L1 Skim Scan Ref Word.academic Writing.students

8/8/2019 L1 Skim Scan Ref Word.academic Writing.students

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LECTURE 1LECTURE 1

READING SKILLSREADING SKILLS

SkimmingSkimmingScanningScanning

Reference WordsReference Words


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WHAT IS SKIMMING?WHAT IS SKIMMING?

Skimming is a reading technique that helpsSkimming is a reading technique that helpsyou to get a general idea of a passageyou to get a general idea of a passageeffectively.effectively.

WHAT IS IT FOR?WHAT IS IT FOR? It is most effective when we readIt is most effective when we read

passages to answer questionspassages to answer questions


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HOW TO SKIM?HOW TO SKIM?

1.1. Move your eyes quickly across each line of text.Move your eyes quickly across each line of text.2.2. Look at just a few words or phrases in eachLook at just a few words or phrases in each

line, not every word.line, not every word.

3.3. IIgnore the details and look for the main ideas.gnore the details and look for the main ideas.

4.4. Main ideas are usually found in the firstMain ideas are usually found in the firstsentences of each paragraph and in the firstsentences of each paragraph and in the firstand last paragraphs.and last paragraphs.

5.5. It is also useful to pay attention to theIt is also useful to pay attention to theorganisation of the textorganisation of the text


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1.Skimming a text using first lines1.Skimming a text using first lines

of paragraphsof paragraphsIn most academic writing, the paragraph is aIn most academic writing, the paragraph is acoherent unit, about one topic, connected to thecoherent unit, about one topic, connected to theprevious and next paragraphs.previous and next paragraphs.

Paragraphs are organised internally and the firstParagraphs are organised internally and the firstsentence of each paragraph is often a summary of,sentence of each paragraph is often a summary of,or an introduction to, the paragraphor an introduction to, the paragraphYou can therefore get a good idea of the overallYou can therefore get a good idea of the overall

content of a text by reading the first sentence ofcontent of a text by reading the first sentence ofeach paragrapheach paragraphEx 1 What are the 6 Qualities of a teacherEx 1 What are the 6 Qualities of a teacher ((ReferReferHandout)Handout)


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2. Skimming a text using first and

last paragraphs.

A text is organised with an introductionA text is organised with an introductionand a conclusionand a conclusionAn introduction gives you an idea of whatAn introduction gives you an idea of whatthe text is going to be about and thethe text is going to be about and theconclusion shows that this is what it hasconclusion shows that this is what it hasbeen about.been about.

You can therefore get a good idea of theYou can therefore get a good idea of theoverall content of a text by reading the firstoverall content of a text by reading the firstand last paragraphs of a textand last paragraphs of a text


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3.Skimming using Topic Sentences

A sentence that expresses the generalidea of a paragraph is called a topic

sentence.However, topic sentences can be found atthe BEGINNING, in the MIDDLE, or at theEND of a paragraph.

Examples


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ExamplesExamplesFirstFirst--born child are often different from theirborn child are often different from theirsiblingssiblings. They are more likely to be. They are more likely to be

hardworking, and they are responsible andhardworking, and they are responsible andreliable. They also make good leaders. It isreliable. They also make good leaders. It isno surprise that eldest children are usuallyno surprise that eldest children are usually

more successful in their studies and in theirmore successful in their studies and in theircareers than their younger brothers andcareers than their younger brothers andsisters.sisters.


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In the 1990s, extreme sports were just a fadIn the 1990s, extreme sports were just a fad

among a few thrillamong a few thrill--seekers. They started offseekers. They started off

as a way of making sports like skiing andas a way of making sports like skiing and

cycling more exciting.cycling more exciting. Now, many peopleNow, many people

are searching for new, more exciting andare searching for new, more exciting and

more dangerous sports.more dangerous sports. Move asideMove aside

parachuting, bungeeparachuting, bungee--jumping and rafting.jumping and rafting.SkySky--surfing, base jumping and waterfallsurfing, base jumping and waterfall--

running are here.running are here.


