WFW - Writing for the Web: Chunking (Lesson)

 

Writing for the Web:  Chunking

A high-traffic website meets the needs of its users because of its content. One of the contributing factors is the delivery of its information or the format and flow of the text. There may be important information needed on your website; however, is it being read? Overloaded text or a lack of organization can easily be distracting and less engaging for a user to read. Nevertheless, this information is crucial. How can you convey this information without having to delete important parts? The best solution here is to apply the chunking method. This method breaks information down into smaller chunks. As a result, it improves how users skim through, read, and recall web content.

Strategies for Chunking Your Web Content

Certain strategies can be applied to chunk content on your webpage. Please note, chunking may not always work. For example, if you have a paragraph, do not cut the flow of information with chunking.

Take a look at strategies that can be applied to chunk information on your webpage.

  1. Content Blocks- These are web tables applied around a part of the text. Content blocks will have a header and text within it.
  2. Section off Your Content- Break your content into smaller sections. Place a header for each section with the text.
  3. Apply Bullet Points- Using bullet points shortens sentences and breaks down information for your readers to be able to scan through it and still get the point.
  4. Number Your Content- If your content is providing step-by-step or how-to information, number each part. This will help the reader carefully read each step in the correct order.
  5. Add Links- If the information is quite long, give the reader the option to read more by creating a link that will take them to a different tab where the entire information is presented.
  6. Format- When chunking paragraphs, make sure some words are attention-getters in the first sentence. Only include one main point within the paragraph. Equally important is limiting words to 100 or less.

An Example of Chunking

How can we chunk written information about classes offered at GAVS Fitness Studio for the web?

GAVS Fitness Studio is offering the best fitness classes around town during the weekday. Our classes are offered throughout the entire day. Check them out and sign up TODAY!!! Morning sessions are from 8 to 9 and 10 to 11. Afternoon sessions are from 12 to 1 and 2 to 3. Evening sessions are from 5 to 6 and 7 to 8.

-Dance A Rama/ Morning and Evening

-Abs to Work For/ Morning and Evening

-Biking the Hill/ Morning and Evening

-Yoga to Refresh/ Morning and Evening

-Hip Hop Stepping/ Afternoon

-Stretchmania/ Afternoon

-Cardio and Back/ Afternoon

-Run for Your Life/ Afternoon

Take a look at how the chunking method was applied. The strategies used to chunk the information were content blocks, sectioning of content, and bullet points. Notice the information that was left out. Any information that is not focused on the main point is unnecessary and should not be included.

Example graphic of the information that used the chunking method listed above.

The Four Writing Styles

When writing for the web, you must know who your readers are and what they want. From there, you can choose the best writing style for your page. There are four main types of writing styles: persuasive, descriptive, expository, and narrative.

Persuasive

Persuasive writing tries to convince the reader to do something or believe in what the author believes. This style of writing takes a stance on something. The purpose of persuasive writing is to create interest and get people to agree with you. Click on the learning tool to read more about persuasive writing.

Descriptive

Descriptive writing uses language that allows the reader to visualize the topic or scene. Language used for this particular writing style tells what something looks like, and how it smells, sounds, tastes, and feels. Click on the learning tool to read more about descriptive writing.

Expository

With expository writing, the author conveys information using facts and data. This form of writing style provides information that clarifies, explains, or defines. The author’s opinion and fictional writing components are not included in this writing style. Click on the learning tool to read more about expository writing.

Narrative

Narrative writing tells a personal or imaginative story. This style of writing has a character(s), setting, plot, point of view, and a problem to solve or a significant life experience to resolve. It has a beginning, middle, and end. Click on the learning tool to read more about narrative writing.

Learning Spot…More HTML Tags

In this learning spot you will set up paragraphs and place a round border around text on your webpage. Add these new tags to your notes.

Learning Spot - HTML Tags

Creating HTML Round Table Borders and Paragraphs Video

Download the Creating HTML Round Table Borders and Paragraphs Transcript Links to an external site..

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