ANNAI MIRA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

NH-46, Chennai-Bengaluru National Highways, Arappakkam,

Vellore-632517, TamilNadu, India

Telephone: 04172-292925 Fax: 04172-292926

Email:[email protected]/[email protected] Web: www.amcet.in

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ENGINEERING

HS8461 ADVANCED READING AND WRITING

Name : ………………………..

Register Number : ……………………….

Year & Branch : ………………………..

Semester : ……………………….

Academic Year : ……………………….

 ANNAI MIRA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

NH-46, Chennai-Bengaluru National Highways, Arappakkam,

Vellore-632517, TamilNadu, India

Telephone: 04172-292925 Fax: 04172-292926

CERTIFICATE

This is to Certify that the bonafide r ec o r d of the practical work done by

…………………………… Register Number ….………..….………. of II year B.E (Computer
science and Engineering) submitted for the B.E - Degree practical examination (IV Semester) in
HS-8461 –ADVANCED READING AND WRITING during the academic year 2018 –2019.

Staff in-Charge Head of the Department

Submitted for the practical examination held on -----------------

Internal Examiner External Examiner

 CONTENTS
S.NO DATE TITLE SIGN

PART A

1 USE OF REFERENCE WORDS

2 USE OF DISCOURSE MARKERS

3 VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT

4 GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

PART B

1 READING COMPREHENSION

2 ESSAY WRITING

3 JOB APPLICATION

4 REPORT WRITING
REFERENCE WORDS
 REFERENCE WORDS

Subject or object reference words

Be careful – reference words can change depending on whether they are the subject
or the object of the sentence. For example:
Overseas students often find university courses difficult.
They often find university courses difficult.
Overseas students often find them difficult.
Mr Smith works with Mr Jones every day.
He works with Mr Jones every day.
Mr Smith works with him every day.

Tip 2: Singular and plural

When talking generally, you may find that some singular nouns take a plural
reference word. For example:
A teacher (singular) should always be prepared. They (plural) should also be
punctual.
Tip 3: The dummy subject
Sometimes ‘it’ can appear in a sentence but it is not a true reference word – it
doesn’t refer back to anything specific. This is called the dummy subject. For
example:
It is commonly accepted that people with a higher education generally work in
higher paid jobs.
In the sentence above, ‘it’ does not refer to anything specific, just the general
situation.
Practice by reading the sentences below and deciding whether ‘it’ is used as a
reference word or a dummy subject.
Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain.
Homework is essential. It allows students to review work they have studied in
class.
Admittedly, student depression is hard to investigate as few people are willing to
talk openly about it.
It can take up to four years to complete a degree.
Otago is a very popular university. It was the first university in New Zealand.
Read the text below and decide what the underlined reference words refer to.
Academic overdrive?
Student life is becoming increasingly difficult. Not only are students expected to
perform and compete within the class, but also to devote time and energy to extra-
curricular activities as well as struggle with an increasing load of homework. The
push to get into the top universities has caused many overachieving students to
take on heavier workloads and more challenging classes.
This push, however, doesn’t end once students reach university. In fact,
when they reach the top places they have worked so hard to get into, many students
are forced to work even harder than they did in high school. Once in the top
universities, the pressure is on to secure a place in the top graduate school.
But it doesn’t end there. Once students have graduated with the best results, they
find that they must continue to overextend themselves in order to secure the top
jobs in their particular field. Such is the emphasis on academic success.
There are many who claim that this entire system is wrong because it puts too
much emphasis on measuring achievement and not enough on true learning. This
in turn has inevitable effects on the students themselves. In such a high-pressure
learning environment, those that find the pressure overwhelming have nowhere to
turn. In an academic world measured only by academic success, many students
begin to feel a low sense of worth, yet they fear to turn to anyone for help as this
would be perceived as a signal of failure, an inability to cope with that which other
students appear to have no problem. This can be particularly hard for foreign
students as they find themselves isolated without familiar cultural or family ties in
their new environment and thus they concentrate solely on their work.
Perhaps the main thing to remember is that although it is important to study hard,
school life should also be fun.
This push refers to……
It refers to…….
There refers to……
This refers to…….
Those refers to……
DISCOURSE MARKERS
 Discourse markers
Discourse markers are phrases which you use to connect your speech more
smoothly. If you don't use them, your speech doesn't flow properly and it is harder
for the examiner to follow what you are saying.
These phrases are particularly useful in Part Three of the Speaking Test but they
can also be used in the other two parts. Remember no matter how simple the
question, you have to show the examiner what you can do!
The more you read and listen to natural English, the more of these expressions you
will find. Try to incorporate them into your own speech.
Here are some more:
Thankfully,
The concert was cancelled at the last minute. Thankfully, we got a refund on our
tickets.
Naturally,
My company was offering the chance to work in Rome. Naturally, I didn't want to
miss such a wonderful opportunity.
Generally,
Generally, I don't like spicy food but on this occasion, I really enjoyed it.
Luckily,
It started to rain heavily. Luckily, we'd remembered to bring our umbrellas.
Unfortunately,
The restaurant looked lovely. Unfortunately, the service was terrible.
In fact,
The course was very useful. In fact, it was probably the most useful thing I've ever
done.
Discourse markers exercise

Complete the following sentences using an appropriate discourse marker.

