Senior High School Department

Subject English for Academic and Professional Purposes

Grade and Section Grade 11 HUMSS/STEM
Teacher Christine Lynn R. Panganiban
Module no. Module no. 4 : Journal Articles;
Applying Critical Reading Skills in Academic Disciplines; and
Citation of Sources.

Duration Week 25: February 21-25, 2022

Reference Material English for Adamic and Professional Purposes (DIWA Learning
System INC)
Lecture Material Format Printed, PDF file, Lecture videos

Lesson 7: Journal Articles

Module 7: Journal Articles

At the end of this module, I can

1. Collect a wide range of reading materials from academic texts. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-1

2. Classify academic texts into its relevance to various professions. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-1
3. Determine the topic of an abstract from a journal. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-3
4. State the main idea (whether stated or implied) of an abstract from a journal. CS_EN11/12A-
EAPP-Ia-c-3
5. Predict outcomes of a journal article based on the abstract.
6. Use knowledge of text structure to glean the information he or she needs. CS_EN11/12A-
EAPP-Ia-c-5
7. Use various techniques in summarizing a variety of academic texts. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-
c-5
8. Write a précis, abstract, or summary of texts in various disciplines. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-
c-8

Keep the momentum of your reading skills, for you are about to embark into the next level of
academic reading. This time, you will download sample journal articles and get acquainted with
them. You are going to follow a step-by-step process in understanding it, and before you know it,
you have already comprehended a full journal article.

The Topic

Let's say that you've just entered the classroom and saw your friends talking in one corner.
You walked up toward them because you wanted to find out what they are talking about Before you
join the conversation, you first listen to the bits and pieces of their conversation Once you know
what they are talking about, you heartily join in. Knowing the topic of their conversation doesn't
take too long, does it?

You already have the skill of determining the topic of a conversation, and you can apply the
same skill in determining the topic of a passage, an academic text, and a journal article

First, what is a topic? A topic is simply who or what is being talked or written about A topic
is never stated in a complete sentence. It can be stated as a word or as a phrase but never as a
complete sentence. When looking for the topic of a written passage, look first at the title, look for
repeated words in the selection, and look for the idea that is emphasized throughout the passage. It
would help a lot if you would underline the key words in the selection so that you can easily spot
the topic, as well as the main idea of the selection.

The Main Idea

After determining the topic of the written passage, your next question to yourself is, "What is
the whole point of this writeup?" The whole point is the main idea. There are two types of main
ideas: the stated main idea and the implied main idea. The stated main idea of a written passage is
there. It is stated directly, and all you need to do is identify it. However, more often than not, a main
idea can be implied so you have to formulate it in your own words.

How do you identify main ideas? A main idea should be stated in one sentence only. If you
cannot see one sentence in the written passage that would capture the whole idea of the text, then
the main idea is probably not stated; rather, it is implied. A main idea is never a word, a phrase, or
a question. It should be a complete declarative sentence.

In identifying the main idea, you must identify the supporting details, too. Ask, "Is this a
main idea, or is this a supporting detail?" If it is a supporting detail, what idea does it support?
Main ideas are general, while supporting details are more specific. Examples are specific; therefore,
they are supporting details.

In the case of written passages with implied main ideas, ask, "What is the essential point of
this passage?" You can state the whole point in your own words by doing any of the following:
adding missing information in a sentence that almost states the main idea; combining sentences
into one; or summarizing everything in your own words.

In reading journal abstracts to search for the right references, what attitude should be
successful?

Extend Your Knowledge

Visit the following Web site to browse a library of journals and read more examples
of journal abstracts. You can also filter your search based on subject areas.
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/bySubjectArea (accessed on 14 October 2015)

ESSENTIAL LEARNING

Journals are easily accessible, and they are the most popular form of reference in
the academe. Reading a paper from a journal is easy if you know how to identify the topic,
the main idea, and predict the outcomes of the research paper based on its title and
abstract alone.

