English Notes
Academic Writing
Academic Writing is… Academic Writing is not…
Formal and unbiased Personal
Clear and precise Long-winded
Focused and well-structured Emotive and impressive
Well-sourced
Correct and consistent
The Features of Academic Writing
1) Complexity
Academic writing tends to be more complicated and has longer words. The texts become
more difficult to comprehend in terms of subject matter, language, arrangement of words and
grammar. The vocabulary used to express high level of complexity is more advanced because
it requires more formal words and the phrasing is more noun-based. Longer sentences
containing clauses are important, and the passive voice is essential to establish the objective
style desired in academic works.
2) Formality
In academic writing, more formal words and phrases are used.
The following characteristics contribute to this higher level of formality:
a more formal vocabulary choice
correct use of grammar
accurate use of vocabulary
a more objective style
In general, this means you should avoid the following in your writings:
colloquial words and expressions: " same here", " no worries”, " gonna", "cheesy"
abbreviated forms: "wouldn't", "don't", "can't", “won’t”
two-word verbs: "hand in", "break up”, “fill out”, “keep off”
3) Accuracy
It is necessary to use accurate terminologies in academic writing. You will be using a lot of
technical language, so make sure you are not using the improper words and phrases.
4) Objectivity
Being objective means that you are concerned with facts rather than personal feelings or
biases. Being fair in your work is a part of being objective. Avoid making value judgments by
using terms like amazing or horrible to describe both sides of an argument. Being objective
also improves the professionalism and credibility of your work.
Always remember that:
Clear and evidence-based information should be the focus of your presentation.
Your position should be based on a thorough examination of the evidence.
In general, you must avoid using terms like "I," "me," and "myself"
5) Precision
In academic writing, you need to be specific especially in dealing with facts, figures, and
dates. Inappropriate word combinations, such as "someone said" or "a lot of people," are not
acceptable academic writing expressions. 75 thousand, 90%, 2,015 miles, September 11,
2013 – these are the data that are more appropriate for academic content.
Different types of academic writing include:
a. Abstract
b. Academic journal article
c. Book report
d. Dissertation
e. Essay
f. Research paper/summaries
g. Textbook
h. Thesis
Strategies for Effective Interpersonal Communication
Communication is the art of exchanging messages between two or more people.
Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information through
verbal and non-verbal messages.
Verbal Non-Verbal
Spoken language, voice tone, voice speed Facial expression, touch, body movement,
and voice volume eye contact and gesture
Interpersonal skills also include the ability to:
1) listen and understand
2) solve problems
3) make decisions
4) manage personal stress
The three types of communication are verbal communication, non-verbal communication,
and written communication. Verbal communication includes conversation, dialogue or
interview.
Verbal communication is the use of sounds and words to express yourself, especially in
contrast to using gestures or mannerisms. An example of verbal communication is saying
‘no’ when someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do. Nonverbal
communication is the transfer of information through the use of body language
including eye contact, facial expressions, gestures and more.
These are the strategies you need for effective conversation/dialogue.
Strategies Examples
“Could you repeat the question,
please?”
Repair Breakdowns “Sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.
Could you repeat? I’m a bit nervous.”
“Pardon? Come again?”
Repeat the Question “…Ummm. What’s my favorite food?
Well…
Express lack of a clear explanation “I’m afraid I don’t know much about it.”
Acknowledge other’s ideas/opinions “Hm… I see your point.”
Clarifying “Do you mean…?”
“So, are you saying that…?”
“Okay, so Maria, you think that … and Jose,
Active listening/Summarizing you said that…”
“Someone mentioned that…”
Backchannelling - is a way of
showing a speaker that you are
following what they are saying and I see, yes, OK and uhu
understand, often through
interjections
Interview Strategies
Start Easy – Make your interviewee comfortable/relaxed and start with short, simple
questions.
Ask the right questions – Use open-ended questions and prompts. Avoid leading
questions.
Have a Conversation – Do not read a question from a page as it interrupts the flow of
conversation and seems artificial.
Find an anecdote (small story) to illustrate your point for example “Tell me about a
time when.”
Pay attention to details – Write down important details--spelling, address, ages, and
statistics. Double-check the information.
During Preparation
Preparation for interviewing is very important. It requires both a friendly manner and a
careful preparation. A formal interview can be requested through a phone call, letter or in
person.
Here is a checklist of the important things you need to discuss with your interviewee before
the interview.
Before the Interview Checklist
o Purpose of the interview and location
o Time and length of time needed for the interview.
o Research the subject in which the interview should be discussed.
o Find out as much as possible about the person being interviewed.
o Part of the preparation phase consists of forming questions. Good questions are the
key to successful interviewing and take careful planning.
o Always remember that the questions should be written in advance.
o If the information desired involves detailed facts, a list of questions could be given
to the person prior to the interview.
HOW TO WRITE EFFECTIVE QUESTIONS
As a good interviewer, you need to be selective with the questions you have because not all
questions are effective during an interview.
EFFECTIVE QUESTIONS
Example:
A. Open-ended Questions - they are designed to encourage the interviewee to share
experiences, emotions, attitude or opinions.
B. Usually begins with the 5 Ws (What, when, where, why and how)
Example:
What would happen if you…?
What do you think about…?
What would you do…?
How did you…
In what way...
Why do you think so?
INEFFECTIVE/NEED TO AVOID QUESTIONS
A. Closed-ended questions like Yes/No questions
Do you have a pet?
Do you like it?
or those that have a limited set of answers such as (A, B, C, D or All of the Above)
Which color do you like, pink, green, violet or orange?
Which food do you prefer? Local or foreign food?
B. Leading questions -- Could result to misleading assumption or conclusion
Do you get along with your parents? - hints that maybe they are not getting
along well.
C. Nosy questions -- How often do you take a bath?
D. D. Obvious questions -- What color is your hair?
During the Interview Checklist
o Introduce yourself and state the purpose of your interview.
o If you want to record the interview, ask permission to use it from the person
o being interviewed.
o Have your questions written down so that you can stay with the topic.
o Phrase questions carefully.
o Listen carefully. Ask politely for more details when necessary.
o Take notes during the interview.
o Be courteous.
o Find an appropriate way to end the interview when the allotted time has been reached.
o Thank the person for the interview and the information.