Podcast
Questions and Answers
A mind map should be organized in a strict order from the beginning.
A mind map should be organized in a strict order from the beginning.
False (B)
Using 5W + 1H is a recommended technique to start brainstorming.
Using 5W + 1H is a recommended technique to start brainstorming.
True (A)
Brainstorming should only focus on what you know about a topic.
Brainstorming should only focus on what you know about a topic.
False (B)
When developing focus questions, it is important to consider the audience.
When developing focus questions, it is important to consider the audience.
The statements of Browning reaction and Maillard reaction are unrelated in the context of food processing.
The statements of Browning reaction and Maillard reaction are unrelated in the context of food processing.
Topic analysis is the last step before submitting the assignment.
Topic analysis is the last step before submitting the assignment.
Understanding the audience is not important for effective academic writing.
Understanding the audience is not important for effective academic writing.
The writing process includes reflecting, editing, and proofreading.
The writing process includes reflecting, editing, and proofreading.
Topic analysis involves identifying and underlining key content and issues.
Topic analysis involves identifying and underlining key content and issues.
The steps of topic analysis must always be completed in a linear order.
The steps of topic analysis must always be completed in a linear order.
Brainstorming and mind mapping are included in the topic analysis process.
Brainstorming and mind mapping are included in the topic analysis process.
The purpose of an assignment is only to show the author's knowledge.
The purpose of an assignment is only to show the author's knowledge.
An argumentative essay's intended audience includes fellow scientists.
An argumentative essay's intended audience includes fellow scientists.
Task words should be circled to identify key actions.
Task words should be circled to identify key actions.
Limiting words can include concepts like time and person.
Limiting words can include concepts like time and person.
Topic analysis involves developing focus questions after brainstorming.
Topic analysis involves developing focus questions after brainstorming.
The purpose of your assignment should only consider what you want to convey, without regard for the reader.
The purpose of your assignment should only consider what you want to convey, without regard for the reader.
In task analysis, identifying verbs is unnecessary.
In task analysis, identifying verbs is unnecessary.
When conducting a mind map, the central issue should be placed in the middle.
When conducting a mind map, the central issue should be placed in the middle.
Analysing the scope of an assignment involves considering how much to cover in your writing.
Analysing the scope of an assignment involves considering how much to cover in your writing.
The Maillard reaction is unrelated to the food process.
The Maillard reaction is unrelated to the food process.
Flashcards
Topic Analysis
Topic Analysis
The initial step in any academic writing assignment, ensuring complete comprehension of the task before commencing writing.
Analyzing the question
Analyzing the question
The process of identifying the key words and concepts within the assignment question to understand the core topic and area of focus.
Brainstorming and Concept Mapping
Brainstorming and Concept Mapping
A visual representation of ideas and concepts related to the assignment topic, using branches and connections to show relationships.
Developing Focus Questions
Developing Focus Questions
Specific questions that guide the writing and research process, providing a clear direction for the assignment.
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Audience Analysis
Audience Analysis
The intended audience of the assignment, determining what information they need and how it should be presented.
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Purpose Analysis
Purpose Analysis
Identifying the purpose of the assignment, answering the question of what the reader will learn or gain from the assignment.
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Undertaking Topic Analysis
Undertaking Topic Analysis
The steps involved in undertaking topic analysis, including analyzing the question, brainstorming, and developing focus questions.
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Browsing Resources
Browsing Resources
The process of researching and gathering relevant information that helps answer the focus questions and achieve the purpose of the assignment.
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Task Words
Task Words
Words in an assignment that tell you what to do, like analyze, discuss, or explain.
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Limiting Words
Limiting Words
Words in an assignment that limit the scope of your research, like a specific time period, location, or type of information.
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Topic Words
Topic Words
The main subject or topic of your assignment.
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Mind Map
Mind Map
A visual tool used to brainstorm ideas and explore connections between them. It helps organize your thoughts and identify key concepts.
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Focus Questions
Focus Questions
Questions that help you focus your research and guide your writing. They should be specific, relevant, and answerable.
