Expository Writing in Academic and Professional Discourse

Communication Skills 2

Writing isn’t just spelling; it’s much more than spelling. Writing isn’t jut grammar; it’s much more than grammar. Writing is grasping ideas, seeing

images, harnessing words– giving shape and thoughts to form. What matters most in writing is not the rules and conventions of putting words on paper.

What matters in writing is the writer’s mind.

-Flesh and Lass

Writing an Outline

An OUTLINE• An outline is a general plan of what you are going to write.

• You can compare making an outline to drawing plans to build a house. Before one begins to build a house, it is best to draw up plans to make sure that a house is built in the way you want. The same is true with writing an essay and making an outline.

The Benefits of an Outline An outline of an essay can be very helpful for two

reasons: An outline will help make your essay more organized. A careful plan will help your body paragraphs stay focused on the ideas in your thesis statement.

An outline saves time for writers. Preparing an outline can take time, but when you are finished, you will be able to write the rough draft of your

essay more quickly than if you didn’t have an outline.

ExampleOutline

Here is an example of how a blank outline might look:Essay Outline

I. Introduction Thesis: _____________________

II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _____________A. supporting ideaB. supporting idea

III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: ____________A. supporting ideaB. supporting idea

IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: ____________A. supporting ideaB. supporting idea

V. Conclusion

The ProcessMaking an Outline

In a formal outline,Roman numerals canbe used to representparagraphs. Capitalletters can be used torepresent supportingdetails for theparagraphs.

Essay Outline

I. Introduction Thesis: ____________________

II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _________A. supporting ideaB. supporting idea

III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: _________A. supporting ideaB. supporting idea

IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: _________A. supporting ideaB. supporting idea

V. Conclusion

The ProcessThesis Statement

To begin an outline, you need to start with your thesisstatement. The thesis statement will be your guidethroughout the process of writing your essay. From thethesis statement, you can begin writing the topic sentencesfor the body paragraphs in the outline.

ESSAY OUTLINE

Thesis Statement

Topic Sentence #1

Topic Sentence #2

Topic Sentence #3

The ProcessTopic Sentences

The topic sentence for each body paragraphshould support the thesis statement. The

topicsentences need to agree with the main idea orsubpoints in the thesis statement; otherwise,the essay could be confusing.

Thesis Statement A job interview can often make or break your chances of getting your dream job. There are several things that you can do in an interview to increase the possibility of your success such as dressing properly, answering interview questions thoroughly, and asking good questions at the end of the interview.

The ProcessTopic Sentences

Topic Sentence Paragraph #1:The way you dress can have a big impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you.

Topic Sentence- Paragraph #2:An interview is an opportunity for potential employers to get to know you better, so it is important that you answer each question as completely as possible.

Topic Sentence- Paragraph #3:By preparing some thoughtful questions for the end of the interview, you can show the panel that you have prepared for the interview and want the job.

The ProcessSupporting Details

Under the topic sentence for each paragraph,list some of the supporting details, examples,or ideas you want to include in each paragraph.

The ProcessSupporting Details

II. Body Paragraph #1:Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a big impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you.

A. Men and women should consider wearing dark suits.

B. Conservative dress will show the interview panel you are serious about what you do.

C. Don’t carry too many things into the interview. A notebook, pens, and/or laptop computer should be carried in a briefcase.D. Hair and nails should be clean and

neat.

supporting details,examples, and ideas

I. Introduction- Thesis Statement: A job interview can often make or break your chances of getting your dream job. There are several things that you can do in an interview to increase the possibility of your success such as, dressing properly, answering interview questions thoroughly, and asking good questions at the end of the interview.

II. Body Paragraph #1:Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have abig impact on an interview panel’s firstimpressions of you.

A. Men and women should consider wearing dark suits.

B. Conservative dress will show the interview panel you are serious about what you do.

C. Don’t carry too many things into the interview. A notebook, pens,

and/or laptop computer should be carried in a briefcase.D. Hair and nails should be clean and

neat.III. Body Paragraph #2:Topic Sentence: An interview is an opportunity

for potential employers to get to know youbetter, so it is important that you answer eachquestion as completely as possible.

A. Ask interviewers to repeat questions you don’t understand.

B. Take some time to think about the questions before you answer.

C. A notebook to write down key words in interview questions is

sometimes helpful.IV. Body Paragraph #3:Topic Sentence: By preparing some thoughtfulquestions for the end of the interview, you canshow the panel that you have prepared for theinterview and want the job.

A. Research the job and/or company before you go to the interview.

B. The interview is your opportunity to get to know your potential

employer. Ask questions about company goals, mission, expectations of employees, etc.C. Don’t ask questions about benefits or

salary during the interview. You should try to get this information before you apply for the job.

IV. Conclusion: Don’t underestimate the importance of a good interview.

Example Outline

REPORT WRITING

What is a report

• A means to convey some information to others.

