school of language studies and academics cm1190 technical reading units 1 – 4 student materials...

School of Language Studies and Academics

CM1190 Technical ReadingUnits 1 – 4

Student Materials Booklet

CM 1190


Introduction to CM 1190

This technical reading course contains 4 units:

1. Thinking about Reading

2. Understanding Technical and Academic Texts

3. Summarizing Technical and Academic Texts

4. Examining and Evaluating Evidence


Unit 1Thinking About Reading

CM 1190


Introduction to Unit 1

Unit 1 will discuss:

1. Setting goals

2. Reading purposes

3. Characteristics of technical and academic texts

4. The reading process

5. Building vocabulary


Introduction and Setting GoalsUnit 1.1

CM 1190


Setting Goals

Setting goals means: Imagining specific things one would like to

accomplish at a future date. For example, a runner may set a training goal

to improve his or her fastest time.

To successfully achieve your goal you must focus on what you must do.


Setting Study Goals

Being effective means: Getting the job done correctly. Getting the job done on time. Getting the job done with reasonable effort.

In order to be an effective student, you must set specific study goals.


Setting Study Goals

Setting study goals means: Identifying specific skills an individual student

must attain to improve their overall skills.

For example: ‘I want to improve my math skills so I can be a better

engineering student.’ ‘I need to use my time more productively.’


Setting Study Goals

What are some study goals you might set for yourself:

In a basic chemistry course? In a basic communications course? In an introductory engineering course?

Is it difficult to come up with examples? Why or why not?


Using Engineering Logbooks1. An engineering logbook is a personal and

professional reference about project learning and results.

2. You will encounter as many logbook formats as there are individual instructors/companies.

3. High performing engineers use logbooks to: Monitor and control where they invest their time. Learn and apply the best practices in their profession Regularly take time to learn from their successes and

failures.


What Goes in a Logbook?

Sketches Class notes Meeting notes Ideas in progress Sources of ideas Design reviews Design process Project reflection Project objectives

Action items Math calculations Design alternatives Research findings Evaluation of data Decision criteria Rationale for decisions Professional development Customer needs


Logbook Procedures

1. Record the date for each entry.

2. Label each entry and record this in the table of contents (reserve 3-4 pages at the start).

3. Use ink. Do not erase. Delete an entry by neatly drawing a single line through it.

4. Do not remove pages, and do not skip pages.

5. Avoid backfilling. If you realize later that you left something out, keep on your actual page and note that your modification is “after-the-fact”.

6. Draw a vertical line ¾’s over to the right of each page. This will be for instructor comments.

Law (2005)


Our Goal for Next Class

BUY A LOGBOOK AND BRING IT TO CLASS!


References

Law, J. (2008). Engineering Logbooks. Retrieved June 10, 2009 from http://www.ece.uidaho.edu/ee/power/jlaw/COURSES/CAPSTONE/F05/handouts/EngineeringLogbooks082205.pdf.


Introduction and Setting GoalsEnd of Unit 1.1

CM 1190


Reading PurposesUnit 1.2

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Reading Purposes

Think about the last five things you have read…


Reading Purposes

You may have thought about:

NOVELS NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISMENTS MENUS COMIC BOOKS DIRECTIONS TRAFFIC SIGNS INSTRUCTIONS INTERNET PAGES

(1)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fe/Action1.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e6/Speedlimitsign.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/NYTimes-Page1-11-11-1918.jpg

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hhidining.com/aaa/menus/applebees.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.hhidining.com/blufa.php&usg=__jPBWUcXURAD6cV2SyaDbV_OjXtQ=&h=1075&w=816&sz=335&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=at8eO3rk5sTpxM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=114&prev=/images?q=applebees+menu&hl=en&sa=N&um=1


Main Reading Purposes

Reading for literary experience

Reading to gain information

Reading to perform a task


Reading for Literary Experience

Involves reading literary texts to:

Explore the human condition.

