Selecting and Organization of Information 2

7/29/2019 Selecting and Organization of Information 2

1/36

SELECTING AND

ORGANIZATIONOF INFORMATION

(2)

1


2/36

(a)

Selecting

Information

2


3/36

1. Research Questions

2. Rough Outlines3. Thesis Statements

3


4/36

1. Research Questions

- Essentially made of 2 parts;

a. A topic/subject of your paper.

b. The focus which highlight the points.

- A Question- a sentence ended with a questionmark.

- Example; How does indie music influence youthsin Malaysia? (The broad topic- indie music;Focushow it influences Malaysian youths).

4


5/36

Study the following questions:

1. What is the rate of unemployment Malaysia in

2008?2. What can be done to reduce the rate ofunemployment in Malaysia?

3. Have open trade practices contributed to high

rate of unemployment in Malaysia?

Q1: Too specific, can answer in simple statistics.

Q2: Too broad, No focus; you may look for allpossibilities to solve this problem.

Q3: Just right. Can easily look for information onopen trade practices through your sources.

5


6/36

More examples on Research Questions:

- What are the consequences of bullying?

(effects)- What are the factors that contribute tobullying? (causes)

- How bullying in school different from bullyingat the workplace? (comparing)

- What is bullying? (defining an issue/object)

- How can bullying be prevented? (how to dosomething)

- Should bullies be given a harsh punishment?Why? (explaining and supporting opinion)

6


7/36

2. Rough Outlines

Often developed from a research question to

provide some form of organization.

Before starting to develop your rough

outlines, analyze all the information gathered

from your reading and only select materials

which relevant to your topic.

Brainstorming and put every ideas that come

into your mind.

7


8/36

For example ;

- Research question: What are theconsequences of bullying in schools?

- Rough outline:

> Anti-social behaviour> Poor academic performance

> Emotional problems

8


9/36

3. Thesis Statement

Definition:

- One sentence that tells the main idea of anessay. It tells the argument that you are going

to defend. It states a claim and takes aposition. In the essay you will defend yourposition using examples and/or facts tosupport your argument.

- Can you find the thesis statement in thefollowing examples?

9


10/36

Definition

Thesis Statement

Since I was a little girl, Ive always been a

teacher. Being the oldest made me the teacher

and the student of many lessons that I would

later have to teach my younger siblings. Teachingrequires a persons full attention. It also

demands an extreme amount of patience. Being

a teacher warrants a full commitment from theteacher. Teaching is a demanding, yet rewarding

job.

10


11/36

Thesis Statement

Another Example

Studies show that teenagers would benefit from

a later school start. A later school start could mean

more time for students and teachers to rest. This

could also mean that teachers are more productiveand could plan better lessons to engage their

students in learning. Finally, a later start in school

gives parents more time in the morning with their

children. Middle and high schools should begin laterin the morning to allow greater success in the school

system.

11


12/36

Key Features

Thesis Statement

Answers the prompt

States the main idea in a complete

sentence, not a question Usually at the end of an introduction

States an opinion or attitude on a topic

Does not directly announce your main

topic

12


13/36

Key Features

The Main Idea is a Complete Sentence

The sport of basketball.

Why is writing the best subject?

The sport of basketball is an engaging sport thateveryone should learn to play.

Writing is a very challenging subject, yetrewarding because one can express himself on

paper to convince others.

THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE.

THESIS

STATEMENT

THIS IS A QUESTION, NOT A

STATEMENT.

THESIS

STATEMENT

13


14/36

A COMPLETE SENTENCE

Another Example

Marcus Garvey and the HarlemRenaissance.

What is the problem with big cities?

Marcus Garveys ability to rally people behind a cause, to

make speeches, and to defend civil rights makes him arguably

the most important figure of the Harlem Renaissance.

The problem of pollution in major cities can be alleviated by limiting

the number of cars allowed to drive on city streets and creating

more efficient public transportation systems.

THIS IS NOT A SENTENCE.

THESIS

STATEMENT

THIS IS QUESTION, NOT A

STATEMENT.

THESIS

STATEMENT

14


15/36

Key Features- Location

Your reader likes to know what theessay is going to be about early

on in the essay rather than theend of the essay. Because of this,the thesis statement is usually

found at the end of theintroductory paragraph.

15


16/36

Key Features

Location

Maya Angelou is an accomplished African-American author in the United States. Whilegrowing up, she suffered tremendous hardship.Some of her most difficult life events are

portrayed in novels and poems such as, I KnowWhy the Caged Bird Sings, and, Still I Rise. Herwritten works often include strong themes suchas perseverance through trials, love for family,

and passionate optimism.

16


17/36

Key Features

States an Opinion or Attitude

A thesis statementstates an opinion or

attitude about a particular topic, makingthe thesis more specific. The writer must

defend or explain this opinion in the

essay.

17


18/36

KEY FEATURES

LOCATIONIn America, freedom of expression is a right that our

forefathers fought foe. Lunch is a social time for

students where they can express themselves with

their friends. It is also a time when students dont

have to talk about school. Finally, allowing studentsto express themselves in lunch allows for less off-topic

discussion during classes. Silent lunch is a violation of

students first amendment rights and is not an

acceptable solution the loud noise in the cafeteria.

18


19/36

Key Features

States an Opinion or Attitude

I learned to play many musical

instruments when I was young.

Learning to play many musical

instruments when I was young

helped me to become a more

intelligent and well-rounded

person.

