Learn in Context

If you learn without context, you are not learning.

For example, you want to know how to write good alternative text. You ask, "How to write a good alternative text?" Then, the answer you get can be the following:

• Do not use the words "image," "graphic," or "picture."
• If there is text on the image, write the text in the alt attribute.
• If a website's logo becomes a link to the homepage, write the alternative text as the following: "[Brand's name] - Home."

The answer is not specific if you do not provide any context.

To get high-quality answers from a person, you need to ask specific questions. With specific context, you will remember the answers you get because you associate them with your situation.

For example, you email someone by writing, "I have an image that shows a bar chart presenting monthly and total visitors for the first quarter of 2024 for my website's homepage. How do I write an accessible alternative text for the image?" Then, you attach the image.

That question shows that

• you identify the issue;
• you ask specific questions;
• you can get specific answers; and
• you can apply the answer to solve your problem.

If your question is the following: "How do I write a good alternative for a bar chart?" Then, people assume you ask for general advice for writing alternative text to describe a bar chart.

Learn in context. If you are new, asking general questions is fine. Any information will be useful. Then, as you gain more knowledge, your questions should be more sharp and specific. Provide a case instead of asking a general question.