Using Tables in Technical Writing
•
3 likes•752 views
How to incorporate tables into technical writing; when and how to use them and how to write about them.
Recommended
More Related Content
What's hot
What's hot (20)
Similar to Using Tables in Technical Writing
Similar to Using Tables in Technical Writing (20)
More from Safwan Brightwell
More from Safwan Brightwell (20)
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
Using Tables in Technical Writing
- 1. TablesTables UsingUsing In Technical WritingIn Technical Writing
- 2. Outcomes Recognize the benefits of using table in technical writing
- 3. Outcomes Identify the two main types of table
- 4. Outcomes Write a paragraph describing a table
- 6. Tables are a powerful way of showing textual information such as specifications or comparisons.
- 7. The main advantage of tables is that they can be used for any data.
- 8. There are two basic types of table: Numerical quantitative Prose qualitative
- 9. Any table you use should be simple to read so don’t put too much information in it.
- 10. Tables should be designed with your audience in mind so use the right amount of detail.
- 12. Don’t include too much information
- 13. The role of the table is to present all of the data. limit it to 2-3 comparisons
- 14. The role of the table is to present all of the data. use multiple tables if needed
- 15. Give a brief but descriptive title use multiple tables if needed
- 16. Give a brief but descriptive title
- 17. Give a brief but descriptive title say exactly what’s being compared
- 18. Line up data clearly
- 19. Line up data clearly use neat columns and rows
- 20. Line up data clearly give plenty of space
- 22. Keep the information brief abbreviate numbers
- 23. Keep the information brief limit the amount of words
- 24. How to Describe a Table How to Describe a Table 33
- 25. The role of the table is to present all of the data.
- 26. Table 1.1 - Social Media Usage (in Minutes), April 2015 and April 2016 “ “ Platform April 2015 April 2016 Growth Twitter 13,735,698 28,872,640 210% Facebook 7,254,645 12,845,364 177% What’s App 5,265,789 9,255,784 175% Snapchat 4,258,974 9,365,247 219% Source: socialworld.com
- 27. So when you describe it, you only have to summarize the important points.
- 29. introduce the table by stating what it shows
- 30. and refer to it by its number
- 32. include any qualifying information dates, places etc.
- 33. use the present tense
- 34. Table 1.1 Name Verb shows illustrates depicts Description changes in the use of four different social media apps from 2015 to 2016
- 35. be sure to mention your source
- 36. Table 1.1 shows the usage in minutes of four social media platforms in April 2015 and April 2016 according to socialworld.com. “ “
- 38. mention any trends that appear in the data
- 39. mention any trends that appear in the data you can mention more than one
- 40. don’t mention any specific information
- 41. start with a good introductory expression
- 42. “overall”
- 44. “overall” “as shown” “as we can see”
- 45. As shown, social media usage increased dramatically between April 2015 and April 2016. “ “
- 47. follow the topic sentence with supporting sentences
- 48. give 2-3 examples that prove the trend
- 50. Snapchat was the fastest growing, increasing by 219 per cent. This was closely followed by Twitter which increased by 210 per cent. “ “
- 51. Group different items together to make your paragraph easier to read
- 52. Facebook and What’s App also grew considerably, with usage increasing by 177 per cent and 175 per cent, respectively. “ “
- 54. Finish with a concluding sentence that restates the main point
- 55. repeat the main trend or identify a second one
- 57. The amount of time people spent using all four apps increased between 2015 and 2016. “ “
- 58. DON’T
- 61. EndEnd