Lesson 8: Applying Critical Reading Skills in

Academic Disciplines

At the end of this module, I can:

1. Practice annotation skills when reading academic texts.

2. Outline reading texts in various disciplines. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Id-f-13
3. Analyze the content of an academic text by applying the critical reading skills learned in the
previous modules. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Id-f-15
 4. Write a 100-word summary of a journal article. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-9
5. Use various techniques in summarizing a variety of academic texts. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-
c-5
6. Paraphrase or explain a text using one's own words. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-7
7. Summarize the content of an academic text. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-9

This module is a continuation of what you have started dissecting in the previous module:
the journal articles. Remember you have downloaded five articles from specific academic disciplines,
namely: communication, economics, sports, technology, and science. In Beyond Walls 7.2 from the
previous module, you have started acquainting yourself with the journal articles that you have
downloaded by reading their titles, identifying their topics, determining their main ideas, and
predicting the findings or results of the research paper.

Journal articles are one of the most reliable references used in the academe. But just like
any academic texts, you should still apply the critical reading skills that you have learned from the
modules.

In critical reading, you do not merely accept what is being presented in the text. Rather, you
are encouraged to think beyond what is presented. You should reflect and be able to ask questions
about the content. This way, you not only discover new information, but you also improve your
overall reading skills.

As a reader, there are four ways on how you can interact

1. Annotating - This is highlighting or underlining key words or ideas in the text and
writing short explanations or comments along the margins on the page. There are some
books that have thicker margins, and these make great tools for annotation. However, you
must be careful on the materials that you write on. Remember that borrowed books,
especially those from the library, cannot be directly used for annotation. You may
photocopy the page of a book and use it to annotate. If you are reading from an MS Word
file or a PDF, then you can make use of the comment boxes feature of the software to
insert your notes.
2. Outlining - This is presenting the important main details in a particular text. It shows
how a text is organized. Usually, the main idea per paragraph or main section in a text is
written first, followed by the supporting details. An outline can be either a topic outline or
a sentence outline.

Example:

I. II.
Main idea 1
Main idea 2 A. Supporting idea 1
A. Supporting idea 1
a. Evidence 1
a. Evidence 1
b. Evidence 2
b. Evidence 2
B. Supporting idea 2
B. Supporting idea 2 a. Evidence 1
a. Evidence 1
b. Evidence 2
b. Evidence 2
What Have I Learned So Far?

3. Analyzing This is examining the content by breaking down the different elements of the
text. You can also divide a text into different sections for more focus. This can be
particularly helpful if you are about to read a fairly long and difficult material. In doing
this, you must practice noting details because you might want to occasionally record the
things that you have learned or have interested you. You can also apply your knowledge
on identifying the author's purpose and intended audience.

4. Summarizing This is giving the gist of a text. Thus, a summary presents the main ideas
and the important supporting details.
 Lesson 9: Citation of Sources

At the end of this module, I can:

1. Describe the major differences among the different citation styles. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Id-f-
12
2. Examine how in-text citations are done in a journal article. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Id-f-12
3. Find the complete information of in-text citations in the reference list.
4. Use APA citation styles.
5. Use knowledge of text structure to glean the information you need. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-
c-4
6. Gather manifestoes and analyze the arguments used by the writer.
7. Observe how journal articles cite sources. CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ig-j-20

Have you heard of cases where plagiarism was an issue in the academe? What were your
thoughts upon knowing that even some professionals and university lecturers and professors have
committed plagiarism?

There are various ways on how to prevent plagiarism. In this module, your knowledge on the
different citation and in-text citation will be strengthened.

Plagiarism cases have been rapidly increasing in the academe. Using citations will not exactly
prevent plagiarism, but they can be used to lessen the impact of plagiarism by giving credit to the
original writers. Here are some common citation styles:

1. American Psychological Association (APA)

APA is mostly used for social sciences (e.g., economics, geography, psychology, physiology).

2. Modern Language Association (MLA)

MLA is mostly used for liberal arts and humanities (e.g., fine arts, music, philosophy, literature).

3. Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)

CMS is mostly used in the publishing industry. CMS has guides for correct grammar
documentation, and writing.

Whichever citation style you will use, you are to always take note of the following: name(s) of
the author(s); the title of the book (or article, journal, etc.), the date published, the name of the
publisher, and the place it was published.