1. .....................… nurses are overworked and underpaid.
In particular
Broadly speaking
Especially
Except for
2. I don’t believe in ghosts. ....................... I haven’t seen one yet.
I think
At least
In particular
In other words
3. I think he should be acquitted. ..................... he is too young to know the
difference between right and wrong.
After all
At least
Well
Honestly
4. The man was sleeping soundly on the river bank. ..................... a crocodile was
creeping closer.
Despite this
Meanwhile
As a result
By contrast
5. The child didn’t get any medical attention. —————-, she died soon after.
Despite this
As a result
In this case
In spite of that
6. He has been warned before. …………………., he shouldn’t have repeated this.
In this case
In spite of this
Instead
Answers
1. Broadly speaking nurses are overworked and underpaid.
2. I don’t believe in ghosts. At least I haven’t seen one yet.
3. I think he should be acquitted. After all he is too young to know the difference
between right and wrong.
4. The man was sleeping soundly on the river bank. Meanwhile a crocodile was
creeping closer.
5. The child didn’t get any medical attention. As a result, she died soon after.
6. He has been warned before. In this case, he shouldn’t have repeated this.
VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT
Vocabulary Words in Context Example
You might not understand the word, acerbity, by itself, but this sentence, “The
acerbity of the lemon caused the little girl to spit out the bite she had just taken”
helps you understand that the general meaning of acerbity must be “bitter or sour”.
The context clues "lemon" and "spitting out the bite," which provide more
information in the sentence, help you understand what the vocabulary word means.
Vocabulary Words In Context on a Test
A question on a standardized test may look something like this:
After the first day on the job, the bank’s new manager realized he would be busier
than he had been led to believe. Not only was he assisting the bank tellers with
their work, but his new boss had decided to inundate him with other tasks like
creating security systems, managing the bank’s deposits and refunds, securing
loans, and maintaining the daily operations. The new manager was exhausted as he
locked the bank up for the night.

Choose the correct meaning of the underlined word, and identify the type of
context clue used: example, contrast, definition, or logic

1.our baseball team's pitcher has a few eccentric habits, such as throwing exactly
thirteen warm-up pitches and never wearing socks.

A) normal
B) strange
C) messy
2. After the heavy rains, the stream became murky; in fact, the water was so cloudy
you couldn't see the bottom.

A) cloudy
B) bottomless
C) clear
3. The debris on the stadium floor included numerous paper cups, ticket stubs, and
cigarette butts.
 A) products
B) papers
C) trash

4. The coach takes every opportunity to censure his players, yet he ignores every
opportunity to praise them.

A) approve of
B) criticize
C) choose

5. The newlyweds agreed to be very frugal in their shopping because they wanted
to save enough money to buy a house.

A) economical
B) wasteful
C) interested

6. Although Alex usually looks unkempt, he had a very neat appearance at his job
interview.

A) orderly
B) handsome
 C) messy

In the sentences below, which type of context clue is provided for the underlined
word?
7. I'm looking for a unique gift for my boyfriend; he appreciates unusual things.

A) example
B) synonym
C) antonym / contrast

8. Expecting that his license would be renewed, the pilot was surprised when it
was revoked instead.

A) example
B) synonym
C) antonym
GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS
Graphic Organizers
Graphic organizers (some of which are also called
concept maps, entity relationship charts, and mind
maps) are a pictorial way of constructing knowledge
and organizing information. They help the student
convert and compress a lot of seemingly disjointed
information into a structured, simple-to-read, graphic
display. The resulting visual display conveys complex
information in a simple-to-understand manner.
Increasing Understanding by Creating Graphic Organizers:
The process of converting a mass of
data/information/ideas into a graphic map gives the
student an increased understanding and insight into the
topic at hand. To create the map, the student must
concentrate on the relationships between the items and
examine the meanings attached to each of them. While creating a map, the student
must also prioritize the information, determining which parts of the material are the
most important and should be focused upon, and where each item should be placed
in the map.
The creation of graphic organizers also helps the
student generate ideas as they develop and note their
thoughts visually. The possibilities associated with a
topic become clearer as the student's ideas are
classified visually.
Uses of Graphic Organizers:
Graphic organizers can be used to structure writing
projects, to help in problem solving, decision
making, studying, planning research and brainstorming.
Creating Graphic Organizers:
Graphic organizers can be drawn free-hand or printed. To go to
printouts of many graphic organizers, click on one of the links above
or below.
Adding color-coding and/or pictures to a graphic organizer further increases the
utility and readability of the visual display.
How to Choose a Graphic Organizer for Your Topic/Task (click on a graphic
organizer below to go to printable worksheets):
The task at hand determines the type of graphic organizer that is appropriate. The
following is a list of common graphic organizers - choose the format that best fits
your to top.Star: If the topic involves investigating attributes associated
with a single topic, use a star diagram as your graphic organizer. Example:
Finding methods that help your study skills (like taking notes, reading, doing
homework, memorizing, etc.).

Spider: If the topic involves investigating attributes associated with a single

topic, and then obtaining more details on each of these ideas, use a spider
diagram as your graphic organizer. This is like the star graphic organizer with one
more level of detail. Example: Finding methods that help your study skills (like
taking notes, reading, memorizing, etc.), and investigating the factors involved in
performing each of the methods.

Fishbone: If the topic involves investigating multiple cause-and-effect

factors associated with a complex topic and how they inter-relate, use a
fishbone diagram as your graphic organizer. Example: Examining the effects of
improved farming methods.

Cloud/Cluster: If the topic involves generating a web of ideas based on a

stimulus topic, use a clustering diagram as your graphic organizer.
Example: brainstorming.

Tree: If the topic involves a chain of events with a beginning and with
multiple outcomes at each node (like a family tree), use a tree as your
graphic organizer. Example: Displaying the probabilistic results of tossing coins.

