Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Reading Academic Texts
I learned that to fully understand the meaning of the text, reading strategies must be used. The
strategy consists of activities that need to be done before, during, and after reading the text. It
also taught me to set purpose or goals before reading, for it will serve as a guide to save time
and understand the text better. In this lesson, I've also learned the structure, examples and
how academic texts differ from non-academic texts when it comes to content and style.
Lesson 2: Locating Main Ideas
I learned that main idea describes the point of a text. It is divided into two kinds, the topic
sentence which can be found in paragraphs and the thesis statement which can be found in
Essays. In locating the main idea, different strategies are used. It helps us to grasp the
meaning or point of the text without reading the whole passage or text.
Lesson 3: Evaluating Sources
I learned that not all information found in various sources are accurate, useful, and valid.
Hence, it shows how important that we need to evaluate our sources first before including it in
our writing. I learned that there are 5 criteria that we need to consider when evaluating
sources. These criteria will help determine if the information that the source contain is credible
or not.
Lesson 4: Citing Sources
I learned that it is important not only to get the information from credible sources but also to
appreciate and give thanks to the author's ideas and concepts through citing sources. I learned
the difference between in-text and reference citation from its meaning down to where it is
located or found. I've also learned that in every style guide, corresponds a specific discipline.
I've also learned how to properly cite a source through the help of the guidelines mentioned in
the book.
Lesson 5: Basics of Summarizing
I learned that summarizing helps students get the essential ideas and information that are
needed to further understand the meaning or the main idea of the text. I've also learned the
difference between good and bad summary with the help of the guidelines mentioned in the
book. I've also learned how to use 3 formats when writing summaries as well as the proper
reporting verbs required in each discipline.
Lesson 6: Paraphrasing and Direct Quoting
I learned that in paraphrasing, you need to mention all the ideas in the original text but the
structure and the words used must be completely different. I've also learned that direct
quoting, matches the sources word for word and it appears between quotation marks. I've also
learned the difference between summarizing, paraphrasing and direct quoting from its definition
and characteristics down to when it can be used.
Lesson 7: Writing an Abstract, Précis, or Summary
I learned that abstract, précis, or summary are just the same, they have the same purpose of
stating main points or facts in a longer report or speech. There are two kinds of abstract,
descriptive abstract has a purpose to pique the interest of the target audience while summative
abstract presents the major findings of the study. Through the help of the guidelines, students
are now able to create an comprehensive abstract, précis, or summary paper.
Lesson 8: Writing a Reaction Paper, Review and Critique
I learned that reaction paper, review, and critique are forms of writing which aims to evaluate
work. These papers usually contain 250 to 750 words in length which involves critical thinking
skills in recognizing arguments. The information it contains uses both proofs and logical
reasoning to strengthen their ideas. I've also learned the structure and 4 different approaches
in writing a critique and also how to properly write it with the help of the guidelines.
Lesson 9: Writing a concept paper
I learned that concept paper provides an overview of a project. It is important because it helps
reduce time and effort for funding agencies. I've also learned the three ways in explaining a
concept which includes definition, explication and clarification. Through the help of the
guidelines, we are able to create a concept paper with complete parts and function.
Lesson 10: Writing a Position Paper
I learned that position paper, is a written report that discusses a particular issue and suggests
what should be done. The position paper has 3 parts: introduction where you discuss the issue
and its background, Body where you state your main argument, the Conclusion where you
suggest a course of action. Students are now able to create a comprehensive position paper
with the help of the guidelines mentioned in the book.