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University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

MSc level

Engineering Research
Methods
Prof. Dr. Hayder A Abbood
Materials Engineering Department
Engineering college,
University of Basrah.
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MSc level

Engineering Research Methods

Lecture .3

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

 MSc level

Outline
- Graphs, Charts, and Diagrams

- Introduction to Parallel Structure

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University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department
1.1 Introduction to
Graphs, Charts, and
Diagrams
Graphs, charts, and diagrams are powerful tools for visually representing data
and information. They help in simplifying complex data and making it easier
for the audience to understand. These visual tools are used across various
fields such as mathematics, science, business, and more.

When describing graphs, you must also be careful about grammar, especially
when choosing the verb tense. When you look at the graph, ask yourself
these questions:
•Is this data from the past, present, or future?
•Does this graph represent the same point in time?
•Is this graph predicting the future?

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

1.2 Types of Graphs and Charts
Line Graphs Bar Graphs Pie Charts

Line graphs are effective for Bar graphs are useful for Pie charts display the parts of

showing trends over a period comparing distinct categories a whole and are great for

of time or comparing the and showing data changes showing percentages in a

relationship between two over time. clear and easy-to-understand

variables. manner.

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

1.2 Types of Diagram
b)Types of UML Diagrams:
Use Case Diagram
Class Diagram
Sequence Diagram
a)Venn diagram
Collaboration Diagram
State Diagram
This is only a subset of diagrams … but
are most widely used

Three Most Popular Types of Flowcharts

•Process Flowchart
•Data Flowchart
•Business Process Modeling Diagram

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

1.3. Purpose and Benefits of Visual
Representations
1 Data Simplification
Graphs, charts, and diagrams simplify complex data by presenting it in a visual
format, making it easier for viewers to comprehend.

2 Enhanced Communication
Visual representations enhance communication and enable the audience to grasp
information more quickly and retain it for longer periods.

3 Decision Making
By visually presenting data and trends, graphs and charts facilitate data-driven
decision-making processes within organizations.
1.4. Key Components of Graphs and Charts

1 Axes and Labels 2 Legends

The axes and labels provide clear and Legends explain the meaning of
concise information on the variables different elements in the graph, such
being represented on the graph. as colors or shapes, allowing for easy
interpretation.

3 Data Points
Data points are the individual units of information plotted on the graph, representing
specific data values.
1.5. Interpreting and Analyzing Visual Data

Data Observation Comparative Analysis Data Projections

Observing patterns, trends, Comparing multiple sets of Projecting future outcomes
and anomalies within the visual data to identify based on the analysis of the
visual data to draw relationships and make current visual data trends.
meaningful conclusions. informed decisions.

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 1.6 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Misleading Information Overcomplicated Inconsistent Labeling

Charts
Avoid creating graphs that Ensure that all labels and
distort information or Avoid adding unnecessary legends are consistent and
mislead viewers with complexity that could confuse accurately represent the
misrepresented data. the audience and dilute the data points on the graph or
intended message. chart.

Data Accuracy
Double-check the accuracy of the data being represented to avoid misinformation and
misinterpretation.

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 1.7. How describe graph
a) Introduce the graph
Your first step should be to present the graph to your audience. This means covering high-level information like:
Its title
The topic
Data source
Time frame
Here are some examples of how to do this:
This graph shows the relationship between X and Y.
This diagram is a visual representation of the process for…
This chart uses data from the Z Data0base.
The data in this graph is from 2020.s

2. Identify key features

From there, you can describe the key variables that make up the graph. Graphs and charts typically have an x-
and y-axis, which represent different variables. Describing these axes will help the audience understand how
the graph displays data.
Here are some helpful phrases for identifying these variables:
•The vertical axis shows…
•The horizontal axis represents…
•This curve illustrates…
•The solid line shows…
•The shaded area describes…
•This colored segment is for…
•The red bar…
1.8 How describe graph
c. Point out important information

When describing graphs, start by recognizing the main patterns, trends, or relationships they show. For
example, if the chart clearly shows an increase in revenue over the past year, you should highlight that first.

To describe the movement of the line, you should use appropriate verbs, adjectives, and adverbs depending on
the kind of action you need to show. For this, you should use the following vocabulary:

•Verbs: rise, increase, grow, go up to, climb, boom, peak, fall, decline, decrease, drop, dip, go down, reduce,
level up, remain stable, no change, remain steady, stay constant, stay, maintain the same level, crash, collapse,
plunge, plummet.

•Adjectives: sharp, rapid, huge, dramatic, substantial, considerable, significant, slight, small, minimal, massive.

•Adverbs: dramatically, rapidly, hugely, massive, sharply, steeply, considerably, substantially, significantly,
slightly, minimally, markedly, quickly, swiftly, suddenly, steadily, gradually, slowly.

You can also identify other notable information, like outliers. This shows you understand the data beyond the
surface level.

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 1.8 How describe graph

d. Share your conclusions

Once you’ve described what you see in the graph, you need to explain what the data means. To come up
with ideas, you can ask yourself questions like:

How does this data affect the future?

