55. Data presentation 1 PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR MEDICINE

55. Data presentation 1

A	Referring a table or figure in an article you can write: √ Figure 1/ table 1 shows X √ X is shown in Figure 1/ table 1. In a presentation, you can use the same expressions, or you can say: √ As you can see in Table 1 …..
B	Comparing variables When you refer to a table you will often need to compare one variable with another: √ X was twice/three times as effective/common as Y. Or you may need to compare the same variable at different times: √ The number of X in 2000 was double/triple/three times that in 1990. √ There was a twofold/threefold increase in the number of X between 1990 and 2000. √ The number of X increased twofold/threefold between 1990 and 2000. √ The number of X doubled/ trebled between 1990 and 2000.
C	Approximating When referring to the data presented on slides, numbers are often rounded, for example 41.3 becomes 41 or even 40. When this is done, it is common to use expressions of approximation: Side effects were reported by about around approximately roughly some forty patients. Numbers are frequently presented as fractions or percentages, even when the exact number is given. √ Roughly two-thirds of patients reported side-effects. √ Fifty-five, or some two-thirds, of patients reported side-effects. When you want to emphasize a number, for example 9,8%, you can say: almost 10% nearly 10% more than 9% over 9% just under 10% And when you want to make the number seem small: less than 10%

EXERCISES

55.1	Complete the description of the data in the table. look at A and B above to help you. Table 1: Incidence of ulcer perforation 1967-1982 Table 1 (1) ________________ trends in the frequency of hospital admission for perforated peptic ulcer in the United Kingdom (2) ________________ with changes in the annual prescription rates for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
55.2	The data in the table is adapted from an article entitled ‘Alcohol drinking in middle age’. Choose the correct words to complete the description below. Look at C above to help you. Only 54, or (1) ____________ (under/less) than 20%, of the non-drinkers smoked, compared with 204, or (2) ____________ (almost/over) 70%,of the frequent drinkers. 41,or just

Answer key