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Academic Communication for Advanced Secondary Schools Using illustrations in academic communication

Figures 6.3 and 6.4 are simple illustrations while figure 6.5 is a complex illustration.
They demonstrate the use of illustrations in an academic document. The writer uses the
illustration of the rock cycle in figure 6.3 to explain the process or structure of a rock.
In figure 6.4 the writer uses a simple illustration to explain how tension force take place.
In figure 6.5 the writer uses a line chart to compliment his/her technical analysis of
price movement. Such illustrations are excellent examples of using illustrations. Simple
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illustrations also include images that can be downloaded freely from graphic sources.
Criteria for using illustrations in academic documents

The following criteria are to be observed when using illustrations to prepare academic
documents:

(a) Creating effective illustrations
This criterion helps to decide which type of illustration will serve the purpose. For
example:
i. Maps serve the purpose of longitudinal representations.
ii. Graphs and charts are helpful for percentages and statistical data representations.
A data chart or table is applied to illustrate quantitative information.
iii. For technical illustrations, line art is the best. It helps to depict how something
works or how to do something.
iv. If there is a need for total realism, it is good to use photographs.
v. Avoid mixed-technique illustrations. When using them, the illustrations look
disorderly since each type of technique has its unique style.

(b) Ensure clarity and accuracy
Graphs and diagrams can be powerful tools for clarifying information. However,
unclear or inaccurate illustrations can confuse readers. To avoid confusion, ensure
the concept to be illustrated is grasped well before creating an illustration. If possible,
make several drafts for the clearest representation. Get peer feedback on the clarity
of an illustration. You will be sure with the clarity of the illustration if the peer
understands the concept without giving more explanation. The illustration is to be
modified if there is a need of explanations.
(c) Include labels and subtitles

Use simple words that are clear and concise on the labels and captions of the
illustrations to provide information. Complex titles can hinder the purpose of the
illustration. Label the important parts of the illustration. It is important to label the
illustration to identify what it is about and provide explanations in relation to the
subject of the document. A subtitle for the illustration is normally a sentence or a
short phrase, while a label is just a word. For example:

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