Relate narrative events with personal experience.

Consider the interplay in the selection among emotions, events, and possibilities.

Type of texts include: Novels Poems Short stories Historical fiction Science fiction Mysteries Plays


Reading to Gain Information

Involves reading informative texts to:

obtain some general or specific information.

It often requires: a more purposeful approach

to reading. use of reading strategies to

understand text. reading and interpreting

graphic aids such as charts, graphs, maps, and tables.

Type of texts include: Newspapers Textbooks Biographies Science articles Encyclopedia entries Reports Letters Memos E-mails


Reading to Perform a Task

Involves reading various types of text to apply information to complete a task.

The reader’s purpose for gaining meaning extends beyond understanding the text to include the accomplishment of a certain activity.

Type of texts include: Directions Instructions User manuals Schedules Traffic signs Government forms Specification sheets Recipes


List of Figures

1) Comic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Action1.JPG,

Sign: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Speedlimitsign.jpg,

Menu: http://www.hhidining.com/aaa/menus/applebees.gif,

Newspaper: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NYTimes-Page1-11-11-1918.jpg.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Action1.JPG

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Speedlimitsign.jpg

http://www.hhidining.com/aaa/menus/applebees.gif

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NYTimes-Page1-11-11-1918.jpg


Reading PurposesEnd of Unit 1.2

CM 1190


Characteristics of Technical and Academic TextsUnit 1.3

CM 1190


Characteristics of Technical and Academic Texts

Technical and academic texts include:

1. Definitions for special terms

2. Measurements and units

3. Efficiency (avoids unnecessary words)

4. Graphics (diagrams, charts, graphs)

5. Research (indicates how information was collected and analyzed)

6. Ethics (allows reader to see all aspects of situation)


Computers are not a particularly forgiving breed. The wrong key struck or the wrong command entered is almost sure to avenge itself on the inattentive user by banishing the document to some electronic trash can.

On MK950 terminals, the BREAK key is adjacent to keys used for text editing and special functions. Too often, users inadvertently strike the BREAK key, causing the program to quit prematurely. To prevent the problem, we have modified all database management terminals.

Shows opinion: uses everyday, informal language

Detailed, unemotional and uses exact terms

Journalism

Technical Writing

Characteristics of Technical and Academic Texts


Technical and Academic Text: used by students and professionals to communicate academic, scientific, mechanical, or procedural information.

Narration:

used to tell about events; storytelling that makes the reader feel emotions.

Journalism:

used to inform readers about social events

Purposes of Technical and Academic Texts



1. To inform (most often)

2. To instruct

3. To persuade (with evidence)



Writers inform when they give specific information about a topic.

Temperature has a significant effect on the resistance of conductors, semiconductors, and insulators. Boylestad (2003)



Writers instruct when the reader is given a set of directions for doing something.

A quick method of determining the proper power of ten is to place a caret mark to the right of the numeral 1 wherever it may occur; then count from this point to the number of places to the right or left before arriving at the decimal point. Boylestad (2003)



Writers persuade when they get their reader to follow a particular course of action using logic and reasoning.

The growing sensitivity to the technologies on Wall Street is clear evidence that the electrical/electronics industry is one that will have a sweeping impact on future developments in a wide range of areas that affect our life style, general health, and capabilities. Boylestad (2003)


Style of Technical and Academic Texts

1. Pyramid Method (Top Down) Technical and academic texts present the main idea first

and then provide supporting details.

2. Headings Technical and academic texts list the contents of each

section so the reader knows what comes next.

3. Text Blocks Technical and academic texts break longer texts into short

blocks which are easier to understand.


Style of Technical and Academic Texts

4. Graphics Technical and academic texts include tables, charts,

graphs, and diagrams to help readers understand technical information more easily.

5. Consistent Visual Logic Technical and academic texts present information in a

consistent manner; headings and other visual elements are the same throughout the text.