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It is Sunday morning, but the roadsides areIt is Sunday morning, but the roadsides arejammed with cars parked at all angles.jammed with cars parked at all angles.

Families with sleepy children are hurrying toFamilies with sleepy children are hurrying to

the rows of stalls. Vendors are selling everythe rows of stalls. Vendors are selling everytype of foodstuff, as well as clothing,type of foodstuff, as well as clothing,

household items, electrical goods, carhousehold items, electrical goods, car

accessories and anything else you could askaccessories and anything else you could askfor.for. It is market day.It is market day.


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Ask yourselfwhen youAsk yourselfwhen you

read...read...NEWSPAPERS :NEWSPAPERS :

a) Do you read from the first page to thea) Do you read from the first page to the

last?last?

ARTICLES/ BOOKS :ARTICLES/ BOOKS :

a)a) Do you read every word in a passage?Do you read every word in a passage?b)b) Do you say the words softly to yourselfDo you say the words softly to yourselfas you read them?as you read them?


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YouYou SHOULD NOTSHOULD NOT XX read every word to understand meaning of passageread every word to understand meaning of passage

you should get the main ideas.you should get the main ideas.XX read aloudread aloud will slow down your reading speedwill slow down your reading speed

AS A UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, YOUAS A UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, YOU-- Read for different purposesRead for different purposes-- Read for important detailsRead for important details YES, every wordYES, every word-- Read for general ideasRead for general ideas NOT NECESSARYNOT NECESSARY

> SKIMMING> SKIMMING read for the main idea of passage.read for the main idea of passage. Look for key words / phrases onlyLook for key words / phrases only


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HOW TO SKIM A LONG ARTICLE /HOW TO SKIM A LONG ARTICLE /

PASSAGE?PASSAGE?READ READ Title, headings, subheadingsTitle, headings, subheadings

(Find topic / sentence outlines)(Find topic / sentence outlines) 11STST paragraph carefullyparagraph carefully

(Find thesis statement).(Find thesis statement). 1st one or two sentences1st one or two sentences of eachof each

paragraphparagraph (Find topic sentences)(Find topic sentences) Last paragraph carefullyLast paragraph carefully(Writers often restate/ summarize(Writers often restate/ summarizegeneral ideas or make conclusions)general ideas or make conclusions)


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SCANNINGSCANNING

Looking for specific informationLooking for specific information

HOW?HOW?

a)a) Determine the specific information youre lookingDetermine the specific information youre looking

for.for.b)b) Look at headings, subheadings, tables, figures,Look at headings, subheadings, tables, figures,

other visuals.other visuals.

c)c) Run your eyes over the sentences ,only payRun your eyes over the sentences ,only payattention to key words.attention to key words.

d)d) When youve found the relevant sections, thenWhen youve found the relevant sections, thenlook for details required.look for details required.


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REFERENCE WORDS (1)REFERENCE WORDS (1)Reference words refers to a single word/Reference words refers to a single word/group of words mentioned earlier / later in agroup of words mentioned earlier / later in a

sentence/ paragraph.sentence/ paragraph.Purpose : avoid repetitionPurpose : avoid repetition

e.g.e.g.Asians removeAsians remove theirtheirfootwear beforefootwear before theytheyenter homes. It is considered polite toenter homes. It is considered polite to do sodo so..


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e.g.e.g.An artificial beehive isAn artificial beehive is wherewhere domesticdomesticbees are cared for by beekeepers.bees are cared for by beekeepers.

wherewhere refers torefers to artificial beehiveartificial beehive

e.g.e.g. The children made a simple boat withThe children made a simple boat withsome cloth and wood.some cloth and wood. TheyTheyfilled a tubfilled a tub

with water so that they could play withwith water so that they could play with

theirtheirhomehome--made toy.made toy.TTheyhey refers torefers to childrenchildrenhomehome--made toymade toyrefers torefers to simple boatssimple boats


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EXERCISESEXERCISES

ONON

REFERENCE WORDSREFERENCE WORDS


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What do the following words in bold refer to?What do the following words in bold refer to?

