How can we have a total of 13.8% of Americans living in poverty when the totals for the different ethnic groups add up to more than 13.8%? Below Poverty 1995 1994 Characteristic Number Percent Total 36,425 13.8 38,059 14.5 White 24,423 11.2 25,379 11.7 Black 9,872 9.3 10,196 30.6 Asian 1,411 14.6 974 Hispanic/Latino 8,574 30.3 8,416 30.7 [Adapted from M. Schield, Statistical Literacy http://web.augsburg.edu/~schield/MiloPapers/99APDU_Ppt.pdf.]

Tips for Using Graphic Illustrations Reach out. Explore options with experts and potential readers before you complete your composition Familiarize yourself with the requirements of the style in which you are required to write; MLA, APA, Chicago Manual of Style and other styles have specific rules about graphic organizers Ensure that the assertions in the composition are aligned with what the data tells readers, and that graphics are properly labeled and legible