Chain of Events: If the topic involves a linear chain of events, with a

definite beginning, middle, and end, use a chain of events graphic
organizer. Example: Analyzing the plot of a story.

Continuum/Timeline: If the topic has definite beginning and ending points,

and a number of divisions or sequences in between, use a
continuum/timeline. Example: Displaying milestones in a person's life.

Clock: If the topic involves a clock-like cycle, use a clock graphic

organizer. Example topic: Recording the events in a typical school day or
making a story clock to summarize a story.

Cycle of Events: If the topic involves a recurring cycle of events, with no

beginning and no end, use a cyclic graphic organizer. Example topic:
Documenting the stages in the lifecycle of an animal.

Flowchart: If the topic involves a chain of instructions to follow, with a

beginning and multiple possible outcomes at some node, with rules at some
nodes, use a flowchart. Example: Computer programmers sometimes use
flowcharts to organize the algorithm before writing a program.

Venn Diagram: If the task involves examining the similarities and

differences between two or three items, use a Venn diagram. Example:
Examining the similarities and differences between fish and whales, or comparing
a book and the accompanying movie.

Chart/Matrix Diagram: If the task involves condensing and organizing data

about traits of many items, use a chart/matrix. Example: Creating a display
of key inventions, who invented them, when, where and why they were invented,
etc.

Y-Chart Diagram: If the task involves analyzing and organizing with

respect to three qualities, use a Y-Chart. Example: Fill out a Y-Chart to
describe what you know about an animal, including what it looks like, what it
sounds like, and what it feels like. Or describe a character in a book, including
what the character looks like, sounds like, and how the character feels.

T-Chart Diagram: If the task involves analyzing or comparing with two

aspects of the topic, use a T-Chart. Example: Fill out a T-Chart to evaluate
the pros and cons associated with a decision.
 Fact/Opinion: If the task involves distinguishing the facts vs. the opinions
in a theme or text, use fact/opinion charts. Example: Fill out a fact/opinion
chart to evaluate the facts and opinions presented in a news article.

PMI Diagram: If the task involves analyzing the plusses, minuses, and
implications of a decision or an action, use a PMI Chart. Example: Fill out
a PMI Chart to help evaluate the positive, negative and interesting points
associated with taking a new job.

Decision Making Diagrams: If the task is making a decision, use a graphic

organizer to enumerate possible alternatives and the pros and cons of each.
Example: Fill out a desicion making diagram to help decide which elective courses
you'd like to take next quarter.

Semantic Feature Analysis Charts: If the task is comparing characteristics

among a group of items, use Semantic Feature Analysis . Example: Fill out
a Semantic Feature Analysis chart to compare and contrast the care needed for
various pets.

Cause and Effect Diagrams: If the task is examining possible causes and
effects in a process, use a cause and effect graphic organizer . Example:
Fill out a cause-and-effect diagram to trace the steps in a feedback loop..

KWHL Diagram: If the task involves analyzing and organizing what you
know and what you want to learn about a topic, use a KWHL
chart. K stands for what you already KNOW about the subject. W stands for what
you WANT to learn. H stands for figuring out HOW you can learn more about the
topic. L stands for what you LEARN as you read. Example: Fill out a KWHL chart
before, during, and after you read about a topic.

Pie Charts: If the task involves showing divisions with a group, use a pie
chart. Example: Draw a pie chart to show what percentages of a population
have blue eyes, green eyes, or brown eyes.
 Vocabulary Map: Graphic organizers can be useful in helping a student
learn new vocabulary words, having them list the word, its part of speech
(noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.), a synonym, an antonym, a drawing that
represents the word, and a sentence using the word.

Paragraph Structure: These graphic organizers help you organize the

structure of a paragraph, including a topic sentence, sentences with support
details, and a conclusion sentence.

5 W's Diagram: If the task involves analyzing the Five W's

(Who, When, Where, What, and Why) of a story or event. Example: Fill
out a 5 W's Chart to help evaluate and understand the major points of a newspaper
story.

Story Map: Story maps can help a student summarize, analyze and
understand a story or event.

Character Traits: Graphic organizers help the student identify the traits of
fictional characters by looking at events surrounding the character in the
text.

Biography Diagrams Graphic organizers are useful to help prepare for

writing a biography. Before writing, the graphic organizer prompts the
student to think about and list the major events in the person's life.

Animal Report Diagrams: Many graphic organizers are useful to help

prepare for writing a report on animals. Before writing, the student should
think about and list the major topics that will be researched and covered in the
report.

Geography Report Diagrams: These graphic organizers are useful to for

doings a short report on a country or other area. The student draws a map
and flag, and looks up basic information on the area.
Math Diagrams: Many graphic organizers are useful to learn and do math,
include Venn diagrams, star diagrams, charts, flowcharts, trees, etc.

Scientific Method Diagrams: Graphic organizers used to prepare and

organize a scientific experiment.
Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages
Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages
Questions based on Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages in CAT exam occupy
70% share in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Section and
24% share in overall CAT exam. As such a high score in the RC based questions
can get you through the CAT 2019 exam with a high percentile.

