English for
Academic and
Professional
Purposes
Prepared by Bryan Adam A. Arnaiz, LPT
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Strategies in
academic
reading
> Paraphrasing
-the act of rewording or
restating text or speech in
your own words while
maintaining the original
meaning.
It involves changing the
structure, vocabulary, and
sometimes the tone of the
original content, but the
central idea remains the same.
Paraphrasing is often used to
clarify information, avoid
plagiarism, or simplify complex
concepts.
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Paraphrasing effectively involves
several steps:
1. Read and Understand: Thoroughly read the original text
to grasp its meaning and main ideas.
2. Identify Key Points: Highlight or note down the main
concepts, terms, and ideas that are essential to the original
message.
3. Change Structure: Rearrange the sentence structure.
Break long sentences into shorter ones or combine shorter
sentences into a longer one.
4. Use Synonyms: Replace words with their synonyms.
However, ensure that the new words fit the context
appropriately.
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Paraphrasing effectively involves
several steps:
5. Maintain Original Meaning: Ensure that the
paraphrased text conveys the same message as the original.
6. Check Your Work: Compare your paraphrase with the
original to make sure you haven't copied phrases directly and
that the meaning remains intact.
7. Cite the Source: If applicable, give credit to the original
author, especially in academic or professional contexts.
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> Summarizing
-the process of condensing a
larger piece of text or
information into a shorter
version, capturing only the
main ideas and essential
points.
It involves distilling the
content down to its core
elements while omitting
unnecessary details,
examples, and elaborations.
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Key Features of Summarizing:
1. Brevity: A summary is significantly shorter
than the original text.
2. Main Ideas: It focuses on the primary
arguments or themes.
3. Clarity: A good summary is clear and easy to
understand, conveying the essence of the
original material.
4. Objective Tone: It presents the information
without adding personal opinions or
interpretations.
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> Synthesizing
-Involves combining
information from multiple
sources or ideas to create
a new, cohesive
understanding or
perspective.
It goes beyond
summarizing or
paraphrasing individual
texts; instead, it integrates
various concepts to form a
comprehensive view of a
topic.
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Key Features of Synthesizing
1. Integration: It merges insights from different sources,
highlighting relationships and connections between them.
2. New Insights: Synthesizing can lead to original conclusions
or ideas that are not present in any single source.
3. Critical Thinking: It requires evaluating the credibility and
relevance of the sources being combined.
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> Outlining
-the process of organizing
information or ideas in a
structured format, typically
using headings and
subheadings.
It helps to clarify thoughts,
create a logical flow, and
provide a roadmap for
writing or presenting
material.
.
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Key Features of Outlining
1. Hierarchy:
Outlines often use a hierarchical structure, where main
topics are placed at the top level and subtopics fall beneath
them. This organization helps to show the relationship
between ideas.
2. Clarity:
An outline provides a clear overview of the content, making
it easier to see the main points and how they connect. This
clarity aids both the writer and the reader.
3. Logical Flow:
By arranging information in a logical sequence, outlines
help ensure that the argument or narrative progresses
smoothly. This can prevent redundancy and confusion.
4. Flexibility:
Outlines can be easily adjusted as new ideas emerge or as
the focus of the writing shifts. This flexibility allows for
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iterative refinement of thoughts.
Types of Outlines
1. Alphanumeric Outline:
Uses a combination of letters and numbers to
organize information (e.g., I, II, III for main
points, A, B, C for subpoints).
2. Decimal Outline:
Uses a decimal system to indicate levels of
importance (e.g., 1.0, 1.1, 1.2).
3. Bullet Point Outline:
Uses bullet points for a more informal
approach, suitable for brainstorming or quick
notes.
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Example of an outline
Topic: The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity
> I. Introduction
• A. Definition of climate change
• B. Importance of biodiversity
> II. Effects of Climate Change on Ecosystems
• A. Habitat destruction
• B. Altered species interactions
> III. Threats to Specific Species
• A. Endangered species
• B. Invasive species
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Example of an outline
> IV. Conservation Efforts
• A. Policy changes
• B. Community initiatives
> V. Conclusion
• A. Summary of key points
• B. Call to action for conservation
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