RNW

Reading and Writing Overview

• Reading:

  • Involves looking at symbols to derive meaning (receptive skill).

  • Also a productive skill as it involves interpreting and transmitting ideas.

• Writing:

  • Utilizing symbols to communicate thoughts in a structured format.

  • Requires understanding of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling, and formatting.

• Purpose of Reading and Writing:

  • Goes beyond just information retention; focuses on meaning-making:

    1. Identifying author’s intention.

    2. Formulating personal understanding.

    3. Articulating thoughts in writing through comparison, argumentation, and expression.

Reading Process

Stages of Reading

1. Before Reading:

   • Preview the text.

   • Jot down initial questions.

2. During Reading:

   • Annotate reactions and thoughts.

3. After Reading:

   • Answer initial questions.

   • Reflect, review, and define the author’s meaning.

Types of Reading

• Skimming: Focus on main ideas.

• Scanning: Look for specific information.

• Intensive Reading: Detailed comprehension.

• Extensive Reading: For pleasure and overall understanding.

Writing Process

Stages of Writing

1. Prewriting:

   • Choose a content topic and identify audience and purpose.

2. During Writing:

   • Develop and arrange thoughts.

3. Revising:

   • Evaluate and organize information.

Text Characteristics

• Definition: Text is written material consisting of sentences conveying central ideas.

• Qualities (M. Jorgensen & L. Phillips, 2002):

  1. Cohesion: Related parts connect.

  2. Coherence: Overall meaning.

  3. Intentionality: Writer's purpose.

  4. Acceptability: Recognized by the audience.

  5. Informativity: Offers new or expected information.

  6. Situationality: Culturally relevant topic.

  7. Intertextuality: Links to prior discourse.

Discourse

• Definition:

  • Extended discussion organized logically.

• Purposes of Discourse:

  1. To Inform: Provides facts or instructions.

  2. To Persuade: Appeals to emotions.

  3. To Entertain: Amusement and enjoyment.

• Types of Discourse:

  1. Academic: Formal and scholarly material.

  2. Literary: Creative language usage.

Discourse Influencing Factors

1. Culture: Argument styles and organization.

2. Social Environment: External societal factors.

3. Personal Experiences: Values and beliefs influencing perspectives.

Discourse Markers

• Connecting words/phrases that provide logical coherence within the text.

Evolution of Text and Discourse

• Text: Sentences with grammatical cohesion.

• Discourse: Utterances with coherence.

• Relationship: All ideas must express one main idea.

• Steps for Coherent Paragraphs:

  1. Start with a clear topic sentence.

  2. Follow with supporting sentences addressing different points.

  3. Use signal words to introduce new points.

  4. Conclude with a strong finishing sentence.

Techniques for Information Organization

Techniques for Organizing Information

1. Brainstorming:

   • Use idea lists or maps for generating thoughts.

2. Graphic Organizers:

   • Visual aids like concept maps or timelines for structuring information.

3. Outlining:

   • Summary or plan for writing projects.

   • Principles include coordination, subordination, division, and parallel construction.

Thesis Statement & Patterns of Development

• Thesis Statement: Central idea guiding the composition.

  • Characteristics:

    • Should be original and stated in the introduction.

    • Must make a defendable argument.

    • Be focused and concise.

• Patterns of Development: Aid in organizing compositions:

  1. Narration: Chronological storytelling.

  2. Description: Detail-oriented with sensory emphasis.

  3. Definition: Clarifying concepts.

  4. Classification & Division: Organizing into groups.

  5. Exemplification: Using examples for clarity.

  6. Cause & Effect: Exploring relationships between events.

  7. Comparison & Contrast: Analyzing similarities and differences.

  8. Problem & Solution: Identifying issues and proposing solutions.

  9. Process Analysis: Explaining procedures.

  10. Persuasion: Advocate for a viewpoint.

Evaluative Statement

• Definition: A judgment based on criteria influenced by evidence.

Elements of Evaluative Statements

1. Positives: Start with strengths in evaluation.

2. Negatives: Identify weaknesses objectively.

3. Conciseness: Keep feedback short and to the point.

4. Solutions: Suggest improvements when applicable.

Argumentation

Key Elements of Formal Argument

1. Claim: Asserting facts.

2. Counterclaim: Contradicts the main claim.

3. Evidence: Supports the claim.

4. Reason: Explanation behind the argument.

Avoidance of Plagiarism

1. Never intentionally plagiarize.

2. Use quotation marks and references appropriately.

3. Paraphrase when necessary and cite sources.

4. Always give credit to the original authors.

Article Types

Evaluation Essay Structure

• Introduction: Title, author, thesis statement.

• Summary: 5Ws and 1H outlining main ideas.

• Analysis: Critical feedback and personal reflections.

• Conclusion: Restate the thesis and summarize.

Professional Correspondence

• Definition: Communication reflecting professionalism.

• Types of Correspondences:

  1. Resume: Summary of qualifications.

  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed career history.

  3. Cover Letter: First contact with an employer.

  4. Resignation Letter: Formal notification of resignation.

  5. Recommendation Letter: Supports an individual's qualifications.

  6. College Application Letter: Application for college admission.

  7. Electronic Correspondence: Professional communication via email.

  8. Memorandum: Internal organizational communication.

Features of Professional Memo

1. Memohead: Identifies sender details.

2. To/From Line: Recipient and sender’s details.

3. Date and Subject Lines: Reference information for the memo.

4. Body: Core message, including any supporting information.