English

LNG 181 -Mid-Term Review

What will you be tested on in the
Mid-Term?

Part 1 – Reading – 15%

Part 2 – Writing – 10%

How to analyse a text
 Text Analysis

Main Idea Audience Purpose Tone

The concept that is

The individual or group The attitude the writer
being discussed or The reason the writer
whom the writer intends to conveys about text’s
analyzed throughout composes the text.
address. subject.
the entire text.
Examples of writer’s tone: The purpose of academic texts include:

❖Formal
❖To classify
❖Informal
❖ To analyze
❖Pessimistic
❖ To synthesize
❖Optimistic
❖ To evaluate
❖Curious
❖Tense
The purpose of non-academic texts include:
❖Aggressive
❖Assertive
❖To educate
❖Informative
❖To entertain
❖Entertaining
❖To persuade
❖Sarcastic
 Look at the topic sentences of each paragraph and
Main Idea for repeated ideas throughout the text. Look at the
introduction and conclusion.

Purpose Reflect on the main idea. Look at the language,

structure and use of citations.

Consider the topic and the source. It’s useful to think

Audience about the audience’s gender, values, assumptions and
education.

Analyze the vocabulary (language), evidence and

Tone grammar used.
Academic versus non-academic texts

Look at the source.

 Academic versus non-academic texts

1. Academic writing refers to a piece of writing which focuses 1. Non-academic writing refers to writing that focuses on a

on a specific academic subject/topic. general topic.

2. Academic writings are based on academic findings and 2. Non-academic writings are based on any general

academic research, etc. conversation or topic.

3. Its reader includes academics. 3. Its reader includes family and friends.

4. Its purpose is to inform the readers with solid evidence. 4. Its purpose is to inform, entertain or persuade the readers.

5. It may include some complex sentences. 5. Simple and short sentences are always preferable.

6. Its content is based on serious thought. 6. Its thought is based and conversational.
 Academic versus non-academic texts

6. It contains citations and references. 6. It often does not contain citations and references.

7. Academic writing is structured in manner. 7. Non-academic writing is not structured in manner.

8. It always follows a formal way of writing. It is 8. It may follow a formal or informal way of writing.

organized in a clear and well-planned manner. 9. It is less likely to be clear and organized.

9. Grammatically, academic writing is error-free. 10. From a grammar point of view, it may contain

10. In academic writing, technical and academic errors but are mostly avoided.

language is used accurately. 11. In non-academic writing, use short forms, idioms

and slang.
 Be Formal
Informal Formal

• Contractions: e.g., don’t/shouldn’t • Do not/should not

• Colloquial phrases: e.g. At the end of the day • Having considered the evidence

• Do not use these words: lots of, loads • Considerable amount/numerous

 Be Objective
✓ Write in the third person

I am going to investigate This essay will investigate

✓ Use the passive voice

I interviewed 30 participants 30 participants were interviewed

✓ Avoid using emotive language

I believe that The evidence suggests that

 Be Concise
✓ Avoid repetition (use synonyms)

✓ Avoid phrasal verbs:

think about consider

talk about discuss

find out investigate

 Be Reasoned
At university, you are expected to base your arguments on evidence.

Your argument should be reasoned: it should imply that another view might exist, so:

Use words such as: apparently, significantly, usually, importantly, arguably etc..

Remember: adding these words doesn’t change the argument, but they make it appear objective

You could also use words such as: several, few, one of the …

The best writer One of the best writers

 Be Precise

• Make careful vocabulary choices

• Avoid words that vague meanings such as: nice, thing, people

• Offer more information to make your meaning clear

Writing – Body Paragraph
Pay attention to the instructions.

If the writing asks you to write 150 words you can

write +/- 10%

Write using a clear paragraph structure.

Check your spellings, full stops, capital letters.

 Classic Paragraph Structure
Each paragraph should always be centered around one main or controlling idea.

Supporting Supporting
Topic Sentence Concluding
Sentences e.g., Sentences e.g.,
Sentence
evidence explanation

The explanation develops how The final sentence

The first sentence This can include quotations,
the supporting information concludes your topic
introduces the main data, examples, etc. that
supports the topic sentence and sentence or links to the
idea of the paragraph. support your topic sentence.
provides more information. next paragraph.
Body Paragraph - Problem
How to cite using APA Style.
Walsh continuously states that ‘using a paragraph structure is integral
to achieving high marks’ (Walsh, 2023).

It is clear that to achieve high marks, it is essential to use a paragraph

structure (Walsh, 2023).

Although all the students wish the professor would stop annoying
them, she continuously reiterates that ‘using a paragraph structure is
integral to achieving high marks’ (Walsh, 2023).
 Let’s Practise!

In groups, discuss and analyse the text on MYCUD and answer the
questions.

Remember to try and support your answer by referring to the text.

Questions?