However, the way these information are written varies on the citation style needed. Each
citation style has its own format and areas where it is commonly used.

To avoid plagiarism, you are to create your own idea first. Otherwise, give credit to the one
who came up with it. What should you give credit for? According to Young (2005), you should give
credit to direct quotations, paraphrases, facts that are not widely known, personal opinions of other
authors, statistics, charts, tables, graphs, photos, and any help from others.

There are two ways on how you can present your citations. These are the following:

1. In-text citation - This is an insertion of a citation within the text itself. It usually has the
last name of the author and the date the source was published. The in-text citation
follows the format used in citation, depending on the type of research.

2. References / Bibliography – This is a comprehensive list of sources, which is found at

the end of articles. This part of the book or journal article is called references,
 bibliography, or works cited. All the references listed here should be cited within the text
and vice-versa. Similar to in-text citation, this also follows the format used in citation,
depending on the type of research.

Module 10: Acquainting One's Self in the Workplace:

Reading Job-related Documents

At the end of this module, I can:

1. Reconstruct sample preemployment documents to create my own.

2. Answer sample job interview questions.
3. Match the preferred vocation to available positions in the job market within the
vicinity.
4. Use knowledge of text structure to glean the information I need.

The clincher of this unit is to take a peek at the world of work. After you graduate from senior
high school, you will discover that there are different options for you. As a graduate of the K to 12
curriculum, you are already equipped to land your first job.

Some people choose to work first and save money for college. Some prefer to travel and see
the world first before deciding on what they want to do in their life: go to college, get a job, or start
their own business.

So whether you plan to work or have your own business someday, this module will help you
to either apply for a job or receive applicants in your future company.

Job Advertisements

There are now many options as to where you can look for a job. Before, people highly
depended on classified ads in newspapers to aid them in their job search. Other sources of job
advertisements were billboards and radio or TV announcements. But nowadays, peoples have many
options. In turn, companies may have difficulty in looking for the perfect match on a job position
due to the many applicants that can flood in. Where can one find a job these days?

Of course, classified ads still exist. Also, there is an increasing number of job fairs which are
also becoming a regular project of local governments. Furthermore, the global online network makes
it easy to apply for jobs abroad.

In job advertisements, the job is briefly described. The exact name of the company and its
address should be given. If these three are not in the advertisement, start getting suspicious of the
ad.

The educational background required of the applicant is highlighted. Sometimes, job

experience is preferred but not required. Having a preferred age of the applicant may sound
discriminatory, but there are some jobs that demand flexibility, mobility, and a lot of physical work
that an older person may not be capable of doing anymore. For instance, the job of an able-bodied
seaman requires strength to do hard, physical labor, and this might endanger the health of an older
applicant. Requiring a certain height may also sound discriminatory, but there are jobs that require
a tall person. For example, a t attendant has to meet a certain height requirement because he or
she has to reach the overhead compartments to help passengers put away their luggage. And of
course, the required documents such as a cover letter and a resume to be submitted upon
application are usually outlined.

There are words though that are highly suggestive of a culture of racial discrimination. If you
see these words in a job advertisement, you would be better off if you don't respond to these ads
anymore. Religion and ethnicity should never be a hindrance for one to get a job, especially in the
Philippines where democracy is practiced. In some countries, there are jobs that are highly
particular on the ethnicity of the applicant. For example, those who wish to apply as English
teachers in Korea should be Caucasians.
 All these sample forms of discrimination should not be practiced nor tolerated.

Preemployment Documents

What are the usual preemployment documents asked from the applicants? Usually, there are
three: the cover letter, a one-page resume, and a portfolio.

The cover letter, by its name, covers the resume. It should be short and simple. The first
paragraph should highlight your objective for applying in the job position, and how you have
discovered the position. The second paragraph should highlight your credentials that qualify you for
such a position. The third paragraph should bring a friendly end to your letter by offering how you
can be contacted. Another thing to keep in mind is to do some research and find out the name of
the person to whom you address your cover letter. Avoid using "Dear Sir/ Madam," "To whom it
may concern," or other general terms such as "Dear Hiring Manager or "Dear Department Head."

