ENG 1205- Use of English (Webinar 1)

Course Information

  • Course Title: ENG 1205 - Use of English (Webinar 1)

  • Examination: No Final Exam

Assessments

  1. Assessment 1: Reading Assessment

  2. Assessment 2: Argumentative Essay

  3. Assessment 3: Critical Review Presentation

  4. Assessment 4: Attendance and Participation

Purpose of Reading

  • Objective: Link information on the page to existing knowledge.

  • Critical Reading: A more active, complex engagement with a text.

    • Process: Involves analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating the text.

    • Critical Thinking Skills: Important to question both the text and personal interpretations.

Preparation for Critical Reading

  1. Self-Reflection:

    • Assess personal experiences, assumptions, knowledge, and perspectives.

    • Identify potential biases.

    • Maintain an open mind towards differing viewpoints.

Understanding What You Are Reading

  • Examine the Text and Context:

    • Author’s identity

    • Publisher’s information

    • Context of writing (time and place)

    • Genre of the text

  • Skimming the Text:

    • Identify the topic and main ideas.

  • Resolving Confusion:

    • Research unfamiliar terms in dictionaries/glossaries.

    • Clarify difficult passages using contextual hints.

Critical Reading and Criticism of Academic Texts

  • Key Components:

    1. Analysis:

      • Identify patterns, thesis, evidence, examples, and strategies.

    2. Interpretation:

      • Understand the meaning of the argument’s patterns and reasoning used.

    3. Evaluation:

      • Assess the effectiveness of the text and its contributions to its discipline.

Guidelines for Evaluation

  • A critique is not just criticism; it encompasses an objective discussion of strengths and weaknesses, supported by evidence.

Summarizing and Synthesizing

  • Summary:

    • A brief representation of main ideas in own words, preserving original meaning.

  • Synthesis:

    • Integrating outside resources into writing to enhance quality.

    • Ensure the sources:

      • Provide credible evidence.

      • Justify claims effectively.

      • Meet audience needs.

  • Skills Required for Synthesis:

    • Effective summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting.

Writing an Argumentative Essay

  • Key Elements of an Argumentative Essay:

    • Thesis: Define the main argument.

    • Supporting Main Points: Justify the thesis.

    • Relevant Evidence: Use expert opinions to support the argument.

    • Original Claims: Introduce new, logical opinions.

    • Compelling Examples: Relate to the audience clearly.

    • Strong Conclusion: Solidify the argument.

    • Reference List: Adhere to APA formatting guidelines.

    • Formatting: Ensure cohesion and coherence for audience understanding.

Conclusion

  • ENG 1205 Significance:

    • Offers an opportunity to delve deeply into critical thinking.

    • Builds on foundation from ENG 1105.

    • Skills learned will be valuable throughout university education.

    • Encouragement to engage actively with tutors and course materials.