Documentation Guidelines - Requirements Engineering and Management for Software Development Projects - page 231

A.2.13.4 Pie Charts

Pie Charts are best used to depict apportionment of a single entity on various
heads. The pie or the circle is the whole; the slices or segments are the
apportionments. The parts must add up to 100 %. The guidelines for preparing Bar
Charts are:

1. There shall be at least three segments—otherwise, the chart is unnecessary.
2. Restrict the number of segments to seven. This can be achieved by clubbing
minor segments into one single ''Miscellaneous'' or ''Others'' segment. This
segment can be explained in a footnote.
3. Identify each segment either within the circle or outside the circle using a
guideline.
4. Distinguish between the segments using contrasting colors or hatch patterns
5. Make the size of the pie appropriate for the page.

A.3 Language

It is not possible to include all the rules of English grammar in this guideline.
However, a few guidelines are included here to achieve uniformity and to assist as
a reference guide for writing Correct English.

A.3.1 Sentence Construction

While it is possible to construct sentences with one or two words, it is
recommended that the sentences be constructed with at least three words. The
characteristics of a good sentence are:
1. It is short, simple and clear
2. It has a single central idea
3. It has agreement between its parts
4. Verbs are properly used
5. Pronouns are properly used
6. It is preferably affirmative
7. It is preferably in active voice.

A.3.1.1 Short, Simple and Clear

To keep sentences short, simple and clear are:

1. Use simple and familiar words
2. Avoid unnecessary words
3. Use simple sentences as far as possible