The resume should only be of one page. A hiring manager will not have the time and interest
to read a resume that has many pages. The comprehensive resume, which details all your
achievements, should be given only upon request of the company. The comprehensive resume is
also usually given if you are applying for a promotion within the same office or company. The
resume should contain important details of the credentials that you have mentioned in the cover
letter. Your one-page resume, on the other hand, should contain only the relevant details for the job
you are applying for. Your highest educational attainment is the most important. You do not
include your kindergarten and elementary schools. Likewise, you do not mention your awards or
achievements during your elementary years.

A lot of professions nowadays require applicants to submit a portfolio. A portfolio is a

compilation of proofs of your achievements. For example, if you are a photographer, you can
compile the most beautiful photos you have taken in a clear book. Other proofs can be pictures of
your sample works, in which the real objects would i hard to compile (e.g., large graphic works such
as paintings, baked goods such as cakes and pastries). Aside from pictures, you can also include
relevant certificates and other documents to prove your worth. If the nature of your interest lies in
photography, pastries, or anything that can be shown in pictures, you can create an online portfolio
and just give the link to the human resources office.

The Job Interview

As mentioned above, the initial interview is usually done over the phone. If your phone
interview has been a pleasant and positive one, you will be invited for a face-to-face interview. Study
the most common job interviews and possible answers:

Tell me about yourself

Give a short background about yourself. It is not wrong to share some personal details in a
face-to-face interview such as your civil status and family background. Talk about your education,
achievements, work experiences, or any relevant experiences. For example, if you are a youth leader
in your church, you can say that this experience has shaped your leadership skills, making you
ready for a managerial position. Whatever you say, make sure that you are honest. False humility
and arrogance are both annoying. so avoid these two pitfalls.

Why did you choose to apply in our company?

You should do a background check on the company so that you know the best things about
it. You can then mention these details during the interview. For example, you can say, "The
revenues of this company have increased from 5% to 50% in the last two years. This is a good
indicator that the company is growing, and I would like to be a part of it.

In a team, are you the leader or the follower?

Again, give specific examples that would show how you have demonstrated being a leader or
a follower. If you are a follower (which may sound a bit less impressive, as compared with being a
leader), you can describe your strengths as a follower that contributed to the team's success and
how your support has made the life of the leader a lot easier.

What has been your most stressful situation and how did you handle it?

Be sure to describe the context well, so that the interviewer will understand the stress and
the pressure that you went through. If you were able to handle the stressful situation well, then
highlight the steps you did to overcome it. If not, then highlight the lessons you've learned from it.

Why should we hire you?

How do you answer this question without sounding too arrogant? The question should really
be rephrased as, "Why are you the best fit for the job?" So highlight you skills and accomplishments
that make you the best person for this job.

What is your edge over other applicants?

In this question, you can highlight the special skills that you have that other applicants may
not have. For example, all applicants may be high school graduates but you can speak three
languages or have language proficiency certification. So you need to mention these outstanding
qualities.
What are your goals in five years' time?

Never mention that you are only gaining some job experiences because you plan to go
abroad. The interviewer should see that your personal goals will contribute to the company's goals.
For example, you can mention that you plan to get a master's degree. This goal will also benefit the
company. Don't mention something that implies you are looking for the benefits the company can
give you.

Describe your greatest achievement in life.

The interviewer should see "why" it is the greatest achievement in your life because what may
be great for you may mean nothing to others. You may say that graduating in high school was your
greatest achievement because you had learning difficulties when you were young and your parents
thought you would not even make it through the first grade.

Describe one time in your life where you failed and how you handled your situation.

Be sure to also make the interviewer understand the context of your failure. Describe how you
handled the situation and the lessons you learned from your failure.

What are your career plans?

Describe plans that would also contribute not only to your personal growth but also to the growth of
the company. Make sure that your career plans are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable,
realistic, and time-bound.

Prepared by: Approved by:

CHRISTINE LYNN R. PANGANIBAN

Teacher HAZEL P. PALAPUS, MEng

Principal