How to Write a Caption: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

How to Write a Caption: 9 Steps (with Pictures)
How to Write a Caption: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

Table of contents:

Anonim

Captions to tables, images and figures give the reader context for what they are looking at. Consequently, it is important to provide a good description of each table, image and figure in your text.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Write the caption

Write a Caption Step 1
Write a Caption Step 1

Step 1. Be descriptive

The first rule is the most important. Tell the reader exactly what happens in the image. Why this one? The reader should be able to respond once the caption has been read.

For example, if you include a photo of a field on text that talks about biology, the caption should specify the importance of the field in the discussion

Write a Caption Step 2
Write a Caption Step 2

Step 2. If you are describing a table or graph, talk about the variables

What do the sides of the graph represent? The reader should have enough information from the caption, legend and graphic to make it understandable regardless of the text.

Write a Caption Step 3
Write a Caption Step 3

Step 3. Save the humor for other moments

Unless you are writing a comic text, the captions tend to be serious, due to the need for synthesis.

Write a Caption Step 4
Write a Caption Step 4

Step 4. Be brief

It shouldn't be more than a paragraph, but really, one sentence should be more than enough. In fact, complete sentences shouldn't even be needed. For a photo, a very short sentence, like “Martha on the boat”, is fine.

Write a Caption Step 5
Write a Caption Step 5

Step 5. Remove all unnecessary

For example, the caption above may have said "Martha greets from the huge giant boat", but the additional information is not necessary to make the reader understand what happens in the photo.

Part 2 of 2: Include the sources

Write a Caption Step 6
Write a Caption Step 6

Step 1. Mention the source below the graph or below the table if it comes from somewhere else

How you do it depends on your stylistic choices. Below, you will find how to provide sources in various formats.

Write a Caption Step 7
Write a Caption Step 7

Step 2. Cite in the style of the Modern Language Association

For example: "from Bob Davis, Motorcycles on the Road, (Boulder: Mountain Road Books, 2004) 55. Print."

Note: the caption starts with “from”

Write a Caption Step 8
Write a Caption Step 8

Step 3. Quote in the style of the American Psychologists Association

For example: “Note. (caption). Reprinted from Motorcycles on the Road (p. 55), Bob Davis, 2004, Boulder: Mountain Road Books. Copyright 2004: University Press. Authorization granted."

Write a Caption Step 9
Write a Caption Step 9

Step 4. Quote in the style of Chicago

For example: "Source: Bob Davis, Motorcycles on the Road, Boulder: Mountain Road Publishers, 2004, 55."

Recommended:

How to Write a Postcard: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

How to Write a Postcard: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

Sending a postcard to friends, family or loved ones on a trip is the perfect way to show your affection and also to give them a glimpse of the places you are visiting. By choosing the one with the appropriate image and knowing the standard postcard size, you will ensure that the card reaches the recipient correctly.

How to Write a Novel: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

How to Write a Novel: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

A novel is a complex work of fiction in the form of prose. The best novels describe reality but transcend it, allowing readers to find truth and humanity in completely made-up worlds. No matter what kind of novel you wish to write - literary or commercial, love or science fiction, war or family life drama - you will still need unlimited creative energy, as well as an unwavering commitment to write the novel and review it.

How to Add a Caption on Snapchat: 9 Steps

How to Add a Caption on Snapchat: 9 Steps

This wikiHow teaches you how to add captions to photos and videos on Snapchat. Steps Step 1. Open Snapchat The icon is located on the main screen and features a white ghost on a yellow background. If you've never used Snapchat, read this article to get started Step 2.

How to Add a Caption to a Table in Word

How to Add a Caption to a Table in Word

This tutorial shows you how to add a caption to a Microsoft Word table, similar to the ones displayed at the bottom of statistics, charts, diagrams or images published in books. Let's see together how to proceed. Steps Step 1. With the right mouse button, select the table you want to add a caption to Step 2.

How to Change Snapchat Caption Color

How to Change Snapchat Caption Color

This guide explains how to change the color of the text you can add on Snapchat photos and videos. Steps Step 1. Open Snapchat If you don't already have the app, you can download it from the App Store or Play Store. If you're not signed in to Snapchat, press Log in , then enter your username (or email address) and password.