• An organized, factual, objective presentation of information.

• ‘Organized’ since it follows a systematic pattern.

• ‘Objective' means it should not be influenced by our personal feelings.

• Report is a comprehensive document and covers all aspects of the subject matter of study.

REPORTS AND ESSAYS.!!!

• Similarities:

- formal style

- careful proof-reading and neat presentation

- introduction, body and conclusion

- analytical thinking

Key Differences:

• presents information, not an argument

• is meant to be scanned quickly by the reader

• uses numbered headings and sub-headings

• uses short, concise paragraphs and dot-points where applicable

• uses graphics wherever possible (tables, graphs, illustrations)

• may need an abstract (sometimes called an executive summary)

• does not always need references and bibliography

• is often followed by recommendations and/or appendices

A report:

Types of reports :

• Provides basic information

• Very short

• Report writing about books, movies, personal experiences.

1. Information only Reports

2. Research reports

• Most widely used report

• Important for university level

• Includes R&D subjects.

• A report on some product development.

3. Case study analysis reports

• Hypothetical research reports.

• Includes real life examples

To write a good report you should know:

o What needs to go into the report

o Always get clear guidelines from the study guide.

o Extend of the report should be clear.

Purpose of ReportoWhy are we writing the reportoResearch and writing becomes relevant to the topic

Scope of Report

Features of a well written report:

o A Good Report o has a Clarity of Thought

o is Complete and Self-explanatory

o is Comprehensive but Compact

o has a Proper Date and Signature

o is Presented in a Lucid Style

FORMAT OF THE REPORT:

Inductive report• Title page• Executive summary• Introduction • Conclusions• Discussion• references

Deductive report• Title page• Executive summary• Introduction• Discussion• Conclusions• references

SECTIONS OF THE REPORT

Parts of the report

Contents Functions Types of writing Language characteristics

Title page Name of the report, date To inform Discursive Factual

Table of contents

What you find in your report To inform Discursive Factual

Summary A summary of the report To inform Discursive Factual, impersonal use of 3rd person pronouns, passive verbs

Introduction Background, problem, approach, definition of special words used

To inform Discursive Same as the above

Methods Methods or procedures which lead to the findings

To inform Discursive Same as the above

Findings Results of investigation, research, and calculation

To inform Discursive Sa as the above

Conclusion Conclusions drawn from the findings

To convince

Argument It seems that …./ The result indicates that … / It is probable that…

Recommen-dation

Things that should be done as a result

To persuade reason

Argument, persuasive Personal use of “I” and “We”

Bibliography Books, articles, magazines, reports , any documents that has used for reference

To inform

Example of report writing

Computer system- SCANNERS

Abstract

This report investigates the current state of scanner tech. and examines the predicted future advancements of scanners.

The performance of these scanners is examined in relation to four main criteria; resolution, bit-depth, dynamic range and software.

INTRODUCTION

A scanner is a device that uses a light source to electronically convert an image into binary data. This binary data can then be used to store the scanned image on a computer.

Main body :• Types of scanners.

• Technical Specifications of various scanners.

• Performance charts of various scanners.

• Cost wise analysis of Various scanners.

• Future of such scanners.

Conclusion This report has identified five types of scanners currently

available. Some are primarily used for professional purposes such as the drum scanner; others are used more broadly in the workplace and home such as flatbed scanners and to a lesser extent sheet fed scanners. Scanners for specialized purposes have also been identified such as slide and handheld scanners.

Specialized scanners are currently being incorporated into other types of technologies such as digital cameras, printers, and photocopiers.

references• Anderson, D. The PC Guide. [http:www.pctechguide.com/18scanners.htm].

• Englander, I (2000). The Architecture of computer hardware and systems software. John Wiley, USA, p272.

• Scansoft scanner tips [http://www.scannercentral.com/scanners/tips/tips1.asp] 2000.6/4/00

First Paper: Movie Report

Write about one of the movies that will be shown in the Film Festival, in celebration of the Women’s Month.

Format: FS- Times New Roman Paper: Short Font Size: 11 Margin: 1 inch Spacing: single Limit: 2-3 pages

Concentrate on the following aspects:

Literary Aspects of Film Those aspects that films

share with literature: plot characters setting themes point of view recurring images symbols

Questions to ask when viewing on a Literary Level:

? Who are the characters?

? What is the setting?

? What is the plot?

? From whose point of view is the story told?

? What is the film’s theme?

? Are there any symbols or recurring images?

Dramatic Aspects of FilmThose elements film

shares with live drama: actors portraying

characters through dialogue, costumes, and makeup

sets and/or locations directors who leave

personal stamp on final product

Questions to ask when viewing on a dramatic level:

? How effective is the acting? Why?

? How does the set affect understanding and enjoyment of the story?

? How are the costumes and makeup effective in establishing a character?