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Audience and Purpose
Audience and Purpose
Understanding the intended audience and the purpose of your assignment.
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Brainstorming
Brainstorming
The process of gathering and organizing ideas related to your assignment topic before you start writing.
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5W + 1H
5W + 1H
A technique for generating ideas and questions by exploring different aspects of a topic using the five Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why) and one H (How).
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Organising Information
Organising Information
The process of organizing and structuring your ideas into a logical order for writing and communicating them effectively.
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Adapting for Different Audiences
Adapting for Different Audiences
Tailoring your communication style and content depending on the audience, considering their knowledge, interests, and expectations.
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Introductory Academic English (210260) - Week 6: Topic Analysis
- The lecturer is Nguyễn Mạnh Cường
- Email: nnguyenccuong@gmail.com
The Writing Process
- Analyze the question
- Brainstorm and create a concept map
- Develop focus questions
- Browse resources
- Refine focus questions
- Read and take notes
- Visualize (mind map)
- Write and rewrite
- Reflect, edit, and proofread
- Submit and keep a copy
Topic Analysis
- First step in all assignments
- Fully understanding the task before starting writing saves time
- Guides reading and research
- Provides a framework for note-taking and planning
- Helps determine what to look for in the library
- Topic analysis is the first step
- Subsequent steps may not follow a linear order
- Repetitive analysis may be required
Topic Analysis - Understanding Purpose
- Academic writing has an intended audience
- Purpose of assignment: what does the audience gain from the assignment?
- Learning outcomes for the audience
- Key takeaway message
- Understanding audience and purpose simplifies the assignment
Audience Analysis
- Companion to topic analysis
- Identify the intended audience
- Assignments often target tutors or lecturers; however, consider a real-world audience instead
- Examples of different audiences for different assignments
- Research report: fellow scientists
- Case study: government minister
- Argumentative essay: peers
- Technical note: colleagues
Undertaking Topic Analysis
- Once audience and purpose are established, move onto the three steps of topic analysis
- Three steps:
- Analyze the question
- Brainstorm and mind map
- Develop focus questions
Methods of Topic Analysis
- Topic words: identify and underline key content, issues and subject nouns
- Task words: highlight actions or instructions (verbs)
- Limiting words: circle limiting words like period, location, place
Example (Topic Analysis Practice 1)
- Assess the relative importance of GMOs in the food supply chain
- Three-Part Topic Analysis Steps:
- Analyze the question (topic, task, scope)
- Brainstorm (what you don't know, what you need to find out) - mind map!
- Develop into focus questions
Additional Topics for Practicing (Examples)
- Discuss Browning and Maillard reactions, and their contributions in the food process
- Evaluate advantages and challenges of climate change to global food production.
- Illustrate advanced properties of vacuum packaging for meat products.
Steps in Topic Analysis Revisted
- Analyze the question
- Brainstorm
- Develop focus questions
Topic Analysis Considerations
- Purpose of your assignment: research the task words
- Audience knowledge: what do you want your reader to know, and what ideas and arguments are you conveying?
- Consider the audience:
- Your writing should target the reader
- Marker and theoretical audience (real world)
Analyze Question for Brainstorming
- Move from analysis to brainstorming using a mind map
- Visually map the relationships between ideas
- Mind mapping methodology:
- Central issue/question in the middle of the page
- Major themes/questions to support the main issue
- Sub-themes/questions below each theme
- Add new ideas and keep related ideas together
- Link related ideas on the map
- Establish a logical order to address each theme and question
2. BrainstormING
- Write down everything you know and don't know; this helps clarify and organize ideas
- Start by organizing information in a mind map that conceptually defines the information.
- Use 5Ws + H (Who?, What?, Why?, Where?, When?, How?) to get started
Brainstorming for Different Age Groups
- Example topic: Discuss Browning and Maillard reactions, and their contributions in the food process
- Different brainstorming approaches for different audiences.
3. Develop Focus Questions
- Refine and develop information from brainstorming
- Ask questions to address the topic, relating back to the assignment's overall topic
- These will form the basis of future sections and paragraphs
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