ACADEMIC WRITING.pdf

ACADEMIC WRITING / READING MCQ’S: Q1: In the present tense, verbs agree with their subjects in which category? A Tense B Case C Person D Number Q2: Which one of the following is NOT an example of an indefinite pronoun? A Someone B Anything C Nobody D Levels Q3: Which subject-verb agreement rule...

ACADEMIC WRITING / READING MCQ’S: Q1: In the present tense, verbs agree with their subjects in which category? A Tense B Case C Person D Number Q2: Which one of the following is NOT an example of an indefinite pronoun? A Someone B Anything C Nobody D Levels Q3: Which subject-verb agreement rule applies in the sentence: 'There are surprisingly few children in our neighbourhood.' A Verb agrees with the first subject when joined by 'or' B Verb agrees with the first subject when joined by 'and' C Verb agrees with the part of the subject nearer to the verb D Verb agrees with the subject even when the subject follows the verb Q4: Which of the following is an example of a word that is usually singular despite its plural form? A measles B news C economics D athletics Q5: When should a collective noun be treated as plural? A When it emphasizes the group as a unit B To draw attention to the individual members of the group C When referring to a team or crowd D When used in a gerund phrase Q6: Which verb form agrees with the subject 'I' in the present tense? A readies B read C readed D reads Q7: What is the correct present tense verb form for the subject 'he/she/it'? A reads B read C reading D readed Q8: Which subject-verb agreement is correct for the third person plural subjects? A They reads B They read C Them read D Their read Q9: Which words should be treated as singular despite their plural form? A Collective nouns and gerund phrases B Titles of works and company names C Statistics and discoveries D athletics, economics, measles and news Q10: When should collective nouns be treated as plural? A When talking about ancient civilizations B To draw attention to the INDIVIDUAL members of the group C When emphasizing the group as a unit D When the meaning is clearly plural Q11: Which sentence connector is used to show contrast? A Therefore B On the contrary C In conclusion D Even so Q12: Which cause & effect connector word shows a result? A Moreover B As a result C However D Consequently Q13: Which advanced connector word is used to add information? A Nonetheless B On top of that C Secondly D In order to Q14: What English comparison connector is used in the sentence 'He is as good as his sister'? A as B comparable C equally D like Q15: Which linker word is used to give an alternative option in the sentence: 'You can go to that Italian restaurant or alternatively you can even choose the Mexican food counter on the opposite side of the road'? A additionally B similarly C otherwise D alternatively Reading Skills Reading Skills Reading skills encompass a variety of techniques that enhance an individual's ability to comprehend, interpret, and retain written information. These skills include skimming, scanning, note-taking, and analytical writing. Skimming Definition and Purpose Skimming is a reading technique used to quickly gather the main ideas and general overview of a text. Unlike detailed reading, skimming focuses on headings, subheadings, and highlighted or italicized words to identify the key points without reading every word. When to Use Skimming Skimming is most effectively used when you need to get a quick sense of a text's content, such as when previewing a book, reading articles, or reviewing study material. Practical Steps for Skimming 1. Read the title and subtitles. 2. Focus on introductory paragraphs. 3. Identify topic sentences in each paragraph. 4. Note any highlighted, bold, or italicized words. 5. Read the conclusion or summary paragraphs. Scanning Definition and Purpose Scanning involves quickly looking through a text to find specific information. This technique helps in locating precise details, such as facts or statistics, without reading the entire document. When to Use Scanning Scanning is particularly useful when searching for a specific fact in a textbook or looking up a phone number in a directory. Steps to Perform Scanning 1. Determine the specific information you need. 2. Identify keywords related to this information. 3. Move your eyes rapidly over the text, focusing on headings, bullet points, and keywords. 4. Locate and extract the needed data quickly. Note-Taking Benefits of Note-Taking Effective note-taking helps in retaining information, organizing thoughts, and preparing for exams or writing tasks. Methods to Enhance Note-Taking - The Cornell Method - Outlining - Mind mapping - Using symbols and abbreviations for faster writing Analytical Writing Definition and Purpose Analytical writing involves breaking down complex information into simpler parts to understand it better, often accompanied by evaluation and interpretation. Primary Components of Analytical Writing 1. Clear thesis statement 2. Evidence-supported arguments 3. Logical structuring 4. Critical thinking Strategies to Develop Strong Analytical Writing Skills 1. Start with a clear thesis or argument. 2. Gather and evaluate evidence to support the thesis. 3. Organize the writing logically with clear topic sentences and transitions. 4. Use critical thinking to analyze and interpret the evidence. 5. Revise and refine the writing to enhance clarity and coherence. SKIMMING AND SCANNING ‘Skimming’ and scanning are two specific speed-reading techniques, which enable you to cover a vast amount of material very rapidly. These techniques are similar in process but different in purpose. I. SKIMMING is a method of rapidly moving the eyes over text with the purpose of getting only the main idea and overview of the content. Three Types of Skimming: 1. “Pre--read skimming” refers to preparing to read. 2. ‘Skim reading’ refers to situations in which skimming is the only coverage of desired material(books, articles etc) 3. Review skimming assumes you have already read the material and are going back to review it. How to do Skimming? 1. Read the title. Check the author and date of publication. 