Understanding the Importance of Self-Reliance and Professional Skills, Exercises of English Language

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Revised 2 June, 2020Page – 1 ConnectEnglish 3 LEVEL 2 WRITING PRACTICE Contents INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................. 2 WHAT IS IN A GOOD PARAGRAPH? ...................................................................................................................................................2 TOPIC SENTENCES.........................................................................................................................................................................2 SUPPORTING IDEAS ......................................................................................................................................................................3 CHOOSE TOPIC SENTENCES; PRACTICE PARAGRAPHS ..............................................................................................................4 TOPIC: PROFESSIONAL SKILLS (DESCRIBE) ........................................................................................................................ 6 PASSAGE 1  ..........................................................................................................................................................................................6 PASSAGE 2  ..........................................................................................................................................................................................7 TOPIC: SELF RELIANCE (NARRATE) .................................................................................................................................... 8 PASSAGE 1 ...........................................................................................................................................................................................8 PASSAGE 2 ...........................................................................................................................................................................................9 Revised 2 June, 2020Page – 2 ConnectEnglish 3 What Is In a Good Paragraph? In general, the basic, well-written paragraph should have these things: 1. One controlling idea 2. Topic sentence 3. Supporting details 4. Concluding sentence Look at these paragraphs. The first sentence is the topic sentence. Notice how the other sentences support the topic sentence. Conversion brings a desire to learn. When we are converted, we want to be better. One of the ways that we become better is through learning and obeying. So, as we become more converted we want to be better and we want to learn more. Studies show that quality of life increases with education. The more educated one is, the more likely that person is to be married, to be happy in their marriage, to have less stress, to live longer, and to be content with their situation in life. Well-educated people are also more secure with their position in life and less likely to get divorced. The first thing you need to keep in mind when writing a paragraph is the need for a single controlling idea. A common problem many beginning writers have is that of trying to pack too much information into each paragraph. Sometimes it happens in an effort to get a point (or series of points) across more quickly. Other times, it may be the simple result of wanting to add some complexity and depth to the writing. Whatever the reason, the points being made get lost to the reader. So, you need to focus the paragraph on      a single idea. There are probably a few reasons why you want to joined the Pathway program. You may want to join because you want to earn a degree. You may want to grow spiritually. You may want to set a good example for your children. Or, perhaps you want to join because you are following a prompting to do so and you somehow know it will bless the lives of you and your family. Whatever the reasons, you will want to make a strong commitment to completing the work required.. INTRODUCTION LEVEL 2 WRITING PRACTICE Revised 2 June, 2020Page – 5 Paragraph 3 a. It is about the lessons of life. b. They are right. c. One thing I wish I could do is, to provide education for all: no child left behind and change the world  for good!! d. Some say education is the process of gaining information about the surrounding world while knowledge is something very different. e. But then again, information cannot be converted into knowledge without education. f. Education gives us the ability to interpret things. g. It is not just about lessons in textbooks. Paragraph 4 a. If you are a fantastic carpenter, you probably don’t need a doctorate. b. Consider these three reasons you should think about getting more education. c. First, more education may help you to move up in your company. d. So, while more formal education may not be for everyone, it can play an important role in the lives   of many. e. But education can provide significant benefits for many people. f. Second, education may help you make more money. g. Everyone’s life-path heads different directions, and, depending on your passions and abilities, different levels of education will be of different importance. h. Finally, learning may improve your quality of life. Answers: 1) b, 2) c, 3) c, 4) g Now see if you can put all the sentences in each paragraph in the original order. Check your responses with the following: 1. b, a, c 2. c, b, a, d, e 3. c, b, f, a, d, e 4. g, a, e, b, c, f, h, devel 2 Writing Practice INTRODUCTION CONTINUED Revised 2 June, 2020Page – 6 ConnectEnglish 3 Passage 1  Review these vocabulary words before writing. They will help you understand the article.  