Choose an English RC passage book like that of Arun Sharma that contains variety
of English Reading Comprehension passages with questions and answers and
practice on variety of questions.
After going through the English Reading Comprehension passage with questions
visualize the answers.
Make a summary of the English RC Passage with questions and answer them
deploying your best efforts. Check your answers and match them with model
answers. Please note that your RC Passage summary should be one third of the
passage size
Check that all the key points are covered in the summary of RC passage
Frame on your own the English RC passage based questions and answer them
Improve your reading speed for English Reading Comprehension passages with
questions and answers also
Since 2017, IIMs have started releasing CAT exam papers with answer keys,
attempt the 10 RC passages from actual CAT test papers and answer questions on
them
Monitor your time to attempt the CAT RC passages. One RC passage followed by
5-6 questions should not take more than 15 minutes to answer
.
5 basic skills required to answer questions and score high in RC passage are:
Good Vocabulary to know the meaning of words
Ability to know and understand meaning of a word relevant to the context in
Reading Comprehension passage
Understand How the Reading Comprehension passage is organized and Identify
antecedents and references in the RC Passage
Ability to draw inferences from the RC passage about its contents and understand
and identify the Central Idea (Main Thought) of RC passage
Understand the Questions based on RC passage and recognize the directly or
indirectly used answer in the RC Passage after identifying the Tone, situations
mood, Purpose of the Reading Comprehension Passage
Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages with Q&A test not only your English
Language skills but they also test your knowledge of vocabulary, accuracy and
flow of thought in deriving the inferences, logical understanding of ideas and your
skill of connecting the split ideas expressed in the Reading Comprehension passage
while checking the Reading Comprehension Passages with Questions and
Answers.

a.Read the passage and answer the questions that follow it

Farmers have progressed in many other parts of the world yet they are languishing
in this country.Despite decades of industrial development,about 600 million
Indians,or roughly half the population,depend on growing crops or rearing animals
to earn a living.The country still relies on imports of essential items such as pulses
and cooking oil. Almost half of the average Indian hosehold’s expenditure is on
food,an important factor behind inflation.Food security at the micro level remains
elusive.The global development experience,especially of the BRICS
countries,reveals that one percentage point growth in agriculture is at least two or
three times more effective in reducing poverty than the same degree of growth
emanating from the non-agriculture sector.
Of late,the woes of the farmer have exacerbated.untimely rain damaged winter
crops in northern India.The heat wave killed more than 2000 people-mostly
working in the fields.Suicides by farmers,owing to the low price of their
produce,are almost a recurrent tragedy.There is general concern over the monsoon
;patchy or inadequate rainfall can spell disaster.Low productivity is a chronic
problem because of the shrinking size of the cultivated plots.Two-grain harvests a
year are fairly routine.But the yields are low by global standards.The policy
message for reforming agriculture is very clear.The areas which merit urgent and
concerted attention to streamlining agriculture revolve around investment,incentive
and institutions.We need to rationalize and prune input subsidies.The savings,thus
generated,should be invested in agriculture-Research and development at rural
roads,rural education,irrigation and water works.
Highe levels of investment in agriculture both by the public and private sector can
yield much better results.Policy makers must be bold to bite the bullet and
drastically cut subsidies which will open the avenue for increasing the size of the
public investment.One way to contain the subsidy bill is to provide subsidies
directly to farmers .Private investment is the engine of agricultural growth.Again,it
responds to incentives.Much of the adverse impact on incentives comes from
strangulating the domestic market under the essential commodities Act(ECA)
1955.This law allows the state to restrict movement of agro-producs across state
boundaries.Furthermore,the law bans the storage of large quantities of any of the
90 commodities,including onions and wheat.The intention is to deter
‘hoarding’,but it has adversely affected investment in cold storages and
warehouses.Therefore,a substantial quantity of crops rots before they reach the
dining table.
A Choose the right answer for the given questions:
1.Which of the following sectors is sluggish in our country compared to the others?
a.Industrial sector b.Agricultural sector c.Private sector d.Technological sector.
2.According to the passage which of the following is an important factor behind
inflation?
a.Progress of middle class b.Expenditure on food by household c.Low agricultural
productivity. D.Irrational fertilizer subsidy.
3.How is Essential Commodities Act(ECA) 1955 counterproductive for the
farmers?
A.This demotivates investments in the cold storages and warehouses. B.Free
movement of goods in the entire country is regulated.C.This encourages hoarding
of non-essential commodities
a.Only (A) b.Only (B) c.Only (A) and (B) d.All (A),(B) and (C)
4.Which of the following is a cause of low production in India ?
a.Lack of agricultural land b.Lesser technological expertise c.Lack of HYV seeds
d.Lack of irrigation facility.
5.What has been suggested by the author for reforming agriculture?
a.Rationalizing subsidies b.Providing subsidies directly to the farmer’sbank
accounts c.Scrapping ECA 1955 d.Allthe above
6.What areas do not merit concentrated attention in regulating agriculture?
a.institution b.Investment c.Incentive d.subsidies
7.Which of the following is a matter of annoyance for farmers in northern india?
a. Loss of fertility b.Much damage caused due to unseasonal rainfall c.soil erosion
d.Drastic cut in subsidies.
B.Choose the right meaning for the given words:
1.The line ‘Of late,the woes of the farmers have exacerbrated’ means?
a.The misery of farmers have intensified in recent times.
b.The worry of farmers have been in standstill in recent times.
c.The problems of farmers have improved in oresent times.
d.The issues of farmers have sorted in these days.
2.What does the phrase ‘bite the bullet’in the passage mean?
a.Accept criticism b.Force yourself to do something difficult c.confront someone
who oppose you d.Volunteer to help others.
3.When someone is ‘hoarding something’,it means
a.Signpost b.Billboard c.Accumulate food or other items d.Grab food or other
items.
4.The word ‘languishing’ in the first paragraph means
a.Suffeing b.Working c.Flourishing d.Farming
5.When you’Strangulate the domestic market’,it means you
a.Help the domestic market grow b.Tax the domestic market c.Obstruct the
domestic market d.Transport the domestic market to other states.
C.Say True or False:
1.Farmers in India are doing well in their profession.
2.The highest expense spent by a common man in India I for his food.
3.Essential Commodities Act has helped a lot to address the problems faced by
farmers.
4.Private investment would help in the agricultural growth.
 ESSAY WRITING

