Critical Thinking
o The ability to engage in rational, independent and reflective thinking.
o A technique for discovering information and ideas within a text.
Critical Reading
o The ability to process theories & models to enhance text
comprehension.
o A technique for evaluating information and ideas, for deciding what to
accept and believe.
WEEK 2.1
Free Writing - The practice of writing down your thoughts without stopping,
and without regard for spelling, grammar, or any of the usual rules for writing.
Redundancy - The use of two or more words that means the same thing.
Circumlocution - The practice of putting different words together to avoid
saying what the person wants to say.
Verbosity - Abounding in words, containing more words than necessary.
WEEK 2.2
Essay – Is a piece of writing, usually from an author’s personal point of view.
Narrative Essay - Describes a course of events.
Descriptive Essay - Provide a vivid picture of a person, location, object,
event, or debate.
Definition Essay – Explains what a term means.
WEEK 3
Outlining – A system that helps students see the connection between ideas.
Uses of an Outline
Clarify one’s purpose
Reading Aid
Test Organization
Complete Communication
WEEK 6 - 7
Narration
o The most basic pattern of development.
o Is written to explain what, when, and who.
Description
o Rich descriptive words that puts a picture of a person, place, or an
object in a person’s mind.
Definition
o Is a paragraph explaining a term or subject.
Exemplification
o Provides examples and illustrations in order to further clarify or explain
that concept or subject matter.
Problem & Solution
o A method for analysing and writing about a topic by identifying a
problem and proposing a solution.
Compare and Contrast
o Compares 2 subjects and discusses how they are alike and lists a few
examples.
Cause & Effect
o Explains why something happens or what results a particular event
produces.
WEEK 8
Claims of Fact – Posits whether something is true or untrue, but there must
always be the potential for controversy, conflict and conversion.
Claims of Value – Involve judgements, appraisals, and evaluations.
Claims of Policy – Typically provide a solution or another series of questions in
response to the claims of fact.
Hypertext – Non-linear way to present information and is usually
accomplished using “link”.
Hypermedia – Forms of multimedia such as pictures, sounds, and videos.
Intertext – The shaping of a text’s meaning by another text.
WEEK 9.1
Features of Critical Thinking
o Reasoning
o Open mindedness
o Self-awareness
WEEK 9.2
Position Paper – An essay or written report that presents a person’s attitude,
opinion, and intentions about an issue.
o The goal of a position paper is to advocate for an issue and/or
persuade the readers.
Steps in Writing a Position Paper
o Select a topic.
o Do your research
o Formulate a thesis statement
o Organize the structure of your paper
WEEK 11
Book Review – A form of literacy criticism in which a book is analysed based
on content, style, and merit.
(Read Week 11)
WEEK 12
Research Report – A description of a research study or formal investigation
about a topic.
Parts of a Research Report
o Introduction
o Review of related literature – Backbone of the reaserch.
o Methodology
o Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations – Most important
details.
WEEK 13
Project Proposal – Designed to present in detail a certain plan of action or
project.
Types of project proposal
o Solicited Project Proposal – Made in response to an official request
for a proposal.
o Renewal Project Proposal – Not requested by the receiver.
o Unsolicited Project Proposal – Requests for continued support for an
existing project.
o Continuation Project Proposal – Easiest to write, essentially reminders
or updates for on-going projects.
o Supplemental Project Proposal – Required when you need to ask for
extra resources for a project.
Parts of a project proposal
o Introduction
o Proposed project title
o Objectives
o Desired outcome
o Areas for consideration
WEEK 14
Letter – Is a written, typed, or printed communication, especially one sent in
an envelope by mail or messenger.
Types of Letter
o Traditional Snail Mail
o Test Message
o Email Letter
o Letter on Messenger
Parts of a Letter
o Letterhead – Bears all information of the company/person’s identity.
o Return Address
o Date
o Inside Address
o Salutation
o Subject Line
o Body
o Complimentary Close
o Signature
o Enclosure