E N G L I S H F O R A C A D E M I C A N D P R O F E S S I O N A L P U R P O S E S

Lesson 4
Writing a DATA COMMENTARY
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explain the nature and purpose of writing a

data commentary
2. Identify the Parts of a Data Commentary
3. Write a data commentary

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 What is the difference between
DATA and INFORMATION?

When do DATA become INFORMATION?

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 What is DATA COMMENTARY?

Why is there a need to present DATA

COMMENTARY in a research paper?
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 What is DATA COMMENTARY?
The presentation of results, in some cases, including the interpretation of
DATA in any research work is called DATA COMMENTARY

It may contain interpretation of the data presented to come up with

meaningful INFORMATION.

Data can often be best expressed by a chart, graph, table, or other illustration.
The type of writing that accompanies a visual display is called Data
commentary.
WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES OF DATA COMMENTARY?

• Highlight results “
• Assess standard theories, common beliefs, or general practices
light of the given data.
• Compare and evaluate different data sets.
• Discuss the implications of the data

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The STRUCTURE of Data Commentary
1. Data Presentation, usually in graphic form;

2. Location elements and summaries;

3. Highlighting statements; and

4. Conclusions.

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 The STRUCTURE of Data Commentary
1. Data Presentation, usually in graphic form;

- often presented graphically for order and greater

clarity. Graphic representation data can be in the
form of tables or figures.

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 The STRUCTURE of Data Commentary
2. Location elements and summaries;
This directs the reader’s attention to …
a. The location of the figures containing the result.
b. Expresses the main idea of the graphical representation.

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 The STRUCTURE of Data Commentary
The summary expression is where you indicate the data contained in the table
or figure:
Active Voice Style Passive Voice Style
Table 5 shows … The most common forms of
transmission are shown in table 5.

Table 5 provides … The most common forms of

transmission are given in table 5.

Figure 4.2 gives … As can be seen from Figure 4.2, the

size of the particles are reduced when
..
Figure 4.2 suggests …
As shown in Figure 4.2, the size of the
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particles are reduced when ..
 Some verbs for referring to data

show, provide, display, summarize, demonstrate,

illustrate, reveal, suggest, indicate, give, present

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 The STRUCTURE of Data Commentary
3. Highlighting Statements that promote the most
important findings
For reporting numerical results: For reporting trends:

The majority of the respondents agreed There has been a gradual decrease in
that … the income of …
Approximately half of the population There is a marked fall in the …
claimed that …

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 The STRUCTURE of Data Commentary
4. Conclusions
Comments or interpretation of results could be:
- Generalization from the results
e.g. This proves the researchers hypothesis that …
- Explanations for the possible results
e.g. This, therefore, is the reason why many students …
- Comparing the results with those of other researchers
e.g. This supports/contradicts the conclusion of the research
made by … 13
 LANGUAGE POINTS
Tense – mixed Accurate verbs of Hedging Expressions Conjunction and
report Linkers
Past Tense – for
Indicative – e.g.  It modifies the
specific results. Conventions of
show(s), present(s), meaning of a
Academic Writing
Present Tense – and provide(s) sentence.
for  It gives the reader
interpretations. Contradiction – e.g. insight into the
disagree(s) with, writer’s position.
refute(s), and
contradict(s)

Reporting – e.g.
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support and confirm
 Sample Data Commentary
Table 5 shows the most common modes of infection for U.S.
businesses. As can be seen, in the majority of cases, the source of
viral infection can be detected, with disks being brought to the
workplace from home being by far the most significant. However, it
is alarming to note that the source of nearly 30% of viral infections
cannot be determined. While it may be possible to eliminate home-
to-workplace infection by requiring computer users to run antiviral
software on diskettes brought from home, business are still
vulnerable to major data loss, especially from unidentifiable sources
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of information.
 Sample Data Commentary
Table 5 shows the most common modes of infection for U.S.
businesses. As can be seen, in the majority of cases, the source of
viral infection can be detected, with disks being brought to the
workplace from home being by far the most significant. However, it
is alarming to note that the source of nearly 30% of viral infections
cannot be determined. While it may be possible to eliminate home-
to-workplace infection by requiring computer users to run antiviral
software on diskettes brought from home, business are still
vulnerable to major data loss, especially from unidentifiable sources
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of information.
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