ESSAY WRITING EXERCISE

Step by Step Instructions: Essay Writing Exercise.
1. On a piece of paper, write down the title or topic of the essay.
2. Underneath the topic, write down what the participant thinks the teacher wants
in this essay. Answer the question: What would make this a good essay? Write
down these thoughts.
3. In bullet form, have the participant list what information, they already know
about the topic that they feel should be in the essay. For example, if the essay
assignment is to write a compare and contrast essay on: Of dogs and cats, which
animal is the best pet to have and why? The participant may feel that the teacher
wants the pros and cons about dogs and cats and the writer to tell why they prefer
one over the other. A good essay would have examples to back up their views. The
bullet list might look like this: I have a dog. The dog is loyal, comes when called,
loves to play fetch. Cats do not fetch, but they are soft and love to be petted. They
are independent. I prefer cats because cats do not bark all night and are more
independent than dogs.
4. Next list the things that are unknown that need to be looked up. In the sample
above it might be costs, which animal costs the most to take care of; a dog or a cat?
How many shots does a dog need versus a cat? What are common problems with
dogs and what are common problems with cats?
5. Go to several sources and find out the answers to Step 3 and write down the
answers in bullet or short sentence form. In the example above, the sources to the
unknown information may be the Internet, a story read in class and a parent. In the
example above, the written information may be according to the internet, dogs
require two times as many shots as do cats. According to the parent, Dogs as
puppies chew up things and take things and hides them, and dig holes while cats
tend to ruin furniture by clawing the fabric. The class story may have said that
kittens chase string and are fun to watch.
6. Make an outline with the information listed above. Try to use all the information
gathered.
7. With the outline complete, now put each point in the form of a well written
sentence. Additional sentences and information can be added as well, if it adds to
the essay and improves upon it. The finished product should be a well written
essay.
8. Check for grammar and spelling. The words that are misspelled can be placed in
a list and have the participant use the rebounder exercise to learn the misspelled
words. Keep track of the errors in grammar and have the child review these rules
often.
9. When the teacher gives back comments about the essay, review the comments
with the participant. Review such things as what was right about the essay, what
was wrong, what could have been done to make the essay even better. Discuss and
ponder the answers to these questions.
10. When the teacher assigns another essay, go through these steps but add on the
methods of improvement identified in step 9.
There are four main types of essays: narrative, descriptive, expository, and
argumentative. Each has a unique purpose. Some tell a story, some are descriptive,
and others attempt to alter opinions. One of the best ways to understand each type
is to review a batch of essay examples.
Narrative Essays
Narration means you're telling a story from a certain viewpoint, and there is
usually a reason for the telling. All narrative essays have characters, setting, a
climax, and most importantly, a plot.
The plot is the focus of the story and is usually revealed chronologically, but there
are sometimes flash-forwards and flashbacks. If you're looking to write a personal
narrative essay, here are some tips to get you started.
When writing a narrative essay, remember to:
Include sensory and emotional details, so the reader will experience the story, not
just read about it.
Allow the story to support the point you're making, and make reference to that
point in the first sentence.
Write in the first or third person.
Examples of Narrative Essays
Ready for a little storytelling? Here are four excerpts to light your creative fire.
"Looking back on a childhood filled with events and memories, I find it rather
difficult to pick one that leaves me with the fabled "warm and fuzzy feelings." As
the daughter of an Air Force major, I had the pleasure of traveling across America
in many moving trips. I have visited the monstrous trees of the Sequoia National
Forest, stood on the edge of the Grand Canyon and have jumped on the beds at
Caesar's Palace in Lake Tahoe."
"The day I picked my dog up from the pound was one of the happiest days of both
of our lives. I had gone to the pound just a week earlier with the idea that I would
just "look" at a puppy. Of course, you can no more just look at those squiggling
little faces so filled with hope and joy than you can stop the sun from setting in the
evening. I knew within minutes of walking in the door that I would get a puppy…
but it wasn't until I saw him that I knew I had found my puppy."
"Looking for houses was supposed to be a fun and exciting process. Unfortunately,
none of the ones that we saw seemed to match the specifications that we had
established. They were too small, too impersonal, too close to the neighbors. After
days of finding nothing even close, we began to wonder: was there really a perfect
house out there for us?"
The following is an example of a famous narrative written by John Updike, Hub
Fans Bid Kid Adieu.
"The afternoon grew so glowering that in the sixth inning the arc lights were turned
on--always a wan sight in the daytime, like the burning headlights of a funeral
procession. Aided by the gloom, Fisher was slicing through the Sox rookies, and
Williams did not come to bat in the seventh. He was second up in the eighth. This
was almost certainly his last time to come to the plate in Fenway Park, and instead
of merely cheering, as we had at his three previous appearances, we stood, all of
us, and applauded."
Descriptive Essays
Descriptive essays describe the traits and characteristics of people, objects, events,
and feelings in intricate detail. What's being described will be thoroughly
examined. For example, if you were describing roses, you might want to detail:
Their origin
Their appearance
Their color
Their fragrance
When you write a descriptive essay, you want to involve the reader's senses and
emotions. For example, you could say, "I got sleepy." Or, you could write, "While
I waited for Santa, my eyelids grew heavy, the lights on the tree began to blur, and
my head began to droop." The second excerpt provides vivid detail, allowing
readers to feel like they're there.
Examples of Descriptive Essays
Ready to dive into the details? Here are three excerpts rife with detail.
"Like his twisted feathers, his many scars, the reliable old owl chose the gnarled,
weather-beaten, but solid branch often - it being a companion to the wise alone
with the night and the last branch to creak in the heaviest wind. He often came to
survey the fields and the clouds before his hunt, to listen to the steady sound of the
stream passing through reeds under the bridge, while combing his feathers for the
unwanteds - whatever they might be."
A student at Roane State Community College managed to spice up a first visit to a
diner. Watch how descriptive things get.
"When entering the door at Lou's, two things are immediately noticeable: the place
is rarely empty and seems to consist of a maze of rooms. The first room, through
the door, is the main part of the restaurant. There is another, rarely used, dining
room off to the right. It was added during the oil well boom of the seventies.
Through the main dining room is yet another room; it guards the door leading into
the kitchen. This room contains the most coveted table in the place. The highest
tribute Lou can bestow on anyone is to allow them access to seats at this table. This
table is the family table; it is reserved for Lou's, and her daughter Karen's,
immediate family and treasured friends."
Like the diner essay above, this sample excerpt from a student at St. Cloud
State spruces up something as everyday as a local pawn shop.
"Billy Ray's Pawn Shop and Lawn Mower Repair looked like a burial ground for
country auction rejects. The blazing, red, diesel fuel tanks beamed in front of the
station, looking like cheap lipstick against the pallid, wrinkled texture of the
parking lot sand. The yard, not much larger than the end zone at General G. Patton