How can we learn from this data?
What can we do differently to improve?
What decisions should we make based on this data?
Some ways to explain your conclusions include:

Based on the graph, we can conclude that…

This chart indicates that…
As you can see, user growth has increased in the past year. This means we expect to see more users in the
next six months.

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

1.8 How describe graph

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

1.8 How describe graph

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

1.8 How describe graph

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

Conclusion and Summary
Graphs, charts, and diagrams are indispensable tools for conveying complex
data in a clear and visually appealing manner. Understanding the different
types, purposes, and components of these visual representations, along with
the best practices for their creation and interpretation, is crucial for effective
communication and decision-making. By avoiding common mistakes and
adhering to established guidelines, organizations and individuals can harness
the power of visual data to enhance understanding and make informed
choices.

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

2. Introduction to
Parallel Structure

Parallel structure is a writing technique that ensures the

elements within a sentence are grammatically consistent. It
enhances clarity and readability, making the text more
impactful and engaging.

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

2.1. Definition and Explanation
1 Definition
Parallelism involves using the same grammatical form for similar or related ideas within
a sentence or paragraph. Parallel construction, means the use of the same pattern of
words for two or more ideas that have the same level of importance.

2 Explanation
It creates balance and rhythm in writing, leading to greater cohesion and impact on the
reader.

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

2. Importance of Using Parallel
Structure
Parallelism, or parallel construction, means the use of the same pattern of words for two
or more ideas that have the same level of importance. When a sentence or passage
lacks parallel construction, it is likely to seem disorganized. The reader may have to
reread it to grasp the meaning or may misunderstand the relationship among ideas.

1 Clarity 2 Emphasis 3 Impact

Parallel structure It helps emphasize key Using parallelism can
clarifies the points by presenting elevate the quality of
relationships between them in a consistent writing, creating a
ideas, making the text and balanced manner. lasting impact on
easier to understand. readers.
 2.3. When Parallel Structure is
required
• For items in a list.
• For words or phrases joined by a coordinating conjunction: and, but, yet, or, nor, for,
so.
• For words or phrases that follow each half of a correlative conjunction such as
both/and, not only/but also, (n)either/(n)or, whether/or.
• For words or phrases introduced by a comparison word, usually than or as.

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2.4. Benefits of Using Parallelism
1 Enhanced 2 Improved Flow 3 Expressive Impact
Readability
It improves the flow of Using parallelism can
Parallel structure the writing, creating a lend a powerful and
enhances the smooth and expressive impact to
readability of a text, harmonious reading written works,
making it easier for experience. captivating the
readers to follow and audience.
comprehend.

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

 [Link] of Parallel Structure
a) Words
A parallel structure that begins with a word must continue with similar words and word endings.
He gave me the sun, the moon, and the stars. (nouns)
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling. (gerunds)
I love green, red, and white balloons. (adjectives)
She spoke quietly, slowly, and clearly. (adverbs)

b)Phrases
A parallel structure that begins with a phrase must continue with similar phrases.
He walked around the house, through the garden, and out of the gate. (prepositional phrase)
Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle. (infinitive phrase)
OR
Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.
(Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.)

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 [Link] of Parallel Structure

c)Clauses
A parallel structure that begins with a clause must continue with clauses.

The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warmup exercises before the game.

d)Lists
Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.

The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

The toys were everywhere -- under the table, on the couch, and in the closet.

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

 2.7. How to Create Parallelism in Writing
1 Identify Elements 2 Keep Consistency 3 Use Conjunctions
Identify the elements Ensure that the Utilize correlative
that need to be parallel sentence elements are conjunctions and
and ensure they are in consistently structured coordinating
the same form. and grammatically conjunctions to connect
similar. parallel elements.

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

 [Link] Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing Tenses Incomplete Overcomplicating
Parallelism Sentences
Avoid mixing verb tenses
within a parallel structure Ensure all elements within Avoid creating overly
to maintain grammatical the parallel structure are complex sentences that
consistency. complete and parallel to may lack clarity and
one another. simplicity.

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department

 [Link] Mistakes to Avoid
1. Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
likes hiking
likes swimming
likes to ride [does not match the pattern of gerunds; can be changed to ‘riding’]
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.

2. The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.
write quickly
write accurately
write in a detailed manner [does not match the pattern of adverbs; can be changed to ‘thoroughly’ & have the same meaning]
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.
[Link] teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his
lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low.
he waited
he completed
his motivation was low [does not match the pattern of verbs; can be changed to ‘lacked ’]

The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab
problems in a careless manner, and lacked the motivation.
University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department
University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department
Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Best Practices Avoiding Errors Maximizing Impact

Utilize parallel structure to Be cautious of common Embrace parallelism to
bring clarity and impact to mistakes to ensure effective create a lasting and
your writing. use of parallelism. engaging impression on
your readers.
University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department
31

MSc level

Thank you

University of Basrah –College of Engineering- Materials Engineering Department