Academic english iii

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ACADEMIC ENGLISH IIIClass 17

May 8, 2013

TodayA departure from ‘Academic’ writing

- Samsung Electronics, Sales Manager 2003 – 2007

- Fluent in Japanese (spoken and written)

- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access

- Kia Motors Company, Sales Assistant 2000 – 2001

- Master’s of Business Administration, Harvard 2001-2003

- Photoshop

- Upper-intermediate English (spoken and written)

- Regional sales representative using my proven skills in e-commerce and communication to develop and expand a company base.

- Bachelor’s of Commerce, University of Southern California 1995 – 1999

- David Davidson1234 Dave St. Burbank California 95401 daved@gmail.com 707-555-6390

TodayBusiness Writing

- Differences between academic and business writing

- Introduction to job applications

Résumés Letter of application (next class)

Some kinds of writingText-messaging a friend

Writing a note to a friend

Writing an e-mail to a professor

Writing in a journal

Writing an essay for class

Writing a research paper

Inviting a guest speaker to your class

Introducing a new product to a client

Informal/casual

formal

Informal or slightly formal

Formal - academic

Formal – business

Business writing - PurposeBusiness writing may be used to:

- make an inquiry.

- make a complaint.

- introduce or promote a product.

- apologize

- apply for a job - give an update on a project

Academic Writing vs. Business Writing

Academic Writing:

- No personal pronouns (I, my, we, you, etc.)

- No contractions (can’t, don’t, wouldn’t)

- ‘Academic’ vocabularygive – provide, but – however, just – simply

- Objective, ‘academic’ tone (neutral)

- Written for a general audience (‘the reader’)

Source: www.joeydevilla.com

Academic Writing vs. Business Writing

Business Writing:

- Personal pronouns are often necessary

i.e., “I am writing to inform you about next week’s meeting…”

- Contractions are permitted at times

- More direct, action-oriented vocabulary

- Usually uses a positive tone

- Written for a specific person or groupSource: thegotya.blogspot.com

Terry, from the accounting department

Business writingOne important aspect of business writing:

-It usually represents a direct communication between one person and another.

- For example, a business letter is usually addressed specifically to someone (not writing for a “general reader”).

i.e., Dear Mrs. Kim,

I am writing to request some information aboutyour company’s latest product…

Business writingBecause it is a direct communication,

The writer (you) can take the recipient’s needs into account.

When writing a business letter, ask yourself:

“How would I feel if I received this letter?”

Business writing

“How would I feel if I received this letter?”

- This helps highlight an important feature of “”Business Language”.

Try to be as positive as possible (even in relatively negative situations).

- Being overly negative does not help any business.

Compare these two examples.

Dear Mr. Kim,

You didn’t get into our school. Your grades were too low, and your interview was bad.

We here at Keimyung Adams College insist on only accepting high-quality applicants into our school. However, you are not a high-quality applicant

It would be better if you applied to another university. Good luck with your applications.

Sincerely,

Dr. KACPresident, Keimyung Adams College

Dear Mr. Kim,

Thank you for having expressed an interest in the Keimyung Adams College). The Admissions Committee has given careful consideration to your application.

The Committee regrets to inform you that we are unable to offer you a place in our first year class. You have been a competitive applicant; however,we have had many similarly qualified students applying for admissions. Therefore, many desirable candidates have been turned away.

We thank you for your interest in our college and wish you success in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Dr. KACPresident, Keimyung Adams College

Examples - Differences?In the second letter:

The tone remains optimistic despite the negative message being delivered.

- “Thank you for having expressed an interest…” First, the writer thanks the recipient.

- “The Committee regrets to inform you…” This has an apologetic tone, which is more positive than “You didn’t get in.”

Business WritingOne important form of business writing is applying for a job:

Job applications:

- Résumé.

- Letter of application (cover letter).

Résumé- A résumé may be the most important document for your job search.

Résumé – What is it?A résumé is not:

- Your life story.

- Your emotional autobiography

- A college transcript.

Résumé - – What is it?- A résumé is a factual and concise summary of your

qualifications.

- A résumé shows prospective employers that you have the education and experience for the job you are applying for.

Think of it like a persuasive advertisement about yourself.

- It’s your billboard

Résumé - What employers like to see1. Honesty

- Be truthful about your qualifications:

- education

- experience

- skills

i.e., if you were the manager’s assistant, don’t say you

were the assistant manager.

Résumé - What employers like to see2. Attractiveness

- The document should be “pleasing to the eye.”

- Appropriate spacing

- font

- use of boldface

This tells the employer that you are visually smart.

Résumé - What employers like to see3. Organization

- Careful organization of information is:- easy to follow- logical- consistent

This shows your ability to process information.

Résumé - What employers like to see4. Concise

- Keep to your purpose (get the job).

- Generally, your résumé should be 1 page (2 at the most).

- Résumés are written in SHORT sentences

- They do not use the word “I”

- Use “action-packed” verbs.

Action-oriented language - ExamplesDuties at my last job:

I made the company website

Designed the company website.

I helped with lab reports

Assisted lab report composition.

I changed programs to suit each customer

Customized programs for customers.

