STRUCTURE OF A DATA

COMMENTARY
Data commentary
– the presentation
and analysis of
data
4 basic parts of data commentary

1. Data presentation,

usually in graphic form
2. Location elements and

summaries
3. Highlighting statements
4. Conclusions
1. DATA PRESENTATION
 Dataare often presented
graphically for order and
greater clarity.

 Graphic data presentation can

be in the form of tables or
figures.
 Table
– often used to present
voluminous data

 Figure – anything other than table, like

charts, graphs, pictures and maps
 - ideal for showing general trends and

patterns and for pointing out

comparisons among data
Example of a Table
 Table 1. Total fruit production (metric tons)
in Trinidad Valley, Baguio (1980-2010)
Fruit Harvest Harvest Harvest
(1980-1990) (1991-2000) (2001-2010)
Strawberry 375 300 400
Mango 423 356 525
Lemon 289 270 300
2. Location and Summary
Expressions
 Locationexpression – just a sentence
that identifies what figure/table is
being discussed

 -Eachtable and figure have to be

discussed separately

 The
number is usually in Arabic
number
Summary

Expression- where
you indicate the
data contained in
the table or figure
3. HIGHLIGHTING STATEMENTS
- The part where you discuss the
significant data
 -usually significant data are the

highest or predominant and the

lowest
 - it is in this part where you can

show your analytical ability by

pointing out pattern and trends
Pattern
– something that is
repeated

Trend – general direction

(going up? Going down?)
over a period of time
 Useful expressions when reporting results:

 - The majority (___%) of respondents said…

 - Approximately half ……
 - _______ percent of respondents said….
 - As can be seen in Table ___ the dry
season in ____(place) is longer/shorter than in
______(place)
 Useful expressions when reporting trends:

 -There has been a gradual (decrease) in

 - There is a steady (increase)
 - There is a sharp (drop in)
 - Price of _____ has been stable in the last
_____ (period of time)
4. CONCLUSION
 -You conclude a commentary by
giving explanations or discussing
the implications of the data.

 -youmay also conclude a data

commentary by suggesting future
research directions, if appropriate
Questions
 1. What is a data commentary? What are its
parts?
 2. Compare and contrast the two ways of data

presentation.
 3. How do you write an objective data

commentary?