1 READING
Obje Object ctiv ive: e:
To tra trans nsfe ferr info inform rmat atio ion n from from lin linear ear to non non-l -lin inea earr text text
TRANSFERRING INFORMATION FROM LINEAR TO NON-LINEAR TEXTS
As a student, you will definitely encounter a number of visual forms or non-linear texts in your textbooks. Non-linear texts are used to present data in an orderly way and also to enable you to see large quantities of information at a glance. Non-linear texts are used to: summarise
figures show trends show comparisons show relationships clarify difficult concepts Some non-linear texts you are likely to encounter are: graphs tables charts diagrams maps photographs
When extracting information from a written text to transfer to a non-linear text such as a table or an organisational chart, here are some steps you could follow: Step 1 : Read the passag passagee to get a general idea of the the subject subject matter. matter. Step 2 : Look at at the visual visual to identif identify y what informati information on is needed to to complete complete the chart. Step 3 : Locate Locate the relevan relevantt informat information ion in the passage passage and transfe transferr it to the the chart. Use only key words or phrases – not whole sentences. Step 4 : You may may be required required to to classif classify y informat information ion into into categor categories ies under Headings. You may have to come up with your headings.
2
Example: The oldest musical instrument in the world is the drum, which was originally made in one of three ways. Frame drums were made by stretching skin over bowl-shaped frames. Rattle drums were made by filling gourds or skins with dried grains, shells or rocks. Tubular drums were made from hollowed logs or bones covered with skins. Both frame and tubular drums were struck with the hand or with beaters to produce sounds. In contrast, rattle drums were shaken or scraped to make rhythmic sounds. For thousands of years, drums have been used to transmit messages to call soldiers to battle and to make music. The paragraph you have just read is about different kinds of drums and how they function. In order to find out this information, we have to read the whole text and look for the information. This takes time. However, by transferring the main points into a chart, the relevant information can be seen at a glance. This is the main advantage of presenting information in a non-linear form.
DRUMS
Frame Drums
Tubular Drums
made by stretching skins over bowlshaped frames
made from hollowed logs or bones covered with skins
struck with the hands or with beaters to produce sounds
Rattle Drums
made by filling gourds or skins with dried grains, shells or rock
shaken or scraped to make rhythmic sounds
3
EXERCISE A Read the following paragraph. Transfer the information in the paragraph into the chart that follows.
The word 'mountain refers to any region of land that is raised rather steeply above the surrounding terrain. Geologists believe that most mountains are formed by movements in the earth's crust. The earth's crust is made up of a number of vast plates that move at a rate of a few centimetres a year. These movements lead to the collision and separation of continents and the subsequent development of mountain belts. The Himalayas, for example, were raised by the compression and collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Besides that, mountains are also formed by the forces of erosion. Rocks on the surface of the earth have different compositions. These rocks are continuously exposed to erosive actions. The areas which are relatively hard may stand high above the softer areas, which are more easily eroded rocks. The best example is the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas and Missouri. Finally, mountains are also formed by volcanic activity. A famous example in this category is Mount Fuji in Japan. This type of mountain has a conical peak composed of lava and volcanic debris. Many of these mountains have summit craters that still release steam and debris.
FORMATION OF MOUNTAINS 2 1.1
22.
3.
4.4
5 5.
6.
EXAMPLES
4
EXERCISE B Read the following passage. Transfer the information in the passage into the chart that follows. A systems analyst is a person who designs and develops new information syatems or modifies exixting information systems. His primary objective is to produce effective and efficient information systems. In order to achieve this objective, the syatems analyst must possess certain skills and qualities. First and foremost, the systems analyst must have good communicaion skills. This will help him to communicate with the users of information systems. In so doing, he will not only understand the problems faced by the users but will also be provided with sufficient specifications to design and develop effective and efficient information systems that suit the users' needs. The systems analyst also needs to communicate with vendors to identify the appropriate technology for the information systems. Upon completing these tasks, the system analyst will communicate with top management to discuss the required budget. Developing an information system needs proper planning. In this context, the systems analyst must be very skilful in managing all the aspects of the information system project. He must be able to manage the budget, the information personnel who are involved in the project, and the time allocated to complete the project. Failure to do so will not only result in an incomplete information system but will also put his reputation at stake. In the long run, it will jeopardise his career. The systems analyst should also possess the right attitude and qualities to succeed in his career. Apart from being innovative and creative in solving information systems problems, he must be proactive in dealing with users' needs. He should be very analytical and critical in trying to understand the problems faced by users of information systems. The work of the systems analyst is very demanding but it could also be interesting and rewarding for a person with the right attitude and skills. Almost all organisations need a systems analyst in order to manage their information syatems.
5
SYSTEMS ANALYST
JOB DESCRIPTION
1 _____________________________
2 ____________________________
SKILLS
COMMUNICATION
MANAGEMENT
3 ___________________________ 4 ___________________________ 5 ___________________________
6 _____________________________ 7 _____________________________ 8 _____________________________
PERSONAL QUALITIES 9 10 11 12 13
____________________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________
