Use of Columns
Columns break a page into multiple shorter, vertical sections and give the illusion of a faster read because the eyes are moving at a faster pace as a result of the slimmer width of each section. Columns for essays and articles also help distribute space, for a less dense appearance. The following example illustrates the use of columns for a report on scientific studies.
Context
In this medical research paper "Effects of Unsaturated Free Fatty Acids on Adhesion and on Gene Expression of Extrecellular Matrix Macromolecules in Human Osteoblast-like Cell Cultures", the writer may have decided to use two columns because of the density of this report. Since this research paper consists of a lot of scientific information, a one column format can be too overwhelming for the audience to fully comprehend the material.
General: The use of columns is an effective choice if the context demands dense material because it presents material in such a way that the eyes do not have to read fully across the page. Two columns allows for eyes to move from left to right at a faster page, giving the illusion that the reader is skimming through an article.
Ask Yourself: Am I writing for a subject that requires a lot of information? Will the use of columns help create a less dense appearance?
General: The use of columns is an effective choice if the context demands dense material because it presents material in such a way that the eyes do not have to read fully across the page. Two columns allows for eyes to move from left to right at a faster page, giving the illusion that the reader is skimming through an article.
Ask Yourself: Am I writing for a subject that requires a lot of information? Will the use of columns help create a less dense appearance?
Audience
The primary audience includes professionals such as doctors and scientists who are required to stay updated with the most recent scientific developments and research technologies. The audience would prefer to be presented with a report that is not overwhelming so that they will not overlook any important information that they value as professionals. A two-columned format allows for the audience to carefully read over every part of the report.
General: Using column generally give positive outcome because of its effect on the audience. However, the writer must know his/her audience to make the right choice by knowing the specific information about his/her audience.
Ask Yourself: Are the contents of my report dense? Is my paper informational? Will the use of columns help my audience easily follow my paper?
General: Using column generally give positive outcome because of its effect on the audience. However, the writer must know his/her audience to make the right choice by knowing the specific information about his/her audience.
Ask Yourself: Are the contents of my report dense? Is my paper informational? Will the use of columns help my audience easily follow my paper?
Purpose
In this report, a two-column format allows for readers to stay focused on a centralized purpose concerning fatty acids because of the consistent movement of the audience's eyes.
General: The use of columns can contribute to a texts purpose by presenting its components in a such a way that the audience will become an engaged reader because of how fast their eyes move from left to right due to a shortened width. The audience's mind will stay active and stay focused on the writer's purpose throughout the report.
Ask Yourself: Will the use of columns help my audience easily follow my report and would therefore recognize my purpose?
General: The use of columns can contribute to a texts purpose by presenting its components in a such a way that the audience will become an engaged reader because of how fast their eyes move from left to right due to a shortened width. The audience's mind will stay active and stay focused on the writer's purpose throughout the report.
Ask Yourself: Will the use of columns help my audience easily follow my report and would therefore recognize my purpose?
Persona
The writers' persona demonstrates professionalism through the use of columns because they are aware of the density of their material, and it is a professional choice to break up their paper into sections to allow for an easier read.
General: The use of columns ca3n add professionalism and consistency to a writer's persona. Columns is not a standard, formatting choice. Therefore, if a writer decides to use columns, it reflects the writer's attention to detail and dedication to the writing piece.
Ask Yourself: How formal is my piece? Do I have to have a formal persona? How will the use of columns show what is important to me as the writer?
General: The use of columns ca3n add professionalism and consistency to a writer's persona. Columns is not a standard, formatting choice. Therefore, if a writer decides to use columns, it reflects the writer's attention to detail and dedication to the writing piece.
Ask Yourself: How formal is my piece? Do I have to have a formal persona? How will the use of columns show what is important to me as the writer?