1

READING

Objective: To transfer information from linear to non-linear 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 passage to get a general idea of the subject matter.
Step 2 : Look at the visual to identify what information is needed to complete
the chart.
Step 3 : Locate the relevant information in the passage and transfer it to the
chart. Use only key words or phrases – not whole sentences.
Step 4 : You may be required to classify information into categories 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The oldest musical instrument in the world is the drum, which was originally made in one of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 non­linear
form.

             DRUMS

Frame Drums    Tubular Drums     Rattle Drums

made by stretching made from hollowed   made by filling 

skins over bowl­ logs or bones covered   gourds or skins 
shaped frames with skins   with dried grains,
  shells or rock 

struck with the hands or  shaken or scraped
with beaters to produce  to make rhythmic
sounds  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  ___________________________            6  _____________________________
4  ___________________________            7  _____________________________
5  ___________________________            8  _____________________________
 6

PERSONAL QUALITIES

   9 ____________________________________________
10  _____________________________________
11  _____________________________________
  12  _____________________________________
  13  _____________________________________