1.The cat mewed loudly and scratched at1.The cat mewed loudly and scratched atthe door trying to get the attention ofthe door trying to get the attention ofitsitsowner.owner.

itsits refers to______________refers to______________

2.Some2.Some goodsgoods came from distant countriescame from distant countries

and were extremely expensive, likeand were extremely expensive, likeporcelain, silk and spices.porcelain, silk and spices.

goodsgoods refer to_________________refer to_________________


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3.In Greek mythology ,Echo was a nymph3.In Greek mythology ,Echo was a nymph

whowho helped the God Zeus by distractinghelped the God Zeus by distractinghishis wife ,Hera withwife ,Hera with herherchatterchatter

a)a) whowho refers to______________refers to______________

b)b) hishis refers to_______________refers to_______________

c)c) herherrefers to_______________refers to_______________


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4.To camouflage means to alter the4.To camouflage means to alter theappearance of people, animal or objectsappearance of people, animal or objectsso thatso that theythey blend into their surroundingsblend into their surroundingsand are more difficult to detect. A zebrasand are more difficult to detect. A zebrasor tigers stripes makeor tigers stripes make it hard for other tohard for other to

seesee itit amidst the tall grass.amidst the tall grass.

a)a) theythey refers to______________refers to______________

b)b) itit refers to _______________refers to _______________


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5.The first telephone call was made on5.The first telephone call was made onMarch 10,1876.March 10,1876. ItIt was very brief, just Mr.was very brief, just Mr.

Watson, come here. I wantWatson, come here. I want youyou."." ThisThis waswassaid when Alexander Graham Bellsaid when Alexander Graham Bellaccidentally spilt some acid onaccidentally spilt some acid on hishis clothesclothesand called out to his assistant, Mr.and called out to his assistant, Mr.

Watson.Watson.

a)a) ItIt refers to______________refers to______________

b)b) youyou refers to_______________refers to_______________c)c) tthishis refers to_______________refers to_______________d)d) hhisis refers to_______________refers to_______________


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7.True friendship is like sound health: the7.True friendship is like sound health: thevalue ofvalue ofitit is seldom known until it is lost.is seldom known until it is lost.

itit refers torefers to


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Example 1:Example 1:Read the text and answer the following questionsRead the text and answer the following questions

In future, robots could have more uses.In future, robots could have more uses.They could do work that is dangerousThey could do work that is dangeroussuch as cleaning up radioactivesuch as cleaning up radioactivematerial or do manual work that mostmaterial or do manual work that mostpeople do not like to do such aspeople do not like to do such asrubbish collection and disposal.rubbish collection and disposal.

However, there is a problem: in a worldHowever, there is a problem: in a worldwhere mass unemployment is a fact,where mass unemployment is a fact,the use of robots could result inthe use of robots could result in

weakened economics.weakened economics.


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Example 2 :Example 2 : Visual InformationVisual Information::For a blood transfusion to be successful, the blood group of theFor a blood transfusion to be successful, the blood group of thedonor must bedonor must be compatiblecompatible with the blood group of the recipient.with the blood group of the recipient.

BloodBloodgroupgroup

Can donate blood toCan donate blood to Can receive blood fromCan receive blood from

ABAB ABAB AB,A,B and OAB,A,B and O

AA A and ABA and AB A and OA and O

BB B and ABB and AB B and OB and O

00 AB,A, B and OAB,A, B and O OO


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Answer the questions based on the tableAnswer the questions based on the table1. To which group (s) can the term universal donor 1. To which group (s) can the term universal donor

be applied ?be applied ?2. The word compatible indicates that the recipient2. The word compatible indicates that the recipient

willwillA. not come to harmA. not come to harm

B. suffer a rejectionB. suffer a rejectionC. will react to the transfusionC. will react to the transfusion

3 What makes blood group AB different from the3 What makes blood group AB different from the

rest?rest?

What reading skills are required in the aboveWhat reading skills are required in the abovequestions?questions?


