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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of a concept paper in the academe?
To prepare prior to the actual research
What should a concept paper in the workplace contain?
In a project proposal, the contents include Project Title, Rationale, Objectives of the Project, and Project Proponents. Additionally, it describes the ________ of the project.
description
An argument consists of a claim and supporting evidence.
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Match the following forms of persuasive writing with their descriptions:
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What is the purpose of graphic organizers?
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Sentence definitions generated can serve as examples of information report type of texts. Is this statement true or false?
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Different ways exist to define a concept. Is this statement true or false?
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Different types of academic and professional texts may use definitions to begin discussions. Is this statement true or false?
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What is the purpose of a critique paper?
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Which of the following are evaluated in a critique paper? (Select all that apply)
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What are some characteristics of effective business meetings? They should be purposeful, economical, audience-oriented, and ___ oriented.
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Using plain language in business writing is recommended.
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Match the following terms with their alternative more courteous phrases:
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What is the term for finding information on a topic through books, magazines, and journals?
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In which stage of writing do you arrange information logically under headings and subheadings?
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Using the active voice is recommended for most business writing. True or False?
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What is the term for a group of words that lacks a subject or a verb and cannot stand alone as a sentence?
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Match the correct examples of improved writing:
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What are some tips for writing application letters?
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Should you mention your desired salary in an application letter?
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What is the purpose of the morning pages?
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Which of the following guidelines should be followed for effective organizational communication?
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Internal organizational communication involves interaction between and among company representatives.
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The ______ should cover just one topic and take a writer's mind off of things not related to the writing task.
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What is a resume typically used for?
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How long is a resume expected to be on average?
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Which section of a resume provides a summary of experience and skills?
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Chronological resumes focus on skills and experiences.
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Functional resumes focus on one's ______ and experience.
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What are some components of an email and memo?
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The sales manager of a music store coordinates with his subordinates in order for them to be notified about __________.
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Which tip is NOT mentioned for creating an email message?
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The company name should be typed one inch from the top of a memo.
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Match the following parts of a business letter with their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Reading and Writing Skills Reviewer
- The reviewer provides an overview of graphic organizers, concept papers, project proposals, writing an essay, and writing reaction and critique papers.
Types of Graphic Organizers
- Venn Diagram: illustrates similarities and differences between concepts
- T-Chart: illustrates differences between concepts, with examples such as boys vs. girls
- Data Retrieval Chart: a modified version of a T-Chart, used to discuss one concept with characteristics
- Data Storage Chart: contains missing elements, used to organize ideas and categorize information
- Pyramid: shows hierarchy of concepts, with the most important concept at the top
- Timeline: shows sequencing of events with specific time periods
- Fire Triangle: shows the relationship between three interdependent elements
- Flowchart: shows sequence of events, steps, or cause and effect
- Ishikawa Diagram (Fishbone Diagram): shows causes and effects of a problem
- Sungram: shows minor topics arising from a major topic
- Concept Map: arranges ideas from left to right, exploring subtopics and relationships
Purpose of Graphic Organizers
- To visually show similarities and differences
- To categorize and organize ideas
- To make ideas easier to understand and remember
- To map out ideas and illustrate an idea or concept
Concept Paper
- A type of text that discusses or clarifies a concept
- Provides an overview of the concept, including its definition, aspects, and significance
- Can be used in the academic setting as a research proposal or in the workplace as a proposal for a project
Project Proposal
- A request for financial assistance to implement a project
- Includes a detailed description of the project, its objectives, and its significance
- Should be clear, concise, and accessible
