Very often, working on editing a document, you have to create multi-level lists. Not a single self-respecting author can do without them now. Lists are needed to structure information in the table of contents or to create other hierarchical models.
In this article, we will talk about the ways in which this task is implemented, and we give an example - a multi-level list created in the Microsoft Word text editor.
What it is
To begin, let's talk about what constitutes the subject of our study. It is necessary to give it a definition, to determine the role of this object in formatting, and specifically - in the creation of text documents.
So, a multilevel in computer science is a list that is created by increasing paragraph indents. This means that each new line will be farther from the left edge of the document than the previous one.
It is generally accepted that in a numbered and multi-level list, items have the same significance if they have the same indent from the left edge of the document. The larger it is, the less significant the text becomes. To reduce it, just add an extra space for the list line.
Why do I need lists?
Numerous studies by psychologists have shown that the human brain is capable of perceiving the same information in different ways. It turned out that the degree of perception and memorization depends on the form in which the material is presented.
For this, the text is not written in a continuous array, it is divided into paragraphs. In addition, it is possible to structure data in a table, in diagrams. Lists are no exception.
The Word text editor is very convenient , examples of multilevel lists in it can be studied and created your own starting from middle school age.
Kinds
There are only three of their main types: marked, numbered and multi-level. Marking - designation of lines with the help of graphic symbols (dots, checkmarks, dashes and others). This visually separates the lines and is a "beating" of their semantic content:
- first information line;
- the second;
- the third.
A numbered list, as it turned out, is best perceived by the brain. This is because the numbers initially (at a subconscious level) indicate the priority of the material presented. We give an appropriate conditional example.
- In the first place is the most important material.
- On the second - less important.
- In the third, the degree of significance is further reduced and so on.
The most difficult is a multi-level list, we’ll give an exaggerated example, but it clearly reveals the essence:
1. The name of the section.
1.1 Subsection 1.
1.1.1 Heading 1.
1.1.2 Heading 2.
1.2. Subsection 2.
1.2.1 Heading 1.
1.2.1 Heading 2.
2. The name of the section.
How to create
So it is accepted that when creating a multi-level list, numbering of various types for new levels is used. This work can easily be done in a Microsoft Word text editor.
A multilevel, or structured, list is created with text, an editor for formatting it, and a share of our patience.
Method One: Combinations of Commands
The finished text is typed like this: each element is printed on a new line (only in this case they can become elements of the list). After that, you need to select it and sequentially execute the commands (using the toolbar at the top of the screen): "Format", "List".
When the dialog box opens, you must select "Type" - "Multilevel". Such command combinations are characteristic of earlier versions of the editor, for example, Microsoft Word 2003.
Method two, faster
It is necessary to select pre-printed text, and then use the context menu. To do this, right-click on the selected fragment and select "List" and then "List Type" in the drop-down list.
In later software products (for example, Microsoft Office 2010, MS Word), commands with lists are immediately placed on the "Home" panel in the paragraph block. There are buttons on the top and left in it - the so-called "quick access" elements: a bulleted list, a numbered list and a multi-level list.
This submission of "command" tools simplifies the task of formatting text at the expense of speed - all operations are performed quickly through the use of graphically designed buttons. No need to open the context menu and understand it.
Method Three: Editing as You Type
Pre-formatting is always considered the most difficult. To do this, you need to clearly understand the structure of the future text, to understand well the hierarchy of material headings.
Choosing a set of commands to create a multi-level list is an example of the work of an "advanced" user. First, the hierarchical structure of the future material is thought out , and then the text itself is typed.
The command "Multilevel list" is selected, an example is taken further from the proposed options. There are lists with numerical designations, alphabetic, and combinations of these two types are also possible. To begin with, it is advisable to find an example in any text - a multi-level list that matches your needs, and try to create one yourself.
Then the text is typed, in it, when moving to a new line, the editor puts down automatic numbering. Initially, it will be equivalent to the item lying on top. In order to lower the significance (lower it to the lower level), you need to use tabulation (press the Tab key). Backspace, SHIFT + TAB or Enter will help return the sub-item to the previous level (cancel the erroneous action).
Each time you press a specified key, the line will shift more and more to the right and thereby go down in priority - one level down. Numbering, accordingly, will be automatically affixed according to the selected list template.
Is there a limit to the hierarchy of items? There are, it is believed that you can create up to nine levels, but you should not get too carried away. Such a structurally complex text object is very difficult to perceive visually, which can lead to a deterioration in the perception of the material by readers.
Element of creativity
Programmers thought up many options for multilevel lists in a text editor (they are all presented in the Word collection). But a situation may occur in which the user will need to create his own personal style. This opportunity, fortunately, is also available.
The created style will be saved to the collection, and it can also be used in further work with text documents. Consider how this is done.
- We follow the usual command scheme, in the "Home" panel, select the "Multilevel list" button from the "Paragraph" group.
- Next, in the menu that opens, offering various options, click on "Define a new multi-level list."
- In the dialog box, you need to select, configure and confirm the formatting (style, alignment, indentation) of the numbering of items 1 to 9 of the list level.
Thus, a new, author's multilevel (or structured) list will be created.
Application
Computer science gives its examples. A multilevel list is studied by schoolchildren in high school lessons. It is understandable enough for study, the material is easily digested. This skill can be applied already at the senior levels of training when working in a text editor (for example, when writing essays or reports).
Also, multi-level lists are an ideal way to format the text of the table of contents of a large text. Moreover, using the modern capabilities of text editors, it can be associated with the general formatting of the entire text array.
School lessons
Uses in the lessons multilevel lists of the 7th grade of a secondary school in computer science lessons. In the section that studies the text editor, there are many practical tasks for the formation of relevant skills.
For example, the topic “Proverb as an example of a multi-level list” allows children to use available material to complete a task. How? The teacher can offer students, using folk wisdom, to compose a multi-level list of famous Russian winged expressions (proverbs or sayings).
For example, to number the main sections: proverbs about labor, friendship, and cunning. For sub-items of the second level: the most common, little-known. For the third level of list numbering: proverbs about people, proverbs about animals and so on.
Examples of multi-level lists. Grade 7 is quite capable of coming up with their own after one lesson on the topic. Thus, the child’s thinking can go a little deeper.
As a creative element, he may be invited to come up with an even deeper systematization of the existing list. The rating for work in this case will be higher.
So you can implement a differentiated approach in teaching students, give feasible and sophisticated options for assignments in the lesson.
Conclusion
Adults who did not study computer science at school (there was no such subject before) can learn how to create multi-level lists. The interface of modern text editors is so simple and intuitive that it allows you to independently develop this skill.
The most important thing is to represent the very essence of the structured and "multi-level" list, understand the meaning and be able to change the hierarchy of points and subparagraphs if necessary. You just need to have patience, and everything will work out!