Résumé - What employers like to see5. Accuracy

- Make sure:

- grammar - spelling

- dates

- names

-titles

-programs

Are ERROR-FREE

Inconsistencies and errors say: “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Source: thechive.com

Résumé - What employers like to see6. Currency (current)

- Make sure that ALL information is up-to-date.

Résumé - What employers like to see7. Relevant

- Make sure the information is appropriate for the job.

Employers are looking for necessary education and

experience.

Résumé - What employers like to see

Which of these do you have?

Writing your résuméConsider these questions:

1. What classes did you excel in?

2. What papers, reports, or presentations earned you your highest grades?

3. What computer skills have you mastered?

4. What technical skills (other than computer skills) have you acquired?

5. What jobs have you had?

6. Have you ever been promoted or chosen for special duty or tasks?

7. Do you work well with people?

8. Can you organize complicated tasks or identify and solve problems quickly?

9. Have you had experiences/responsibilities managing money?

10. Have you won any awards or scholarships or received a raise, bonus, commendation, and/or promotion at work?

Parts of a résuméDo not include:

- Salary demands or expectations.- Work schedule preferences, days off, overtime- Travel restrictions- Your citizen’s number- Height, weight, hair color- Religion, political affiliations- Hobbies, interests (unless they are relevant)

Parts of a résuméContact information

At the top of the résumé:

- Your name (avoid nicknames)

- Address

- telephone number

- e-mail address.

Parts of a résuméContact information

Gwen Gao42 Lanark Street, Clayton, VIC 3168Ph: 010-6388-5030gwen.gao@email.com.au

Note: avoid unprofessional e-mail addresses

Cool_guy31@gmail.com princess13@naver.com

Parts of a résuméCareer objective

Create an objective that directly related to the position you have applied for.

Consider:

1. What kind of job am I Iooking for?

2. What kind of job am I qualified for?

3. What abilities do I have that match the position?

Avoid:

“I want to join a company.”

“Looking for high-paying job that brings personal satisfaction.”

Be focused:

Internship in marketing to apply the training earned through my education.

Regional sales representative using my proven skills in e-commerce and communication to develop and expand a company base.

Parts of a résuméCredentials (Education & Experience)

- The order can vary.- If you are a recent (or soon-to-be) graduate with little

experience, list education first.

- Only include relevant items!

Balancing Education and ExperienceAny part-time work (paid, or not), vacation job, volunteer experience, or internship show an employer that you are responsible and knowledgeable.

i.e,. If you worked at GS 25, it shows that you can work with money and provide customer service and take responsibility for your own duties without supervision.

Parts of a résuméCredentials - Education

- Begin with most recent education first, then list everything significant since high school.

Include:

Name(s) of school(s)

Dates attended

Degree/Diploma/Certificate earned.

- This includes relevant training courses or military training.

Parts of a résuméCredentials - Education

IMPORANT: A résumé is NOT a transcript, though. Do not simply list all the courses you took.

- Instead, concentrate on describing the skills you learned.

Parts of a résuméCredentials - Experience

- A key category for many employers

- Show that you have held a job before and that you are responsible.

- Begin with most recent position (reverse chronological order).

Include:- Company name- Location (city, province, country [if necessary])- Your job title- Dates of employment

- For each job, provide a short description (one or two lines) of your duties and achievements.

March 2010 – June 2012Promotions Assistant, Promostaff

- Managed product research studies in supermarkets- Collated results and highlighted critical feedback items.- Promoted to team leader due to excellent feedback from clients.

- You may include any relevant volunteer work you have done.

Parts of a résuméRelated skills and achievements

- Indicate any additional languages you speak or write, extensive travel, certificates or licenses, and memberships to professional organizations or community groups.

Parts of a résuméComputer skills

- Knowledge of computer hardware, software, word processing programs, etc. is extremely valuable in the job market.

Parts of a résuméHonors/awards

- Include only if they are relevant.

Community service awards

Academic awards

Parts of a résuméReferences

- Usually, you state:

References available upon request.

Parts of a résuméNAMEContact information

Career objective

Credentials (Education and Experience)

Related skills and Achievements

Computer skills

Honors/awards

References

Homework - 1Journal: Imagine yourself as a university junior (3rd year)

Write about yourself: Since high school – ‘now’, what skills have you acquired?

Use these questions to help you think about this:

• Planning a résumé: consider the following• 1. What classes did you excel in?• 2. What papers, reports, or presentations earned you your highest grades?• 3. What computer skills have you mastered?• 4. What technical skills (other than computer skills) have you acquired?• 5. What jobs have you had?• 6. Have you ever been promoted or chosen for special duty or tasks?• 7. Do you work well with people?• 8. Can you organize complicated tasks or identify and solve problems quickly?• 9. Have you had experiences/responsibilities managing money?• 10. Have you won any awards or scholarships or received a raise, bonus, commendation, and/or

promotion at work?

Deadline: Friday (5:45 p.m.)

Homework - 2Do the readings on the website (“Files” section).

Homework - 3Start thinking about internships you might be interested in by the time you are a junior.

- Do a web search for internships

i.e., “advertising internship positions”

- Ask your professors, administration, or older students about the internships available at KAC.

Academic english iii

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