This would not be considered a good

thesis statement because it is only

expressing a fact. It doesnt give the

writers opinion or attitude on playing

musical instruments. This thesisstatement doesnt give the writer very

much to explain or prove in his/her

essay.

This thesis statement is much better

because it expresses how the writer

feels about the experience of learning

to play musical instruments. This

thesis statement requires the writerto explain how and why playing a

musical instrument made him/her a

better person.

19


20/36

Another example: An Opinion or

Attitude

Cancun is a popular vacation spot in

Mexico.

This would not be considered a good thesisstatement, because it is only expressing a fact.

It doesnt reflect the writers opinion or

attitude on Cancun. This thesis statement

doesnt give the writer very much to explain or

prove in his/her essay.

Cancun is one of the best vacation spots

in Mexico because of its comfortable

climate and proximity to some well-

known archeological sites.

This thesis statement is much better because

it expresses how the writer feels about Cancun.

This thesis statement requires the writer to

explain how and why going to Cancun is a goodchoice for visitors.

20


21/36

Key Features

Dont State the Obvious

At all costs, you should avoid using Im

going to write about or This essay will

discuss in your thesis statements. Tryto write the thesis statement in a way

that will capture your readers attention,

but does not state the obvious.

21


22/36


In this essay, Im going to talk about why

students shouldnt have to wear

uniforms.A dress code requiring students to wear

uniforms can inhibit student expression,

quench creativity, and deter students

from enjoying school.

22


23/36


This essay will discuss why teachers should

not be permitted to assign homework to

students.

Homework is a nuisance that causesheadaches for teachers, students, and

parents and should not be assigned.

23


24/36

Key Features

Review

Answers the prompt

States the main idea in a complete

sentence, not a questionUsually at the end of an introduction

States an opinion or attitude on a topic

Does not directly announce your main

topic

24


25/36

(b)

Organizing

Information

25


26/36

1. Writing Notes

2. Paraphrasing

3. Summarising

26


27/36

1. Guidelines for Writing Notes

DO:

() Briefly summaries the most important points

of each source by using your own words.

() Omit details which are irrelevant to your

topic.

() Write your understanding of the authors

thesis statement in your own words.

() Review the chapter/article after making your

notes to ensure it is accurate and complete.

27


28/36

1. Guidelines for Writing Notes

DONT:

(x) Copying the source directly

(x) Including too many details(x) Using quotations unnecessarily

(x) Copying direct quotations inaccurately

28


29/36

2. Paraphrase

Definition: Expressing someone elses ideas usingyour own words.

A way of presenting a text using different wordsand phrases without changing its originalmeaning.

When paraphrasing, you need to mention theauthors name so that your readers know that

you are discussing someone elses ideas, and notyour own.

29


30/36

Example on how to paraphrase Original text:

Statements that appear pleasing in one context may beinappropriate in another. For example, women in business areusually uncomfortable if male colleagues or superiorscompliment them on their appearance. The remarks suggestthat the women are being regarded as decorative items rather

than as contributing workers. Ashraf, Learning Etiquette (2004)

Paraphrase:

- According to Ashraf (2004), women in business may feeluneasy upon receiving ordinary, positive comments on theirappearance from male co-workers or supervisors. He addsthat, to these women, the remarks carry an implied meaningand instead of being thought of as productive employee, theyare actually being viewed as decoration.

30


31/36

Guidelines for Paraphrasing

Retain the original meaning of the text.

Change the grammar and sentence structure

break up one long sentence into two (or more)

shorter ones/ combine two short sentences

into one.

Use synonyms, passive form vs active form,

conjunctions etc.

Cite the original source.

31


32/36

3. Summarising

Paraphrase and Summary are not the samething.

A summary is the reproduction of a passage

using fewer words. If you tell a story about thesame length as the original story, it is a

paraphrase.

It is about one-third of the original text. Keeps the main ideas & acknowledges the

source of the text.

32


33/36

Step in Summarizing

1. Skim: Read the text quickly to identify the mainideas & specific information.

2. Highlight: Underline the main ideas.

3. Make notes: Write down keywords/main

points from the text. 4. Sum up in simple form: Sum up the

keywords/points to form simple sentences.

5. Sum up in complex form: Combine sentences

by using Conjunctions. 6. Check: Compare the original text with your

summary to ensure that necessary informationhave been included.

33


34/36

Summary Grid A summary grid helps you to organise information from a

passage. Read the following excerpt of an article on time

management. Time management is an important skill that all students should

develop. Daily and weekly timetables are two excellent ways toplan a study programme. Students can use them to managetheir studies and set themselves study goals. A great amount of

time can then be set aside for activities such as sports andother social commitments. Apart from that, proper timemanagement helps students to prioritise. By doing this, theywill be able to concentrate on the more urgent tasks first,before moving on to the next. Moreover, if time has been

allocated for specific purposes, it is easier to cope withunforseen circumstances such as emergencies, visitors andinvitations.

Nandan, T., Crucial Management(2003)

34

d f h


35/36

Summary Grid written for the excerpt:

Writing your summary:

According to Nandan (2003), effective time managementallows students to organise their time to complete their study

requirements. It also enables students to juggle their tasks

and assignments and finally, proper time management helps

students to effectively handle unexpected situations.35

Paragraph Main Idea Supporting details

1. Time management

is crucial

-Allows students to

manage theirstudies and social

commitments

- Enables students

to prioritise

-Helps to cope with

unforeseencircumstances


36/36

THANK YOU!

prepared by, Miss Wan Fazlini

36

Documents

Selecting and Organization of Information 2