high heels (n): women’s shoes that have a raised heel  example: She wore high heels to the formal event.  professional (adj): relating to a job that requires special training or skill  example: Professional musicians must perform at a very high level.  You will read an article from a website about giving professional presentations.  Dress to Impress: What to Wear for your Presentation  In a presentation, good self-presentation is essential to a convincing image. And one important aspect of effective self-presentation is your clothing.  When choosing your clothing, consider your audience. Your audience will judge the appropriateness of your clothing. Appropriate clothing will not attract undue attention. The audience will then quickly focus on your message. On the other hand, if some aspect of your clothing is unexpected, your audience may be distracted by it. Then they won’t be as attentive to your message.  You might be thinking, “Great--really though, what should I wear?” We don’t have your answer. It all depends. In some professional contexts, a suit would be a good choice as it denotes professionalism and authority. However, other types of professional audiences would find a suit stuffy and out of touch. In these cases, something more casual might actually leave a better impression. You can find out what your audience expects by asking the event organizers. You could also go to similar presentations or research online.   Your comfort is also important. If you aren’t used to wearing high heels, don’t risk falling by wearing them during your presentation. Also, don’t wear a style that will make you self-conscious. Find something that you feel physically and mentally confident in.   1. Write a 3-5 sentence summary of the article.  2. Think of a time you had to speak in front of a group of people. What did you wear? Did you wear appropriate clothing for your speech or presentation? Answer these questions in a short paragraph.  3. Imagine that you are planning an event. This event could be something at home, at church, at school, or at work. For the event, you want to have a guest speaker. Write a short invitation to your guest speaker. In your invitation:  ◦ explain what the event is  ◦ say what you want this person to present about  4. The guest speaker you wanted is already busy on the day of your event. He/she responds to your invitation and says no. Write a response to this person.   5. Do you agree with the article’s statement that you should wear clothing that your audience expects when giving a presentation? Why or why not? Write a paragraph to explain your answer.  TOPIC: PROFESSIONAL SKILLS (DESCRIBE) LEVEL 2 WRITING PRACTICE Revised 2 June, 2020Page – 7 Passage 2  Review this vocabulary word before writing. It will help you understand the article.  nerves (n): feelings of being worried or nervous  example: I always have bad nerves before an exam.  You will read an article from a website about giving professional presentations.  Dealing with Presentation Nerves  If you feel nervous before a presentation, you aren’t alone. This feeling can be troublesome, but it doesn’t have to be. You can use your nervous energy to your advantage; however, this takes preparation and practice. Here are some ideas for dealing with your presentation nerves effectively.  1. Practice Your Presentation  Practice your presentation from beginning to end while making your practice as real as possible. Ask family or friends to be your audience. Afterward, take note of how it went. Which parts did you like about the presentation? What should you change? You can also video record yourself while presenting to gain perspective. Doing these things will help you know what to expect when you actually present and ease your mind on presentation day.  2. Breathe Deeply  When people are nervous, they often take short, rapid breaths. To regulate your breathing, inhale and exhale slowly and deeply several times. Let this calm you. Practice this regularly before the presentation day. Then do this exercise before the presentation. Also remember to breathe deeply during the presentation itself.  3. Pause  Right before you begin the presentation, pause and smile at the audience. This will help you start your presentation with confidence. Also pause between thoughts and sections of your presentation. Nerves can make you speak faster than you otherwise would, but appropriate pauses will help to slow your pace. They will also help the audience process what you are saying.   1. Write a 3-5 sentence summary of the article.  2. Describe a time when you were nervous about something. Why were you nervous? What happened? Write a short paragraph to answer these questions.  3. Your friend wants to practice a presentation. He/she wants you to be an audience member for the practice. Write a text message to your friend. Tell him/her that you will be an audience member and say when you can do it.  4  In your opinion, what is the best advice for calming down when you are nervous about something? Explain your answer. Write one paragraph.  5  Think of someone who was/is a good public speaker. You will write a paragraph about this person. In   your paragraph:  ◦ introduce this person  ◦ describe the qualities that made/make this person a good public speaker  PROFESSIONAL SKILLS CONTINUED