ReadWrite - 2nd Quarter: Exam

Academic writing

is purposive, formal, and evidence-based writing that communicates ideas in a clear, concise, structured, and logical manner. Unlike casual writing, ______ always relies on proofs, sources, and reasoning

Critique

assessment/evaluation of a scholarly work

Position Paper

stance on a debatable issue with arguments and evidence

Literature Review

synthesis of existing studies

Research Report

systematic investigation and findings

Project Proposal

persuasive document offering a solution to a problem

Academic texts

Purpose: To inform, argue, explain, or persuade using evidence.

Academic Texts

Language: Formal, objective, and technical.

academic texts

Structure: Clear sections (introduction, body, conclusion; or technical parts like abstract, methodology, results).

academic texts

Audience: Scholars, students, professionals.

Literary Texts

Purpose: To entertain, inspire, or express human experience and imagination.

Literary Texts

Language: Creative, figurative, expressive, often emotional.

Literary Texts

Structure: Varies (poems, stories, plays, essays).

Literary Texts

Audience: General public, readers of literature.

Literature Review

• • Definition: Provides an overview of what has been studied about a topic.

• • Purpose: To identify gaps, relationships, or patterns in the scholarly conversation.

• • Sources surveyed: journal articles, dissertations, theses, government reports, conference proceedings, historical records, databases, etc.

Stand-alone

written on its own to analyze available knowledge

As part of research (PASS)

usually placed after the introduction to establish a theoretical framework.
(PASS)

Book Review

focuses on one book/article (descriptive + evaluative).

Annotated Bibliography

summarizes individual sources with notes.

Literature Review

synthesizes multiple works to explain the bigger picture.

Research Report

• • Definition: Expanded academic paper presenting original findings based on systematic inquiry.

• • Purpose: To inform, analyze, and interpret phenomena using research methods.

• • Parts: Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References.

Article Critique

is a specialized academic text that evaluates the contribution, strengths, weaknesses, and value of a scholarly article. It does not simply summarize but critically examines the work.

1. Introduction (5%) – title, author, thesis, purpose

2. Summary (10%) – objectives, methods, findings

3. Review/Critique (75%) – appropriateness of methods, sufficiency of explanation, comparison with other perspectives, coherence of ideas

4. Conclusion (10%) – overall impression, scholarly value, suggestions

Structure of a Critique

Project Proposal

is a persuasive academic document that offers a plan to solve a problem. It is both informative (explains the problem and solution) and persuasive (convinces stakeholders to support it)

Goals & Objectives

what the project aims to achieve (in project proposal)

Project Plan

– how it will be carried out (in project proposal)

Resources

financial, human, and technical (in project proposal)

Budget

itemized costs Structure of a Critique

Problem-Solution Flow

often visualized using the Problem & Solution Map (in project proposal)

Solicited Internal

requested within the organization

Solicited External

requested by an outside party

Unsolicited Internal –

– self-initiated proposal inside the organization

Unsolicited External

– self-initiated for an outside group

Position Paper

is an academic text that clearly presents the writer’s stance on a debatable issue. It is not just personal opinion—it uses claims, reasons, and credible evidence to defend the position. A strong position paper also acknowledges and refutes counterclaims, showing fairness and critical thinking. Its ultimate goal is to persuade readers, shape opinions, and contribute to meaningful change.

• Claim → the main assertion (e.g., “Capital punishment should be reinstated”). •

• Reason → answers the “Why?” (e.g., necessary, practical, legal, factual, moral). •

• Evidence → backs up the reason (facts, history, statistics, testimonies; not hearsay). •

• Argument = Claim + Reason + Evidence.

•  Counterargument = Opposing viewpoint supported with reason + evidence, which you then refute.

Components of a Position Paper

1. Intro
   - hook/lead
   - define issue
   - thesis statement

2. Body
   - ARguments
   - counter arguments

3. Conclusion
   - restate main arguments
   - end with strong statement

How to write the Position Paper

Correspondence

is communication through the exchange of letters, memos, or e-mails to convey information formally or professionally

Business Correspondence

Letters used in professional settings to transact business-related activities such as requests, inquiries, orders, complaints, and follow-ups.

➤ Writing Style: Concise, tactful, and accurate.

Professional Correspondence

Any written interaction with a potential employer (application letters, e-mails, résumés). These serve as first impressions—and can leave either a positive or negative impact.

1. heading / letterhead

2. date

3. inside address

4. salutation

5. body

6. complimentary close

7. signature block

Essential Parts of a Letter

1. attention line

2. identification initials

3. enclosure notation

4. copy notation

5. postscript

optional parts of a letter

Heading / Letterhead

– Identifies the writer (name, address, contact).

Date

The exact date when the letter was written.

Inside Address

– Recipient’s name, position, company, and address.

Salutation

– The formal greeting.

Body

The message of the letter (single-spaced paragraphs, double-spaced between paragraphs).

Complimentary Close

The expression used to end a letter (e.g., Sincerely, Respectfully).

Signature Block

Includes the sender’s signature and typed name.

Attention Line

To highlight a specific person in a company

Identification Initials

– Typist’s initials when the sender did not personally type the letter.

Enclosure Notation

– Indicates attachments (e.g., “Encl: Resume”).

Copy Notation

Lists additional recipients (cc:)

Postscript (P.S.)

Additional information after the signature.

Full Block

All parts are aligned to the left (most common)

Modified Block

Date and closing begin at the center or right margin

Semi-block

Same as modified block, but the first line of paragraphs is indented (least common)

memo

is an internal document used to inform or persuade employees. It follows the inverted pyramid style: crucial information comes first.

“to remember”

memorare meaning

1. memo head

2. to line

3. from line

4. date line

5. subject line

6. body

parts of a  memo

memohead

Department/Office name, address, contact.

To Line

Receiver’s name/title.

From Line

– Sender’s name with initials

Date Line –

Record of when the memo was issued.

Subject Line

– Announces the main content.

Body –

States the message clearly

Instruction Memo

– Gives directions to be followed.

“Please follow the updated guidelines for filing travel reimbursements.”

Request Memo –

Asks for information or action.
“Kindly submit your attendance reports by Friday, September 20.”

Announcement Memo

– Shares news or updates.

“The office will be closed on August 15 for Independence Day.”

Transmittal Memo –

Forwards documents or reports.

“Attached is the quarterly report for your review.”

Authorization Memo

– Grants approval or permission.

“You are authorized to use the company car for the client meeting.”

E-mail

is a digital correspondence tool for exchanging messages and files over the Internet.

1. to line

2. cc vs bcc

3. subjetct line

4. salutation

5. body

6. closing and name

7. physical address

parts of an email

To” line

– Primary recipients

CC vs. BCC –

Secondary recipients / hidden recipients.

job application letter

is a personal business correspondence that expresses intent to work in a company. It must always accompany a résumé.

1. Introduction – Introduce yourself, mention how you learned of the vacancy, and highlight your enthusiasm.

2. Body – Present credentials, highlight benefits to the company, refer to résumé

3. • Conclusion – Request an interview, give contact info, express thanks.

content of an job application

résumé

is a summary of qualifications showcasing education, experience, and skills.

Reverse Chronological

– Highlights career progression

Functional

Focuses on skills.

Targeted

Tailored to a specific job

Combination

– Mix of chronological + functional.