Writing an Essay
- Why read an essay: to process an essay and understand its different parts
- Parts of an essay: title, introduction, body, and conclusion
- Introduction: provides an idea of what to expect, provides a thesis statement, and catches the reader's attention
- Body: provides supporting details to justify the thesis statement
- Conclusion: summarizes the essay and brings it to a close
Elements of Argumentation
- Argument/Claim: states a claim and supports it with reasons and evidence
- Counterargument/Counterclaim: stands in opposition to the argument/claim and provides reasons why it is wrong
- Reputation: disproves an opposing argument and convinces the audience of the validity of the writer's argument
Writing Reaction and Critique Papers
- Reaction Paper: a response to a prompt, which may be a question, a current event, or a form of media
- Should be organized and summarize the main points
- Should not include a lot of "I think", "I feel", or "I believe" statements
- Argumentative Essay: a popular form of academic writing that requires thoughtful reading, research, and writing### Types of Writing
- Editorials: state the opinion of the writer, have citations and references, and simply repeat what the author has said
- Op-Ed (Opposite Editorial): convince the readers to agree with the writer's views on the issue, includes opinions that are well-supported with evidence
- Reviews: evaluate items and activities, such as books, movies, plays, and music from the writer's point of view
- Advertisements: a judgment, analysis, or evaluation of the issues about the topic
Reaction Paper
- Includes:
- EVIDENCE that you have understood what the material said
- Your REACTION to the writer's or creator's ideas
- Your EVALUATION of the material's strengths and weaknesses
- STEPS IN WRITING A REACTION PAPER:
- Reading and studying the material
- Annotating the text as you read
- Asking questions as you read
- Free writing
- Deciding on your angle and determining your thesis
- Organizing your paper
- Gathering quotations
- Structuring your paragraph
- Peer checking
Critique Paper
- A genre of academic writing that briefly summarizes and critically evaluates a work or concept
- Evaluates works like:
- Creative works (novels, exhibits, film, images)
- Research (monographs, journal articles, systematic reviews, theories)
- Media (news reports, feature articles)
- Part of a Critique Paper:
- Article and its author
- Summary of the issues
- Author's key assumptions and your perspective on these assumptions
- Overall evaluation of the work and a summary of the key reasons
- Recommendations
Business Writing
- Business writing vs. Academic writing
- Characteristics of effective business meetings:
- Purposeful
- Economical
- Audience-oriented
- Process-oriented
- Process of creating a business message:
- Prewriting
- Analyzing
- Anticipating
- Adapting 2. Writing
- Researching
- Organizing
- Composing 3. Revising
- Revising
- Proofreading
- Evaluating
Knowing Your Audience
- Audience analysis:
- Primary audience (receives the message)
- Secondary audience (doesn't receive the message but is related to the primary audience)
- Size and composition
- Understanding level
- Profitable reaction
- Good relationship
- Acceptable language:
- Unprofessional
- Conversational
- Formal
- Establishing good relationships:
- Spotlight audience benefits
- Cultivate a "you" view
- Sound conversational
- Use positive and inclusive language
- Adopt plain language
- Draw on familiar words
Researching
- Formal research:
- Search manually (books, magazines, journals)
- Access data electronically
- Go to the source
- Conduct scientific experiments
- Informal research:
- Look in your organization's files
- Talk with your boss
- Conduct an informal survey by interviewing the target audience
Organizing
- Direct pattern:
- Sets a proper frame of mind
- Minimizes a negative reaction
- Indirect pattern:
- Respects feelings of the audience
- Encourages a fair hearing
- Appears businesslike
Composing
- Stages in writing:
- Researching
- Organizing
- Composing
- Active voice:
- Use the active voice for most business writing### Revising Sentences
- Dangling modifiers: be careful with sentence structure to avoid ambiguity
- Developing parallelism: ensure parallel structure in lists and comparisons
- Stages of revising: understand the process of revising sentences
Grammar
- Subject-verb agreement (SVA): ensure subjects and verbs match in number
- Pronoun-antecedent agreement (PAA): ensure pronouns and antecedents match in number
- Fused sentences: revise sentences to avoid ambiguity and confusion
Sentence Structure
- Comma splices: avoid joining two independent clauses with a comma
- Fused sentences: revise sentences to avoid ambiguity and confusion
- Run-on sentences: revise sentences to avoid ambiguity and confusion
Writing Skills
- Readability: use clear and concise language to improve readability
- Precision: use precise language to convey meaning accurately
- Tone: maintain a professional tone in writing
- Style: avoid excessive use of intensifiers and vague language
- Control: avoid overusing words and phrases
- Exuberance: avoid using language that is too casual or informal
Mechanics
- Capitalization: follow rules for capitalizing proper nouns and titles
- Punctuation: use commas, semicolons, and colons correctly
- Spelling: check spelling to avoid errors
Design and Layout
- Physical appearance: use headings, columns, and paragraph headings to improve organization
- Readability: use serif and sans serif fonts appropriately
- Style and face: choose font styles and faces that improve readability
- Bullets, numbers, and letters: use appropriately to list items and improve organization
Overcoming Writer's Block
- Deal with writer's block by: using positive self-talk, listing achievements, interviewing, brainstorming, dividing tasks into smaller parts, and establishing a routine
- Show up for work: commit to a writing schedule and stick to it
- Cope with bad writing: don't be too hard on yourself, just keep writing and revise later
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn the basics of writing effective business letters, including proper salutations and closings. Quiz yourself on the dos and don'ts of professional business correspondence.
