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Unit 7 Note-Taking

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  Cornell Method of Note-taking The Cornell Method is one of the most effective and popular note-taking systems in which notes can be organized to retain information. It involves the division of paper into three sections: 1. Cue Column (Left Section): This is a narrow column used for writing key concepts, questions, or cues. After a lecture or reading, you are able to write questions or keywords here that summarize the material. 2. Note-Taking Area (Right Section): The larger section is utilized to write down the main notes while one is listening to a lecture or reading. You write in this section comprehensive information, explanations, and facts. 3. Summary Section Bottom: Leave approximately four inches at the bottom of the page to summarize in your own words what you have studied. This reinforces understanding and helps a lot when reviewing later. Benefits of the Cornell Method Organized: The structure makes the notes clear and way easier to review. Active Learning: The cue colu...

Unit 6 Academic Essay

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  Essay Writing Structure 1. Introduction: Begin with a hook to engage the reader. Introduce the topic and provide necessary background information. End with a thesis statement, which outlines the main argument or purpose of the essay. 2. Body Paragraphs: Topic Sentence: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Supporting Evidence: Provide facts, examples, or quotes that support the topic sentence. Explanation: Explain how the evidence relates to the main argument and the thesis. Transition: Use transitions between paragraphs to maintain flow and coherence. 3. Conclusion: Restate Thesis: Summarize the main argument or purpose of the essay in different words. Summary: Briefly summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs. Final Thought: End with a strong closing sentence that provides a final perspective or calls to action, leaving the reader with something to ponder. This structure ensures clarity and coherence in ...

Cornell Method of Note-taking

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Cornell Method Animal living in the modern Zoo(Passage A) Advantages ü   Saved from their natural predator ü   No risk of being attacked ü   Regularly fed with balanced diet Disadvantages ü   Animals are bored, discontented and nervous ü   Dangerous for Zoo visitors ü   Prone to air borne diseases from human Summary  Animals living in the Zoo are saved from being attacked by their predators and they are well fed by the Zoo Keepers. However, due to the disturbance of their natural way of living, animals become bored, discontented and nervous which endanger Zoo visitor’s lives. Dichlorodiphemyltrichloroethane spraying programme (Passage B) Advantages ü   Decrease in Malaria infection ü   Reduces other dirty insects such as, flies and cockroaches ü   Maintain clean living area Disadvantages ...

Unit 5 APA Referencing

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  Referencing is an important aspect in any academic writing, as it ensures the maintenance of academic integrity by giving credit to the actual owners of ideas, data, and research. The advantages of referencing will include avoiding plagiarism, adding credibility to one's work based on valid sources, and helping the reader trace your sources to further their study. Proper referencing demonstrates professionalism and respect for other people's intellectual property, guiding readers to other materials that they can use for further study, adding to the collective nature of academic research. APA Referencing (American Psychological Association) APA referencing is a widely used citation style for academic writing, particularly in the social sciences. It provides guidelines for citing sources in-text and in a reference list at the end of a paper. Key Elements of APA Referencing 1. In-text citations: When referencing a source within the text, include the author's last name and th...

Unit 4 Academic Writing

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  Meaning of Academic Writing Academic writing is an official type of writing applied in higher learning institutions and learned journals. The main objective of academic writing is to present ideas in a clear, logical, and persuasive manner, using specific conventions and standards of discipline. Academic writing may be objective and based on evidence, with focus often limited to a specific topic or research question. Features of Effective Writing 1. Clarity: Clearly and straightforwardly expressed language with no ambiguities. 2. Coherence: Logical flow of ideas and arguments, with smooth transitions between paragraphs and sections. 3. Conciseness: No words, phrases, or repetitions of similar material that are not necessary to understand are wasted. 4. Correctness: Grammar, punctuation, and spelling check; that gives an assurance of professionalism and credibility. 5. Evidence-based: Include data, citation, or examples proving an argument or claim. Purpose of Academic Writing Inf...

Unit 3 Academic Reading

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Definition of Academic Reading and Its Significance in Higher Education Academic reading refers to the approach one uses with scholarly texts, such as journal articles, textbooks, and research papers, for the critical extraction, analysis, and interpretation of information. Importance: It would help students in developing subject-specific knowledge, understanding of complex concepts, enhancement of critical thinking, and engaging in academic discourses accordingly. How Academic Reading Is Different from General Reading   Academic Reading General Reading Purpose Reading academically aims at analyzing and synthesizing information General reading would be for entertainment, relaxation, or acquiring basic knowledge. Complexity Technical and specialist languages are  generally used in academic reading Simple and more understandable languages are used in general reading. Approach ...

Three Magic ingredients of Powerful Presentation by Phill Waknell

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 According to Phil Waknell, an established expert in presentation, a presentation becomes powerful by integrating three key ingredients: message, structure, and connection. To begin with, the message can be defined as the essential or key idea that the speaker wants the audience to take away, succinctly put and designed to be the central focus and significant. Secondly, the structure is how the presentation is arranged to take the audience in a straight line from the beginning to the end and creates a unified movement while helping to build interest in the audience. Finally, the connection has to do with the essence of establishing a bind with the different audiences which allows the content to be appreciated at an emotional and cognitive level through images, narratives or even some form of interaction. All these components ensure that the presentation is not only educational but also motivational and most importantly, memorable.