High School on the north end of town, was framed with a rusted metallic hedge of
lawn mowers, banana seat bicycles, and corroded oil drums. It wasn't a calico
frame of rusted parts, but rather an orchestra of unwanted machinery that Billy Ray
had arranged into sections. The yellow-tanked mowers rested silently at the right of
the diesel fuel. Once red, now faded orange, mowers stood at attention to the left.
The oil barrels, jaded and pierced with holes, bellared like chimes when the wind
was right. The bikes rested sporadically throughout the lot. In the middle of it all
was the office, a faded, steel roof supported by cheap two-by-fours and zebra
paneling. Billy Ray was at home, usually, five blocks east of town on Kennel
Road."
Expository Essays
Expository essays compare, explore, and discuss problems. While there's a bit of a
storytelling element to them, their purpose is greater than that. It's always to
explain some integral concept to the reader. As such, they inform, describe, and
explain.
When writing an expository essay, the text needs to:
Be concise and easy to understand.
Offer different views on a subject.
Report on a situation or event.
Explain something that may be difficult to understand.
Examples of Expository Essays
Ready to dive deep into a specific issue? Here are three excerpts that'll show you
how it's done.
"This family was a victim of a problem they could have avoided-a problem that,
according to Florida park rangers, hundreds of visitors suffer each year. "Several
times a month," Ranger Rod Torres of O'Leno State Park said, "people get scared
and leave the park in the middle of the night." Those people picked the wrong kind
of park to visit. Not that there was anything wrong with the park: The hikers
camped next to them loved the wild isolation of it. But it just wasn't the kind of
place the couple from New Jersey had in mind when they decided to camp out on
this trip through Florida."
This sample expository essay from Thoughtful Learning relies heavily on facts and
statistics to explain the important concept of cheating.
"Did you know that 7 out of 10 students have cheated at least once in the past year?
Did you know that 50 percent of those students have cheated more than twice?
These shocking statistics are from a survey of 9,000 U.S. high school students.
Incredibly, teachers may even be encouraging their students to cheat! Last year at a
school in Detroit, teachers allegedly provided their students with answers to
statewide standard tests."
The University of Victoria uses this sample essay to demonstrate the importance of
straightforward clarity in an expository essay.
"Throughout history and through a cross-section of cultures, women have
transformed their appearance to conform to a beauty ideal. Ancient Chinese
aristocrats bound their feet as a show of femininity; American and European
women in the 1800s cinched in their waists so tightly, some suffered internal
damage; in some African cultures, women continue to wear plates in their lower
lips, continually stretching the skin to receive plates of larger size. The North
American ideal of beauty has continually focused on women's bodies: the tiny
waist of the Victorian period, the boyish figure in vogue during the flapper era, and
the voluptuous curves that were the measure of beauty between the 1930s and
1950s. Current standards emphasize a toned, slender look, one that exudes fitness,
youth, and health. According to psychologist Eva Szekely, "Having to be attractive
at this time... means unequivocally having to be thin. In North America today,
thinness is a precondition for being perceived by others and oneself as healthy."
However, this relentless pursuit of thinness is not just an example of women trying
to look their best, it is also a struggle for control, acceptance and success."
Argumentative Essays
In an argumentative essay, the writer is trying to convince the reader of something.
He or she will demonstrate the validity or falsity of a topic. The writer's position
will be backed up with evidence, including statistics or the opinion of experts. In
these essays, the writer isn't merely offering an opinion, but making an argument
for or against something, and supporting that argument with data.
To write an argumentative essay, it's important to research and back up what you
say in the text. For more detail, here are some argumentative essay writing tips.
Examples of Argumentative Essays
When it's time to stand your ground and make a strong case, allow these excerpts
to help get you started.
"Gun control has been a controversial issue for years. A vast majority of citizens
believe that if gun control is strictly enforced, it would quickly reduce the threat of
crime. Many innocent people feel they have the right to bear arms for protection,
or even for the pleasure of hunting. These people are penalized for protecting their
lives, or even for enjoying a common, innocent sport. To enforce gun control
throughout the nation means violating a person's Constitutional rights. Although
some people feel that the issue of gun control will limit crime, the issue should not
exist due to the fact that guns are necessary for self defense against crime, and
enforcing gun control is violating a citizen's second amendment right to bear
arms."
An argumentative essay from Bogazici University offers a bit of a dramatic flair,
which is important to making a strong argument.
"Throw out the bottles and boxes of drugs in your house. A new theory suggests
that medicine could be bad for your health, which should at least come as good
news to people who cannot afford to buy expensive medicine. However, it is a
blow to the medicine industry, and an even bigger blow to our confidence in the
progress of science. This new theory argues that healing is at our fingertips: we can
be healthy by doing Reiki on on a regular basis."
Essay By Example dives deeply into an argument touting the benefits of online
gaming.
"Online games aren't just a diversion, but a unique way to meet other people. As
millions of gamers demonstrate, playing online is about friendship and
cooperation, not just killing monsters. These games are a viable social network
because players focus on teamwork, form groups with like-minded people and
have romantic relationships with other players. Massively Multiplayer Online
Games (MMOGs) feature millions of players interacting in the same environment.
The games are social in nature as they allow players to band together and complete
missions based on a story line, or test their skills by fighting against each other. At
the start of the game, the user creates a fictional character, and customizes its
physical appearance. Since many games involve combat, players also outfit their
characters with armor and weapons, as well as choose their "profession." Many
popular game titles like World of Warcraft and Everquest follow a fantasy theme,
so most professions have magical abilities like healing other players or raising
undead minions. While the process seems simple, players may spend hours
agonizing over the perfect look for their character, from their armor color to the
type of skills to use in battle. Once their character is created, the player is free to
explore the vast, digital world and interact with other players; however they must
pay on average $15 a month for game content. MMOG users are mostly male -
usually between the ages of 18-34 - although titles like World of Warcraft have a
healthy population of female players as well. With millions of players, there are
plenty of people to adventure with."
The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword
In the essay writing examples above, you can see how each serves a distinct
purpose. Sometimes, writers only want to offer facts and information
(informative). Other times, they're seeking to change the tide of people's belief
systems (argumentative). English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton wasn't kidding
when he said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." With the right words and a
well-developed argument, you can shape other people's perceptions too.
Essay writing is something that may never leave your life. As such, here are a few
more resources to help you float on down the river of change. Review the basics
with How to Write an Essay. And, no matter the format, always remember
your transition words!
JOB APPLICATION
JOB APPLICATION