2. Read only the first paragraph completely. Then, read only the first sentence of every paragraph. That sentence (topic Sentence) will usually be the main idea of that paragraph. 3. Read headings and sub--headings. Headings cover the whole topic. 4. Notice any pictures, charts, or graphs; they are usually included to emphasize important dates or concepts. 5. Glance at the remainder of the paragraph. a. Notice any italicized or boldface words or phrases. These are key terms. b. b. Look for lists of ideas within the text of the material. The author may use numerals, such as (1), (2), (3) in the list, or signal words such as first, second, one major cause, another cause, etc. 6. Read the summary or last paragraph. Skimming can usually be accomplished at about 1000 words per minute. Skimming is used, for example, to get the essence of a page of a textbook to decide whether it is useful and should therefore be read more slowly and in more detail. Scanning What is Scanning? Scanning is a method of selective reading, when searching for a particular fact or answer to a question. Scanning can best be described as a looking rather than a reading process. How Do I Use Scanning? 1. State in your mind specifically the information for which you are looking. 2. Move your eyes down the page in a systematic way. 3. When you have found the needed information, carefully read the sentences in which it appears in order to confirm that you have located the correct information. Let your eyes run rapidly over several lines of print at a time.  When you find the sentence that has the information you seek, read the entire sentence. In scanning, you must be willing to skip over large sections of text without reading or understanding them. Scanning can be done at 1500 or more words per minute. Scanning is used to obtain specific information from a piece of text and can be used, for example, to find a particular number in a telephone directory. ESSAY An essay is a written composition in which an author presents their argument or perspective on a specific topic. Essays can vary greatly in style, tone, and purpose, but they generally aim to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain a concept to the reader. Definition An essay is a short piece of writing on a particular subject. It is a literary form that allows the author to express their thoughts, arguments, or experiences in a structured manner. Essays typically have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, and they may vary in length from a few paragraphs to several pages. Types of Essays Essays can be categorized into several types based on their purpose and structure: 1. Narrative Essay: Tells a story or recounts an event or series of events. It often includes personal anecdotes and vivid descriptions to engage the reader. - Example: A memoir about a significant life experience. 2. Descriptive Essay: Focuses on detailing the characteristics, features, and qualities of a person, place, thing, or event. It aims to paint a picture with words. - Example: A description of a picturesque landscape. 3. Expository Essay: Provides an explanation or information about a topic in a straightforward and logical manner. It includes facts, statistics, and examples to inform the reader.  - Example: An essay explaining how the water cycle works. 4. Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay: Aims to convince the reader of a particular point of view or argument. It uses logic, reasoning, and evidence to support its claims. - Example: An essay advocating for the importance of renewable energy. Examples of Essays - Narrative Essay: "My Journey Through the Mountains" - A personal account of a hiking adventure. - Descriptive Essay: "The Beauty of the Grand Canyon" - A vivid description of the Grand Canyon's landscape. - Expository Essay: "The Basics of Photosynthesis" - An explanation of the photosynthesis process in plants. - Persuasive Essay: "Why We Should Reduce Plastic Waste" - An argument for the reduction of plastic usage. Key Points in Writing an Essay 1. Clear Thesis Statement: Every essay should have a clear main idea or argument that is introduced in the thesis statement. 2. Structured Format: Essays typically follow a standard format with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 3. Introduction: Sets the stage for the essay, introduces the topic, and presents the thesis statement. 4. Body Paragraphs: Develop the main idea with supporting details, examples, and evidence. Each paragraph should focus on a single point. 5. Conclusion: Summarizes the main points, restates the thesis in light of the evidence presented, and provides a closing thought. 6. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas should flow logically from one to another, and transitions should be used to connect paragraphs. 7. Clarity and Precision: Language should be clear and precise, avoiding ambiguity and unnecessary complexity. 8. Proofreading and Editing: Always review the essay for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and coherence. Editing improves the overall quality of the writing.  Problem-Solution Essay Definition A problem-solution essay identifies a problem and proposes one or more solutions. It aims to convince the reader that a particular problem exists and that the proposed solutions are viable and effective. Structure 1. Introduction - Present the problem: Clearly describe the issue, its significance, and why it needs addressing. - Thesis statement: Briefly mention the proposed solutions. 2. Problem Description - Explain the problem in detail: Discuss its causes, effects, and who is affected. - Provide evidence: Use statistics, examples, and expert opinions to illustrate the severity of the problem. 3. Solution Proposal  - Present the solutions: Offer detailed descriptions of potential solutions. - Support with evidence: Explain how each solution addresses the problem, supported by facts, examples, and research. 4. Evaluation of Solutions - Discuss the feasibility: Consider the practicality, cost, and potential obstacles of the solutions. - Compare solutions: Weigh the pros and cons of each solution. 