Comprehension of Visual presentations

Here we will consider tables, mindmaps, and four different kinds of diagram: pie charts, bar charts, Gantt charts, flowcharts and graphs.

A. Tables

A collection of figures can often best be communicated by means of tables.

B. Pie charts

Statistics that are reported in percentages are often presented in what is called a pie chart, in which the complete “pie” represents 100 percent. The distinctions can be heightened by shading or colouring the different segments of the pie.

C. Bar charts

Horizontal bars

Another way of expressing data visually is by means of bar charts. To show data in the form of bar charts, the bar charts are drawn to scale and measured from the base line which may be horizontal or perpendicular.

The perpendicular bar chart

The perpendicular bar chart is also a “composite” bar chart because it includes a breakdown of the individual products in each bar.

D. Gantt charts

A variation of the bar chart is the Gantt chart, used in connection with the

process of control in a business. It gives an instant visual comparison between expected and actual performance.

E. Graphs

The most common form of visual presentation is the graph. Graphs are two-dimensional. The x-axis records one dimension, usually the time dimension. The y- axis records another range of data which changes in relation to the time (or other) series.

The benefit of all these diagrammatic representations is that they present the data in an easily assimilable form. Those who are involved in the business need to be able to interpret data presented to them in whatever form.

f)A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often created around a single word or text, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from a central node, and lesser categories are sub-branches of larger branches.[1] Categories can represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items related to a central key word or idea.

Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as "rough notes" during a lecture or meeting, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. An example of a rough mind map is illustrated.

Mind maps are considered to be a type of spider diagram. A similar concept in the 1970s was "idea sun bursting".

g)A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm or process, showing the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows. This diagrammatic [[Knowledge representation and reasoning|representationsolution to a given problem. Process operations are represented in these boxes, and arroram]]s; rather, they are implied by the sequencing of operations. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing, documenting or managing a process or program in various fields.

Flow chart for “ scientific method”

Exercise 2. a) What are these visuals called in English? Match the numbers to the descriptions. b) Which of these visuals would you use in you research work?

Exercise 3. These verbs are used to describe movement or trends. Put them in the correct category.

climb, decline, decrease, double, drop, expand, fall, fluctuate, go down, go up, grow, hit a low, increase, pick up, plunge, reach a high, recover, remain stable, rise, stabilize, stay the same

	Exercise 4. Match the two parts to make sentences used to talk about visuals.
	Let’s now have a look	a - shows our revenues since 2012.
	The black line gives us	j - the next pie chart.
	Each line on the graph indicates	b - at how the new division will be structured.
	In the upper right-hand corner	c - attention to the figures in the left-hand column.
	The graph on the following slide	d - you can see the specifications for the TP model.
	Now I’d like you to take	e - the sales figures for the VW Fox.
	The names of the new models are listed	f - table on the right.
	You can see the test results in	g - a look at the next slide.
	This aspect of the problem is illustrated in	h - the production output of a different product.
	I’d like to draw you	i - across the top.

Exercise 5. a) These expressions highlight important information in a visual. Complete them using the following words.

b) These expressions comment on important information in a visual. Complete them using the following words:

Exercise 6. Put the words in the right order to make sentences with expressions from this unit.

1. chart percentage our of pie share the the market shows

2. travel 2006 according costs since risen the have sharply to study

3. rates 0.5% beginning year the the interest were of raised by at

4. June rise in dramatic 15% in was there costs transport a of

5. low December our in hit a productivity

6. decline by poor situation the economic the was caused

Exercise 7. The graphs below give information about commuting inside and outside London in 2009. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 2506