: Re: Should I put diagrams into a formal essay? I have asked a question like this before in Workplace, but this time is only about diagrams specifically, and on formal work generally. Some answers

@Gonzalez219

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In addition to what Monica Cellio said, whose answer I'd take to heart given that it is rife with solid reasoning, if you decide to include charts or diagrams in school applications and/or cover letters, be very careful how large you make them and the amount of visual prominence you give them.

Don't Let the Graphic Replace Your Writing...

If you make the diagrams cover too much of the page, then it will appear as if you're not taking the writing task seriously and are supplanting the necessary task of writing with a gimmick.

Don't Let the Graphic Distract From your Writing...

The same result will easily be created if you give too much visual prominence to the included graphic. If you make the graphic a header element or occupying the full width of the page then the information in the graphic had better be 20x more interesting than the text that would have gone there. Why? When you change the accepted format and force people to review that change, then you are automatically relying on the reviewer to go along with your ideas. But, this is often a very poor assumption and people can be reticent to change or too tired or distracted. So, if you're going to force a change, then what you present has to compensate for the irritation engendered when the reviewer has to now accommodate your new rules of the cover letter or application.

Consider Your Audience...

Lastly, and along the lines of the logic above, your graphic has to undoubtedly prove or forward your goals. It has the be presented in such a way that anyone looking at it will understand why it was included and subsequently agree with your decision. This is a difficult litmus test, but an important one because once you send out your written material you have no control over who looks at it and what mood or state they're in.

If you haven't considered how your audience will respond to the graphics... don't do it.

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