5. Conclusion - Summarize the problem and the proposed solutions. - Reinforce the importance of addressing the problem. - Call to action: Encourage the reader to take specific steps or to support the proposed solutions. Example Topic - Problem: Increasing pollution in urban areas. - Solutions: Implementing stricter emission regulations, promoting public transportation, and encouraging green energy initiatives. Cause and Effect Essay Definition A cause and effect essay explores the reasons (causes) why something happened and the results (effects) of it. It aims to establish a clear relationship between events or conditions. Structure 1. Introduction - Introduce the topic: Provide background information. - Thesis statement: Outline the main causes and/or effects that will be discussed. 2. Body Paragraphs - Causes: Discuss the reasons leading to the event or situation. - Each cause should be explained in its own paragraph.  - Provide evidence and examples to support each cause. - Effects: Describe the consequences or outcomes of the event or situation. - Each effect should be explained in its own paragraph. - Provide evidence and examples to support each effect. - Combined Approach: Some essays might discuss a cause and its direct effect in the same paragraph. 3. Conclusion - Summarize the main causes and effects discussed. - Restate the significance of understanding these relationships. - Offer a final thought or call to action. Example Topic - Causes: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition. - Effects: Increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.  Compare and Contrast Essay Definition A compare and contrast essay examines the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It helps the reader understand the subjects better by highlighting their commonalities and distinctions. Structure 1. Introduction - Introduce the subjects: Briefly describe the items being compared and contrasted. - Thesis statement: Indicate whether you will focus on similarities, differences, or both. 2. Body Paragraphs - Point-by-Point Method: Discuss one point of comparison or contrast at a time, covering both subjects. - For example, comparing the climate of two cities in one paragraph, followed by comparing their cultures in the next.  - Block Method: Discuss all relevant points about one subject first, then move on to the next subject. - For example, discussing all aspects of City A first, then all aspects of City B. 3. Conclusion - Summarize the main points of comparison and contrast. - Restate the significance of the comparison. - Provide a final insight or evaluation. Example Topic - Subjects: Public transportation vs. private transportation. - Comparison Points: Cost, convenience, environmental impact, and time efficiency. ARTICLE In grammar, an article is a word used to modify a noun, which is a person, place, thing, or idea. Articles define the noun as specific or unspecific. There are two main types of articles in English: definite and indefinite articles. Types of Articles 1. Definite Article The is the definite article in English. It specifies a particular noun that is known to the reader. - Usage: - Specific Reference: Used when the noun refers to something specific or previously mentioned. - Example: "The book on the table is mine." - Unique Entities: Used with things that are one of a kind. - Example: "The sun rises in the east." - Superlatives and Ordinals: Used before superlative adjectives and ordinal numbers. - Example: "She is the best player in the team." 2. Indefinite Articles A and an are the indefinite articles in English. They refer to a non-specific noun that is not previously mentioned. - Usage: - General Reference: Used when the noun refers to a general item, not something specific. - Example: "I need a pen." - First Mention: Used when introducing a noun for the first time. - Example: "I saw a cat in the garden." - Before Singular Nouns: Used only with singular countable nouns. - Example: "She wants to buy an umbrella." - Choosing Between "A" and "An": - Use a before words that begin with a consonant sound. - Example: "a dog," "a university" (university starts with a /juː/ sound, which is a consonant sound). - Use an before words that begin with a vowel sound. - Example: "an apple," "an hour" (hour starts with a silent "h", making the first sound a vowel). Special Cases and Rules 1. Articles with Uncountable Nouns Uncountable nouns do not usually use indefinite articles (a/an). However, "the" can be used when referring to something specific. - Example: "Water is essential for life." (general, uncountable) - Example: "The water in this bottle is cold." (specific, uncountable) 2. Articles with Plural Nouns Indefinite articles are not used with plural nouns. Use "some" or "any" if you need to indicate an indefinite quantity. - Example: "I saw some birds in the park." 3. Omission of Articles Articles are often omitted in the following cases: - Generalizations with Plural and Uncountable Nouns: - Example: "Dogs are loyal animals." (plural generalization) - Example: "Happiness is important." (uncountable generalization) - Certain Idiomatic Expressions: - Example: "Go to bed," "at work," "in prison." Examples and Practice Definite Article "The" - Context: Referring to something known or unique. - "The movie we watched last night was thrilling." - "The Earth orbits the sun." Indefinite Articles "A" and "An" - Context: Introducing something unknown or general. - "She adopted a puppy." - "He ate an apple for breakfast." Special Cases - Uncountable Nouns: - "The information you provided is helpful." - Plural Nouns: - "I bought some flowers." Omissions - General Statements: - "Children love toys." - "Patience is a virtue." Key Points in Using Articles 1. Identify Noun Type: Determine if the noun is countable or uncountable, singular or plural. 2. Specificity: Decide if the noun refers to something specific or general. 3. Sound Check: For indefinite articles, check the starting sound of the following word. 4. Context and Rules: Consider idiomatic expressions and grammatical rules that might affect article usage.