Academic Writing
Academic Writing #07: Design Figures and Useful Captions
Design Figures and Useful Captions
Choose a figure that answers a question. A line graph can show change over time; a scatterplot can show a relationship. Use readable labels, units, and distinguishable symbols. Do not rely on colour alone.
A caption identifies the measured quantity, groups, conditions, and meaning of symbols or error bars. State sample sizes when relevant. Explain panels separately and cite the figure in the text.
Keep the display faithful to the data. Do not hide inconvenient points or distort an axis to exaggerate a difference. Explain exclusions in the methods.
Try it
Write a caption for the invented chart: mean error for methods A and B is 8% and 5%, based on 10 independent trials per method.
Model answer
“Mean error for methods A and B across 10 independent trials per method.” Add the test conditions. No uncertainty information was supplied; do not invent error bars.
Source / further reading · Examples are for practice.
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