Academic and Professional English Study Notes

• Study notes for academic and professional English purposes.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Manifesto: A public written declaration of the issuer's intentions, motives, or views.
• Factual Evidence: Bolsters arguments and enhances credibility.
• Argument Analysis: Critically examines evidence and assesses its validity.
• Citation Importance: Essential for crediting original authors and avoiding plagiarism.
• Position Paper: Aims to defend one side of a debatable topic.

Research and Report Writing

• Field Report: Documentation that does not include experiments.
• Survey Report: Presents objectively gathered data.
• Use of Field Reports: Involves documenting observations and analyzing phenomena, behaviours, and processes.
• Laboratory Report Discussion: Covers objectives, procedures, and results for replication.
• Report Structure: Follows a formal sectioned format, each with a distinct purpose.
• Report Writing: A structured style that focuses on a specific subject in depth.
• Scientific Report Objectives: Found in the objective section.

Data Collection Methods

• Quantitative Data: Yields measurable and comparable results.
• Experiment: An optimal approach for assessing ring light variations for online businesses.
• Active Observation: The observer interacts with the participants, who are aware they are being observed.
• Experimentation: A process that involves manipulating variables and measuring their effects.
• Primary Data in Surveys: Information obtained directly from respondents.
• Survey Use in Feasibility Study: Quick surveys are effective.
• Scientific Experiment Report Reference: Guarantees that in-text citations align with references.

Survey and Report Components

• Survey Report Introduction: Specifies the aim or purpose.
• Discussion Section of a Report: Interprets results to either support or reject a hypothesis.
• Abstract Purpose: Condenses main ideas to help readers decide whether to read the entire report.
• Results Section: Presents general patterns and differences in data.
• Introduction of Laboratory Report: Should exclude comprehensive experimental results and analysis.
• Survey Result Presentation: Commonly uses percentages and proportions.
• Exploratory Questionnaires: Gathers qualitative data, not intended for statistical analysis.

Surveys and Questionnaires

• Standardized Questionnaires: Used to test and quantify hypotheses.
• Data Production Components in Surveys: Includes administering the survey, data collection, and questionnaire testing.
• Purpose of Different Question Types in Surveys: Used to ensure data validity, reliability, and discrimination
• Detailed Feedback Question Type: Open-ended questions which invite descriptive answers.
• Survey Purpose: Aims to collect opinions, attitudes, or factual information from a group.
• Data Collection via Surveys: Asks participants about an event, organization, or experience.

Logical and Emotional Appeals in Argumentation

• Qualitative Data Collection: Most effectively gathered through exploratory questionnaires.
• Logical Appeals: Arguments not supported by emotional storytelling.
• Emotional Appeal Example: Includes statements which tug at the heart strings.
• Manifesto Analysis: Focuses on clarity, logic, and evidence.
• Well-Supported Argument: Includes support from credible sources like WHO studies.
• Using Evidence in Arguments: Refers to statistical improvements in reading comprehension.
• Weakening a Logical Appeal: Occurs when arguments rely solely on personal opinions without evidence.
• Strongest Evidence for Climate Change Argument: Government reports and scientific case studies.

Argument Structures and Critical Thinking

• Deductive vs. Inductive Arguments: Deductive arguments lead to certain conclusions, while inductive arguments lead to probable conclusions.
• Example of Inductive Argument: Inferences about future events based on historical trends.
• Surveys in Report Writing: Helpful for gathering opinions and perceptions from a specific group
• Observation as Data Collection: Systematically watching and recording behaviors.
• Key Feature of Experiments: Involves the manipulation of variables to measure their effects.
• Observation vs. Survey: Observational studies record behaviours, while surveys rely on asking participants questions.
• Non-Data Collection Method: Hypothesis formation is not a method of gathering data.

Data Visualization and Analysis

• Purpose of Data Visualization: Improves impact and communicates insights effectively.
• Writing the Introduction Last in a Survey Report: Guarantees key takeaways are included.
• Survey Summary Techniques: Avoid statistics provided without context.
• Proportions of Survey Responses: Pie charts effectively compare these relationships.
• Consumer Age Data Display: Histograms are most appropriate for displaying age data.
• Largest Percentage Age Group: Highest proportion of respondents is the 28-32 age group.
• Customer Satisfaction Survey Visualization: Pie charts efficiently represent these proportions.

Position Papers

• Issue in a Position Paper: Topics should be debatable, current, and relevant.
• Balancing Arguments in Position Papers: The body presents both sides reinforcing the stance.
• Effective Position Paper Writing: Should avoid passive voice and use active debate techniques.
• Position Paper Conclusion: Summarizes key points and restates the position.
• Position Paper Mistake: Focusing on one perspective without addressing counterarguments.
• Well-Supported Position Paper Example: For instance, education system analysis, should be supported by credible evidence and counterarguments