What is a job application letter?

Job Application letter is the content that accompanies your resume when you apply
for a job. These days, it is generally sent via email. It highlights your interest and
reason for applying for the job.
A well-written job application letter makes your profile stand out and increases
your chance of getting selected for an interview.
The content must demonstrate your interest in the job and communicate to the
recruiter why you are fit for the profile. Your resume may remain the same but
your job application letter changes with every application.
Example Cover Letter
John Donaldson
8 Sue Circle
Smithtown, CA 08067
909-555-5555
[email protected]
September 1, 2018
George Gilhooley
Times Union
87 Delaware Road
Hatfield, CA 08065
Dear Mr. Gilhooley,
I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union.
As requested, I enclose a completed job application, my certification, my resume
and three references.
The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience
and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key
strengths that would support my success in this position include:
I have successfully designed, developed and supported live-use applications.
I strive continually for excellence.
I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.
With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a comprehensive
understanding of the full lifecycle for software development projects. I also have
experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see
my resume for additional information on my experience.
I can be reached anytime via email at [email protected] or by
cell phone, 909-555-5555.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you
about this employment opportunity.
Sincerely,
Signature (hard copy letter)
John Donaldson
JOHN DONALDSON
3204 Windover Way
Houston, TX 77204
[email protected]
000.123.4567 (Cell)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Hispanic Literature, Latin American Literature, Peninsular Literature
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Spanish (US Hispanic Literature), 2016 – University of Houston.
Dissertation: Quixote Reborn: The Wanderer in US Hispanic Literature. Sancho
Rodriguez, Chair
M.A. in Spanish, June 2013 – University of Houston
B.A. in Spanish, June 2011 – University of Houston
APPOINTMENTS
Adjunct Lecturer: University of Houston, Department of Hispanic Studies,
September 2016 to Present.
PUBLICATIONS
Book
Gonzalez, Gloria. Quixote Reborn: The Wanderer in US Hispanic Literature. New
Haven: Yale University Press (forthcoming)
Peer-reviewed Journals
Gonzalez, Gloria. “Mexican Immigrant Stories from the Central Valley,” Lady
Liberty Journal, 6(1): 24-41.
Gonzalez, Gloria. “Comparing the Hispanic and European Immigrant Experience
through Story,” Hispanic Literature Today 12(3): 25-35.
Gonzalez, Gloria. “Yearning to Be Free: 3 Hispanic Women’s Diaries,” Hispanic
Literature Today: 11(2): 18-31.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
2018. Gonzalez, Gloria. “Storytelling Methods in the Central Valley.” Hispanic
Storytelling Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA
2017. Gonzalez, Gloria. “When Cultures Merge: Themes of Exclusion in Mexican-
American Literature.” US Hispanic Literature Annual Conference, Tucson, AZ.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Adjunct Lecturer, University of Houston
Mexican-American Literature, Spanish 3331
Women in Hispanic Literature, Spanish 3350
Spanish-American Short Story, Spanish 4339
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Northwestern University
Elementary Spanish 1501, 1502, 1505
Intermediate Spanish 2301, 2302, 2610
HONORS / AWARDS
Mexico Study Abroad Summer Grant, 2016
UH Teaching Awards, 2015, 2016, 2018
Dissertation Fellowship, 2015
LANGUAGES
English (native)
Spanish (bilingual oral and written fluency)
Classical Latin (written)
MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS
National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures
Asociación Internacional de Literatura y Cultura Femenina Hispánica
Modern Languages Association
 REPORT WRITING

