Ch 7 graphics and electronic sources

Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers

Guide to College Reading, 8/eKathleen T. McWhorter

Chapter 7

Reading Graphic and Electronic InformationPowerPoint by Gretchen Starks-Martin

St. Cloud State University, MN


THIS CHAPTER WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO:

Approach graphic informationRead and evaluate electronic

sources


A GENERAL APPROACH TO GRAPHICS

1. Read the title or caption.

2. Discover how the graphic is organized.

3. Identify the variables. What comparisons are being made?

4. Analyze the purpose.


A GENERAL APPROACH TO GRAPHICS

5. Determine scale, values, or units of measurement.

6. Study the data to identify trends or patterns.

7. Read the graphic along with corresponding text.

8. Make a brief summary note.


TYPES OF GRAPHICS

GraphsChartsDiagramsTablesMaps Photographs


Tables

A table is a listing of facts and figures in columns and rows for quick and easy reference.

Baseball Scores

Game 1 Game 2

Yankees 6 4

Mets 2 3


Tables

1. Determine how the information is divided and arranged.

2. Make comparisons and look for trends.

3. Draw conclusions about what the numbers mean.

4. Look for clues in corresponding text.


Graphs

Bar graphsMultiple bar graphsStacked bar graphsLinear graphs

Each plots a set of points on a set of axes.


Bar Graphs

Bar Graph:– A bar graph is used to make comparisons

between quantities or amounts and shows changes that occur over time.

– A series of different items can be quickly compared by noting the different bar lengths.


Multiple Bar Graphs

A multiple bar graph makes at least two or three comparisons simultaneously.

As you read them, make sure to identify exactly what comparisons are being made.

See Figure 10-6 in your book.


Stacked Bar Graphs

A stacked bar graph is an arrangement of data in which bars are placed one on top of another rather than side by side.

It is often used to emphasize whole/part relationships.

See Figure 10-7 in your book.


Linear Graphs

Line Graphs:– Plots and connects points along a vertical and

a horizontal axis.– It can compare two or several sets of

variables.– See Figure 10-8 in your book for an example.


Charts

Pie chartsOrganizational chartsFlowcharts


Pie Charts

Pie charts, sometimes called circle graphs, are used to show whole/part relationships or to depict how given parts of a unit have been divided or classified.

Examine the chart in Figure 10-12 of your book.


Organizational Charts

Organizational charts divide an organization into its administrative parts, staff positions, or lines of authority.

Examine the organizational chart in Figure 10-13 of your book.


Flowcharts

A flowchart shows how a process or procedure works.

Lines or arrows are used to indicate the direction of the steps in the procedure.

Various shapes are used.Examine the flowchart in Figure 10-14 of

your book.


How to Read a Flowchart

1. Decide what process the flowchart shows.

2. Next, follow the chart, using the arrows and reading each step.

3. When you have finished, summarize the process in your own words.


Diagrams

A diagram is an outline drawing or picture of an object or a process.

They are often used in technical and scientific textbooks.

Diagrams help you visualize relationships between parts and understand sequences.

Examine Figure 10-18 in your textbook.


How to Read a Map

1. Read the caption.2. Use the legend or key to identify the symbols

or codes used.3. Note distance scales.4. Study the map, looking for trends or key

points.5. Try to visualize, or create a mental picture of,

the map.6. As a learning and study aid, write, in your own

words, a statement of what the map shows.


Photographs

Read the caption.Ask: “What is my first overall

impression?”

NASA, Cape Canaveral


READING AND EVALUATING INTERNET SOURCES

1. Focus on your purpose for visiting the site.

2. Get used to the site’s design and layout.

– Spend a few minutes discovering how it is organized.– Expect the first screen to grab your attention and

make a main point.– Consider both the focus of and limitations of your

learning style.



3. Pay attention to how information is organized.

Use the site map to discover what information is available and how it is organized.

Consider the order in which you want to take in information (exploring links).

Expect shorter, less detailed sentences and paragraphs.



4. Use links to find the information you need.– Plan on exploring links to find complete and detailed

information.– Bookmark your original site and other useful sites as

you follow links.– If there are many pages of continuous paragraphs,

print the material and read it offline.


Types of Web Sites

Informational: to present facts News: to provide current news Advocacy: to promote a cause or point of view Personal: individual interests and

accomplishments Commercial: to promote goods or services


Evaluating Web Sites

Evaluating the Content of a Web Site:– Appropriateness– Source– Level of Technical Detail– Presentation– Completeness– Links


Evaluating Web Sites: Accuracy

1. Are the author’s name and credentials provided?

2. Is contact information for the author included on the site?

3. Is the information complete, or in summary form?

4. If opinions are offered, are they clearly presented as opinions?

5. Does the site provide a list of works

cited?


Evaluating Web Sites: Timeliness

The date on which the Web site was posted.

The date when the document you are using was added.

The date when the site was last revised. The date when the links were last

checked.


SELF-TEST SUMMARY

How do you read a graphic? How many types of graphics are there, what are they, and

how are they used? What types of electronic learning aids accompany

textbooks? How is reading electronic text different from reading print

text? List five different types of Web sites. What factors should you consider when evaluating a Web

site?


Visit the Companion Website

For additional readings, exercises, and Internet activities, visit this book’s

Companion Website at:

www.ablongman.com/mcwhorter

If you need a user name and password, please see your instructor.


My Reading Lab

For more practice with reading graphics, visit MyReadingLab, click on the

Reading Skills tab, and then click on Graphics and Visuals---

Wall Street, New York.

www.ablongman.com/myreadinglab