Very often, when working on editing a document, you have to create multi-level lists. Almost no self-respecting author can do without them now. Lists are needed to structure information in tables of contents or create other hierarchical patterns.
In this article we will talk about how this task is implemented, and give an example - a multi-level list created in the Microsoft Word text editor.
What is this
First, let's talk about what the subject of our study is. It is necessary to define it, to determine the role of this object in formatting, and specifically in creating text documents.
So, a multi-level list in computer science is such a list that is created by increasing paragraph indents. This means that each new line will be further from the left edge of the document than the previous one.
So it is accepted that in numbered and multilevel listsparagraphs are of equal importance if they have the same indentation from the left edge of the document. The larger it is, the less important the text becomes. To reduce it, simply add an extra space for the list string.
Why lists are needed
Numerous studies by psychologists have shown that the human brain is able to perceive 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.
To do 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.
Word text editor is very convenient, you can study and create your own examples of multilevel lists from middle school age.
Views
There are only three main types of them: marked, numbered and multi-level. Marking - designation of lines using graphic symbols (dots, ticks, dashes, and others). This visually separates the lines and is a "beat" of their semantic content:
- first information line;
- second;
- third.
Numbered list, as it turned out, is perceived best by the brain. This is because the numbers initially (on a subconscious level) indicate the priority of the material presented. Let's give a corresponding conditional example.
- First place -the most important stuff.
- On the second - less important.
- At the third, the degree of significance decreases even more, and so on.
The most difficult is a multi-level list, we will give an exaggerated example, but it clearly reveals the essence:
1. Section name.
1.1 Subsection 1.
1.1.1 Rubric 1.
1.1.2 Rubric 2.
1.2. Subsection 2.
1.2.1 Rubric 1.
1.2.1 Rubric 2.
2. Section name.
How it's made
It is customary that when creating a multi-level list, numbering of different types is used for new levels. This work can easily be done in the text editor Microsoft Word.
A multi-level, or structured, list is created with text, an editor to format it, and a share of our patience.
Method one: command combinations
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, select "Type" - "Multilevel". These command combinations are typical for earlier versions of the editor, such as Microsoft Word 2003.
Second method, faster
It is necessary to select the previously typed text, and then use the context menu. To do this, right-click on the selected fragment and select "List" in the drop-down list and then "List type".
In later software products (for example, Microsoft Office 2010, MS Word), commands with lists are immediately placed on the "Home" panel in a paragraph block. It has buttons on the top and left - the so-called "quick access" elements: a bulleted list, a numbered list and a multilevel list.
Such a supply of "command" tools simplifies the task of text formatting due to speed - all operations are performed quickly through the use of graphical buttons. No need to open the context menu and understand it.
Third method: editing as you type
Preformatting is always considered the hardest part. To do this, you need to clearly understand the structure of the future text, have a good understanding of the hierarchy of headings of the material.
Selecting a set of commands to create a multi-level list is an example of an "advanced" user's work. First, the hierarchical structure of the future material is thought out, and then the text itself is stuffed.
The command "Multilevel list" is selected, the 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 desirablefind an example in any text - a multi-level list that suits your needs, and try to create one yourself.
Next, 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 on top. In order to decrement (lower down), you need to use tabulation (press the Tab key). Backspace, SHIFT+TAB or Enter will help return the subitem to the previous level (cancel the erroneous action).
With each new press of the specified key, the line will shift more and more to the right and thus go down in priority - one level down. Numbering, accordingly, will be automatically put down according to the selected list template.
Is there a limit to the hierarchy of items? Yes, 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.
Creativity element
Programmers have thought of many options for multi-level lists in a text editor (all of them are presented in the Word collection). But a situation may occur in which the user needs to create his own, personal style. Such an opportunity, fortunately, also exists.
The created style will be saved to the collection, and it can also be used in further work with text documents. Consider,how it's done.
- We follow the usual command scheme, on 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 multilevel list".
- In the dialog box, you must select, configure and confirm the formatting (style, alignment, indent) of the numbering of items from 1 to 9 level of the list.
This will create a new author's multilevel (or structured) list.
Application
Informatics gives his examples. A multi-level list is studied by schoolchildren in the classroom in high school. It is clear enough to study, the material is easy to digest. This skill can be used already at the senior levels of education when working in a text editor (for example, when writing essays or reports).
Also, multi-level lists are ideal for formatting the text of the table of contents of a large text. Moreover, using modern text editor capabilities, it can be associated with the general formatting of the entire text array.
School lessons
Uses multi-level lists in the lessons Grade 7 of the secondary school in computer science lessons. In the text editor section, there are many practical tasks for the formation of relevant skills and abilities.
For example, the topic "A proverb as an example of a multilevellist" allows children to use the available material to complete the task. How? The teacher can invite students, using folk wisdom, to compile a multi-level list of famous Russian winged expressions (proverbs or sayings).
For example, to number the main sections: proverbs about work, friendship, 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 inventing on their own after one lesson on the topic. In this way, the child's thinking can go a little deeper.
As a creative element, he may be asked to come up with an even deeper systematization of the already existing list. The assessment for the work in this case will be higher.
This way you can implement a differentiated approach in teaching schoolchildren, give feasible and complicated options for tasks in the lesson.
Conclusion
For adults who did not study computer science at school (there was no such subject before), learning to create multi-level lists is quite simple. The interface of modern text editors is so simple and intuitive that it allows you to develop this skill yourself.
The most important thing is to represent the very essence of the structuredness and “multi-levelness” of the list, understand the meaning and be able to change the hierarchy of items and sub-items if necessary. You just need to have patience, and everything will work out!