REPORT WRITING
A report is a methodical, well-organised document that defines and analyzes a
certain issue or a problem. The main purpose of a report is to provide information
to its readers. Reports are used in different professions, and there are various types
of reports varying according to the purpose. So, we are going to look at different
types of report writing in this article. We’ll be focusing our attention especially on
the formats of Informal and Formal report.However, always keep in mind that
there is no universally accepted format in report writing. You should follow the
format set by your company or course.
Informal Report
The purpose of an informal report is to inform, analyze and recommend. It usually
takes the form of a memo, letter or a very short document like a monthly financial
report, research and development report, etc. This report is shorter and informal
than a formal report. It is written according to organization‘s style and rules but
generally does not include the preliminary and supplemental material. The
informal report is generally more conversational in tone and typically deals with
everyday problems and issues of an organization. Sales reports, lab reports,
progress reports, service reports, etc. are few examples of this kind of reports.
An informal report usually consists of
Introduction
Discussion
Recommendations and reference
Introduction:
Mention the general problem first, so that the readers can understand the context.
Then state the specific question or tasks arising from the problem that you will be
dealing with. Finally, explain the purpose of the essay and its expected results.
Since this is an informal and a short report, this part does not need to be long. Two
or three sentences will be sufficient.

Discussion:
Present your findings clearly and briefly, in an appropriate method. You can use
lists, tables, charts, etc. with adequate explanations. Present your results in
descending order of importance. this way, the most important information will be
read first. This will be the longest part of your report since this contains the major
information.
Conclusions and recommendations:
The conclusion of a report, depending on its intention, should remind the reader
what actions need to be taken. Recommendations section might not be needed
unless it is requested. It depends on the company’s/organization’s policy.
Formal report
The purpose of a formal report is collecting and interpreting data and reporting
information. The formal report is complex and long, and may even be produced in
bound book volumes. A formal letter generally consists of
Title page
Executive summary
Introduction
Method / methodology
Results / findings
Discussion
Conclusions
Recommendations
Appendices
Bibliography
Title page: Title page should contain the title of the report, name of the author,
name of the course (if it is written by a student) or company and date
Executive summary: Executive summary is the summary of the whole report in a
logical order. This should highlight the purpose, research methods, findings,
conclusions, and recommendations. An executive summary should be written in
the past tense and should not be longer than 1 page. Though this section is included
in the first part of the report, it is easier to write this part, after completing the rest
of the report.
Introduction: The introduction should contain the main problem, its importance
and the goals of the research. The background and context of the report are also
included in this part.
Method/Methodology: This is the section where you explain the methods used in
your research. If it is a scientific research, you can describe the experimental
procedures.
Results\Findings: This section presents the results or findings of your
project/research. You can also present data using visual methods such as tables,
graphs, etc. However, do not interpret the findings here.
Discussion: In this section, you can explain what the above results mean. You can
also analyze, interpret and evaluate data, note trends, and compare results with
theory. Generally, this is referred to as the most important part of the report.
Conclusions: This is a brief summary of findings. Conclusion should not be
confused with Results/Findings section as the conclusion is a simplification of the
problem that can reasonably be deduced from the findings.
Recommendations: In recommendation section, suitable changes, solutions should
be provided.
Appendices: This contains attachments relevant to the report. For example,
surveys, questionnaires, etc.
Bibliography: This is the list of all references cited.

A memo report on an accident that took place in a leading plastic manufacturing

unit

ABC PLASTICS PRIVATE LIMITED

Ekatuthangal,
Guindy,
Chennai.

To : The Managing Director

Ref: TN/Che/645
From: The Supervisor / Quality Control 11th
September 2017

Sub:
Report on the fire accident reg….With reference to your memo No.TN/Che/645,
dated 8th September 2017, a detailed study on the fire accident has been made. A
report on the accident with suggestive measures to avoid such mishaps in future is
illustrated below

Last week on 5th September 2017, a fire broke out in the plastic injection
manufacturing unit due to a spark produced in the electric circuit near the main.
The products (powder container shutter for HLL) were being dispatched. The
products are 400 KG in volume. Immediately fire extinguishing spray started
automatically and fire service rushed from outside also. About 20 workers
involving in the service inside the shop floor experienced 20% burns. They were
administered first aid and taken to the hospital immediately. The fire continued and
all the products to be dispatched are burned out completely even though the fire
service took their best.
Under investigation, it was found that some spark had occurred to damage in
the power line. Constant exposure to paint had caused the damage. To avoid such
mishaps in the future, it is recommended that
i) Wiring should be checked and replaced at regular intervals, particularly, in the
paint shop.
ii) Proper fuses should be installed.
iii) Workers should be provided fire-resistant dress.
iv) More number of automatic fire extinguishing devices should be installed.

Supervisor
[Signature]
Your Name.