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INTR

ODUCTIONINTR

ODUCTIONTO ACADEMICTO ACADEMIC

WR

ITINGWR

ITING


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AcademicEnglish is in essence a varietyAcademicEnglish is in essence a varietyor a register ofEnglish used inor a register ofEnglish used inprofessional books and characterized byprofessional books and characterized by

specific linguistic features associatedspecific linguistic features associatedwith academic disciplines and thus it iswith academic disciplines and thus it ismore useful in institutes of highermore useful in institutes of highereducationeducationScarcella (2003),Scarcella (2003),

includes many subincludes many sub--registers, which isregisters, which isspecific to fields such as science,specific to fields such as science,humanities, and economics.humanities, and economics.


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1.Students should acquire a solid knowledge1.Students should acquire a solid knowledge

of:of:

commonly usedcommonly used genregenres in academics in academicwriting, ie factual and argumentativewriting, ie factual and argumentativeessays, summaries, explanations,essays, summaries, explanations,analyses, responses, evaluations, andanalyses, responses, evaluations, andinstructions.instructions.

Textual featuresTextual features of effective academicof effective academicwriting including coherence, clarity, logicalwriting including coherence, clarity, logicaldevelopment, and adequate supportdevelopment, and adequate support


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1.Students should acquire a solidknowledge of:

Language features of academicwriting and grammatical meanstypically employed in a particulargenre.

avoiding plagiarism and accuratelydocument primary and secondarysources.

different ways ofacknowledgingsources of information and a widelyused style guide, for example the oneadopted by the American PsychologicalAssociation (APA).


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analyze writing tasksanalyze writing tasks and determineand determinethe purpose of such writing tasksthe purpose of such writing tasks

adapt writingadapt writing to specific audiencesto specific audiences

take notes and synthesizetake notes and synthesize informationinformationfrom various sourcesfrom various sources

write appropriatewrite appropriate thesis statementsthesis statementsand topic sentencesand topic sentences

2.Students should be able to acquire theskills to:


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2. Students should be able to acquirethe skills to

organize information effectively

use various cohesive devices toachieve coherence in writing

select the most appropriate supportin the development of ideas


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WORDSWORDSUse of formal words.Use of formal words.Increased level of formality in language and tone.Increased level of formality in language and tone.

Specific terminology used in text.Specific terminology used in text.Use of less personal and more impersonalUse of less personal and more impersonallanguage achieved through the avoidance oflanguage achieved through the avoidance ofpersonal pronouns and judgmental words.personal pronouns and judgmental words.

Avoidance of contractions (cant), colloquialAvoidance of contractions (cant), colloquial(everyday spoken) language, rhetorical(everyday spoken) language, rhetoricalquestions, and runquestions, and run--on expressions (on expressions (etc, and soetc, and soonon).).

FEATURES OF ACADEMIC WRITINGFEATURES OF ACADEMIC WRITING


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Greater use of the passive voice.Greater use of the passive voice.Use of nominalizations to turn verbsUse of nominalizations to turn verbsinto nouns (into nouns (We walked for charityWe walked for charity thethecharity walk).charity walk).

Use of nominal groupsUse of nominal groups--(groups of words that provide more(groups of words that provide more

information about people, places orinformation about people, places orconcepts such as theconcepts such as the Depression eraDepression eraororthe rate of economic growth).the rate of economic growth).


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Does not usually contain personal language,Does not usually contain personal language,judgmental words, or emotive language.judgmental words, or emotive language.

Arguments and opinions that are expressedArguments and opinions that are expressed

are done by incorporating the objective andare done by incorporating the objective andimpersonal styleimpersonal style --a significant feature ofa significant feature ofacademic writing.academic writing.

Use of supporting evidence to support theUse of supporting evidence to support thearguments being presented.arguments being presented.

Evidence must be integrated effectively andEvidence must be integrated effectively and

expertly, and must be referencedexpertly, and must be referenced


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L1 Skim Scan Ref Word.academic Writing.students