Tone in Technical and Academic Texts

Use third person (avoid personal pronouns) for a more formal tone.

Show confidence and authority in presenting knowledge of the subject.

Keep the language simple and appropriate.


Characteristics of Technical and Academic TextsEnd of Unit 1.3

CM 1190


The Reading ProcessUnit 1.4

CM 1190


The Reading Process

There are three steps in the reading process:

1. Prepare to read.

2. Ask and answer questions to enhance your reading.

3. Review by rehearsing the answers to your questions.


Prepare to Read

Preview the reading to see what it contains and how it is organized.

Previewing means examining material to determine its topic and organization before actually reading it.


Prepare to Read

Previewing steps: Read the title. Read the introduction. Read headings and subheadings in each section. Read words in italics, bold print, or color. Look at all illustrations, charts, and diagrams. Read any questions that are included in the

chapter or a study guide. Read the summary.


Prepare to Read

Consider the topics being presented.

Ask yourself:

“What topics does the author seem to be emphasizing?”

“How are the topics organized?”


Prepare to Read

Assess your prior knowledge.

Ask yourself:

“What do I already know about the topic?”

“How familiar am I with this topic?”


Prepare to Read

Plan your reading and study time.

Ask yourself:

“How long will it take me to read this assignment?”

“Do I need to divide the assignment into smaller units?”


Ask and Answer Questions to Enhance Your ReadingGuide your reading by asking and answering questions.

Turn chapter headings into questions.

Create questions based on what the paragraphs or

sections appear to be about.

If the author has included questions, use them.

Use questions in a study guide, if there is one.

Use questions given out by the instructor.


Ask and Answer Questions to Enhance Your Reading

Read actively Look for answers to your questions.

Record the answers to your questions Write the answers on notebook paper or in the

margins (blank space at the side) of the textbook. Take notes about the material or make review cards. Emphasize the answers by highlighting or

underlining them.


Review by Rehearsing the Answers to Your Questions

Review the material and transfer it into long-term memory by rehearsing

Recite (say aloud) the answers to your questions, and then review any you missed.

Try to write important points from memory, and then fill in any missing information.


The Reading ProcessEnd of Unit 1.4

CM 1190


Building VocabularyUnit 1.5

CM 1190


Why Build Vocabulary?

Learning vocabulary is an important part of learning a new language or field of study.

Knowing more words will increase your ability to read and understand textbooks, articles, assignments and exams.


The Academic Word List (AWL)

The AWL is a list of words which appear with high frequency in English-language academic texts.

You will need to know this vocabulary if you want to study in an English-speaking college or university. These are words that you will frequently see in newspapers, magazines, and novels, and hear on television, movies or in conversation.

The AWL is divided into 10 sub-lists.


Exploring the AWL

Open up the following website: www.academicvocabularyexercises.com

Go to ‘Sub-list 1’

Review the words in the list. Then try Exercise 1a, 1b, and 1c. How did you do?

http://www.academicvocabularyexercises.com/


How to Learn New Vocabulary

Write the words down in your logbook with their translations and definitions.

Review your logbook several times a week.

Test yourself or ask someone to test you.

Use the words in your own speaking and writing.


Sample Logbook Entry

Word Meaning Page

context The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

23

policy a definite course of action adopted for the sake of expediency, facility, etc.

31

structure mode of building, construction, or organization; arrangement of parts, elements, or constituents

45


Ways to Discover Word Meanings

Use textbook tools (Unit 2.1)

Use a dictionary (Unit 2.2)

Use context clues (Unit 2.3)

Use word structure clues (Unit 2.4)


Building VocabularyEnd of Unit 1.5

CM 1190


End of Unit 1Thinking About Reading

CM 1190

school of language studies and academics cm1190 technical reading units 1 – 4 student materials...

Documents

specific study goals

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academics introduction

readingunderstanding

effective student

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specific skills