Transcript Approach graphic information Read and evaluate electronic sources

Guide to College Reading, 8/e
Kathleen T. McWhorter
Chapter 10
Reading Graphic and Electronic Information
PowerPoint by Gretchen Starks-Martin
St. Cloud State University, MN
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
THIS CHAPTER WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO:
 Approach
graphic information
 Read and evaluate electronic
sources
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
A GENERAL APPROACH TO GRAPHICS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read the title or caption.
Discover how the graphic is
organized.
Identify the variables. What
comparisons are being made?
Analyze the purpose.
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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.
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TYPES OF GRAPHICS
Graphs
 Charts
 Diagrams
 Tables
 Maps
 Photographs

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Tables

A table is a listing of facts and figures
in columns and rows for quick and
easy reference.
Baseball
Scores
Yankees
Mets
Game 1
Game 2
6
4
2
3
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Tables
1.
2.
3.
4.
Determine how the information is divided
and arranged.
Make comparisons and look for trends.
Draw conclusions about what the
numbers mean.
Look for clues in corresponding text.
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Graphs
Bar graphs
 Multiple bar graphs
 Stacked bar graphs
 Linear graphs


Each plots a set of points on a set of
axes.
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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.
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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.
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
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.
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
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.
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
Charts
 Pie
charts
 Organizational charts
 Flowcharts
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How to Read a Flowchart
1.
2.
3.
Decide what process the flowchart
shows.
Next, follow the chart, using the arrows
and reading each step.
When you have finished, summarize
the process in your own words.
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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.
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
How to Read a Map
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Read the caption.
Use the legend or key to identify the symbols
or codes used.
Note distance scales.
Study the map, looking for trends or key
points.
Try to visualize, or create a mental picture of,
the map.
As a learning and study aid, write, in your own
words, a statement of what the map shows.
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Photographs
Read the caption.
 Ask: “What is my first overall
impression?”

NASA, Cape
Canaveral
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USING ELECTRONIC STUDY AIDS
CD-ROMs
 Web sites
 Online tutorials
 Software programs

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USING ELECTRONIC STUDY AIDS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use them with, but not in place of, your text.
Use the electronic aids for review and practice.
If there is a notepad (a place where you can
write your own notes), use it.
Consolidate your learning. Stop and reflect on
what you have learned.
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READING AND EVALUATING INTERNET SOURCES
Focus on your purpose for visiting
the site.
Get used to the site’s design and
layout.
1.
2.
–
–
–
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.
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
READING AND EVALUATING INTERNET SOURCES
Pay attention to how information is
organized.
3.



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.
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
READING AND EVALUATING INTERNET SOURCES
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.
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
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
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Evaluating Web Sites
Evaluating the Content of a Web Site:
–
–
–
–
–
–
Appropriateness
Source
Level of Technical Detail
Presentation
Completeness
Links
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Evaluating Web Sites: Accuracy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Are the author’s name and credentials
provided?
Is contact information for the author included
on the site?
Is the information complete, or in summary
form?
If opinions are offered, are they clearly
presented as opinions?
Does the site provide a list of works
cited?
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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.
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SELF-TEST SUMMARY

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
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?
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
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.
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers
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
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing by Longman Publishers