The advancement of technology made it easier to write academic papers. The students need less time to type an assignment on a keyboard than they used to need on a typewriter. Additionally, using a PC allows you to add all sorts of tables, figures, and other graphics by only making a couple of clicks. Here is how to add tables, figures & graphics in your writing an assignment.
How to Add Tables, Figures & Graphics in Your Writing
1. Tables
Tables are the basic type of graphics that you can use to simply presenting the information. If you have plenty of numerical or another form of data, and it seems like it is confusing to present it in the form of text, creating a table can be the right solution.
You can create a table with any number of rows and columns as long as you have at least two of each. For the sake of aesthetics and making it easy for the reader to find their way around, consider fitting the table to a single paper.
Here are some rules for writing a table that you can use:
- Make sure to use consistent vocabulary and formatting throughout the table. For example, if you underlined one of the columns that names a particular group of data, do the same with the other groups of data.
- Keep the title of the table explanatory, but as brief as possible.
- You can add additional notes, such as the source, below the table.
- Always refer the table in the text itself at least once. Mention it by using “Table 1” identification, and do not refer to it as the table below.
If you have five or more tables in your assignment, you should consider providing a list of tables. It should be adequately formatted, and mention all the tables in the paper apart from any you may have included in the Appendices. Keep in mind that the titles need to match exactly, as well as page numbers.
2. Figures
Here is an interesting – many universities use the term “figures” to explain all other graphics added to an academic paper, including charts, graphs, and musical illustrations. The general rules are similar to the ones like when creating a table. The title should be as brief as possible; you should refer the figure in the text, and make sure to use consistent vocabulary.
Do not forget to list the figures at the end of your paper, especially if you have more than five of them.
3. Charts and Graphs
Charts and graphs are great for displaying plenty of information in a clear and concise format. They allow you to convey your argument properly and highlight specific points.
Depending on what you are presenting, you can use one of the following charts:
- Pie charts – a perfect choice if you have parts of a whole that you need to compare. For example, you can use it for poll results, such as displaying which portion of users uses which smartphones.
- Pictograms – it takes the visual presentation to the next level because you use an image instead of a particular line. For example, if you want to show the number of people across different age groups, you can use a pictogram, which is essentially a bar graph.
- Scatter charts – they can show a correlation of variables, and that is the reason why you should consider using them.
When it comes to graphs, here are some of those that you can use:
- Line graph – an excellent way to display trends of a particular parameter over time.
- Column bar – if you grouped the information in up to 10 categories, this can be a visually beautiful way of comparing it. You use separate vertical bars to show various data and enable the user to make the comparison right away.
- Area graphs – it can be useful for showing multiple trends and analyzing them individually and jointly.
Professional WYSIWYG software for editing text, such as Microsoft Word, makes adding charts and graphs simple.
4. Musical Illustrations
If you are studying music or any other related college, you can even consider adding musical illustrations to your work. Some universities require you to label each illustration by using the “Ex” abbreviation, which stands for “Example.”
Aside from the abbreviation, you should also mention the author, name of the piece, and other relevant details about the illustration.
5. Images
The latest in the line of the graphics you can add to your academic assignment is inserting images. While some academic papers can benefit from adding pictures, you should refrain from using them in other types of assignments. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and even ask your tutor whether you are allowed to use images and what type of photos you can use.
Although it is easier to add graphics today than it was when we couldn’t use technology, it is still a process that requires a certain level of knowledge. If you need your paper or report to be rich in graphics, you may want to consider working with a writing service and professional that can do the job for you. This benefit is available at DoMyPapers.com. Try it out!
As you can see, you have plenty of ways to improve your writing piece by adding figures, tables, and other statistics. Visually presenting information is an excellent way to attract the reader’s attention and be additionally concise in conveying your arguments.