Eidman-Aadahl, "The Infographic as 5-Paragraph Essay"

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== Abstract ==
The Eidman-Aadahl argues that infographics are now becoming the new 5-paragraph essay. She later discusses the possibility of infographics becoming more than just another 5 paragraph essay and becoming more interesting and informative. 
== Key Concepts ==
=== 5-Paragraph Essay ===
The most common format students use when writing essays. The 5-paragraph essay contains an introduction with a thesis, three supporting paragraphs and a conclusion. Eidman-Aadahl argues that this type of writing is uninteresting and unscholarly. Furthermore, she argues that the 5-paragraph essay is "shallow" and does not encourage an author or his/her readers to think critically about the subject. 
=== Infographics ===
A visually appealing, yet still informative way to share information. Infographics include charts, graphs, statistics, and general facts about the topic. The author argues that infographics are becoming more like a 5-paragraph essay and do not engage the reader. She believes that infographics need to be more of a "searching-exploring-meaning making-following-a-trail-of-inquiry-and-research-to-wherever-it-leads longform essay." (The example that Eidman-Aadahl uses to start this argument is about social media that contains five subheadings and then a little bit of information underneath supporting the main point.)
== Examples ==
=== "The Evolution of California's Drought" ===
The infographic on "The evolution of California's drought" is a good representation of what Eidman-Aadahl thinks an infographic should look like. The information presented is not in a 5-paragraph essay format, and the infographic informs people using visually appealing data. There is only one paragraph that states the purpose of the infographic, which allows the reader to examine the data for themselves. Since the infographic only includes one paragraph of information, it allows the reader to ask themselves more questions and learn more about the topic.
To zoom in on infographic: "The Evolution of California's Drought"
=== "World's Deadliest Animals" ===
This infographic demonstrates how mosquitoes are the most deadliest animals. The data is represented in a unique way and the only information that is provided is that the information is based on the number of humans killed by the animals in 2013. It is clear that the infographic is not in a 5-paragraph essay format since the data is presented using a chart that emphasizes how many humans mosquitoes have killed compared to the other animals. As a reader of this infographic, one might want to learn more about how mosquitoes have killed so many humans and information about the deaths caused by the other animals.
To zoom in on infographic: "World's Deadliest Animals"
== Resources and Further Reading ==
=== "How to Make Infographics: A Beginner's Guide to Data Visualization" ===
* This article explains how to create infographics for beginners. This guide includes tips and examples to help one create their first infographic.
=== "The Five-Paragraph Essay and the Deficit Model of Education" ===
* This article explains the flaws of the five paragraph essay and discusses how it limits students' creativity. 
=== "College essay help" ===
* This handout discusses general information on how to write without following the five-paragraph essay format and when a writer should use that format.
=== "America's Best Infographics 2015' is Out Today" ===
=== ===
* Provides examples of infographics that were taken out of a book, "America's Best Infographics 2015."
=== "Use Infographics Effectively - Duct Tape Marketing" ===
=== ===
* Discusses how to effectively use an infographic to convey your message or brand.
== Keywords ==
Multimodality Infographic Writing
== Citations ==
Banning-Lover, R. (2014, August 28). How to Make Infographics: A Beginner's Guide to Data Visualization. Retrieved November 2, 2015, from http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2014/aug/28/interactive-infographics-development-data
Brannon, L., Courtney, J., Urbanski, C., Woodward, S., Reynolds, J., Iannone, A., . . . Kendrick, M. (2008, November 20). The Five-Paragraph Essay and the Deficit Model of Education. Retrieved November 2, 2015, from http://www.csun.edu/~krowlands/Content/Academic_Resources/Composition/Form/Brannon-5%20para%20essay%20deficit%20education.pdf 
Chain, L. (2015, October 6). 'America's Best Infographics 2015' Is Out Today. Retrieved November 2, 2015, from http://www.popsci.com/americas-best-infographics-2015
College Writing. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2015, from http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/college-writing/
Eidman-Aadahl, E. (2014, June 15). The Infographic as 5-Paragraph Essay. Retrieved November 2, 2015, from http://blog.nwp.org/omt/tag/multimodal-writing/
Linck, K. (2015, July 2). Use Infographics Effectively - Duct Tape Marketing. Retrieved November 3, 2015, from http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/blog/use-infographics-effectively/