Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
TheGreeks discovered 2000 years ago that the systemof rational numbers
is incomplete. The problem is that some quantities, such as the length of
the diagonal of a square with unit sides, are irrational. This discovery was
a serious blow to the Greek mathematicians.
Note how, in the second version, the final statement is more effective although it
hasn't been changed.
Paragraphing
A paragraph should discuss a single topic or issue. The outline or the argument
is typically captured in the first sentence of each paragraph, with the rest of the
paragraph used for amplification or example. Every sentence in a paragraph should
be on the topic announced in the opening. The last sentence has higher impact than
those in the body, so pay attention to sentence order.
Long paragraphs can indicate that several lines of argument are being followed
simultaneously. If a long paragraph can be broken, break it. Lack of variation in
paragraph length makes the page monotonous, however, so don't divide your text
into paragraphs of uniform size.
Contextual information can be forgotten between paragraphs, and references bet-
ween paragraphs can be difficult to follow. For example, if a paragraph discusses a fast
sorting algorithm, the next paragraph should not begin “This algorithm” but rather
“The fast sorting algorithm”; if one paragraph refers to Harvey, the next should not
refer to “his” but rather to “Harvey's”. Link paragraphs by re-use of keywords or phra-
ses, and with expressions that connect the content of one paragraph to that of the next.
Formatted lists can be used as an occasional alternative to paragraphs. Lists are
useful for the following reasons:
•
They highlight each main point clearly.
•
The context remains obvious, whereas, in a long list of points made in a paragraph,
it is hard to tell whether the later points are part of the original issue or belong to
some subsequent discussion.
•
An individual point can be considered in detail without confusing the main thread
of narrative.
•
They are easy to refer to.
List points can be numbered, named, or tagged. Use numbers only when ordering or
reference is important. If it is necessary to refer to an individual point, use numbers
or names. Otherwise use tags, as in the list above. Acceptable tags are bullets and
dashes; fancy symbols such as
, or graphic icons look childish.
A disadvantage of lists is that they highlight rather too well: a list of trivia can
be more attention-getting than a paragraph of crucial information. Reserve lists for
material that is both significant and in need of enumeration.
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