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Technical Report-Writing Skills, first edition, has been developed to assist college and
univenitystudents as wellasprofessionals studyingEnglishas aforeignlanguage atanupper+lementary
orlower-intermediate level. Whilethebookis specificallyintendedforlearners who already havebasic
competence at sentence-level writing, it is, however, flexible enough to be used by almost anyone
wanting to improve their writing skills. It provides enough material for about ninety-eight class-hours of
classroom instuction; it is, in other words, a fifteen-week writing course.

Description
Thisbookdeals withprinciples of effective writing.Afterareview of sentence-levelwriting, students
are assisted to acquire the skills necessary to produce various types of compositions. Students develop

effective writing skills by focusing on format, mechanical accuracy, and clarity of expression.

In addition, students learn to collaborate with others on producing written assignments.

Fourteen practical and academic-writing topics are covered in fourteen units. These are:

the mechanics of writing;

sentence structure;

transition signals;
writing an effective paragraph;
argumentative writing: making generalizations and drawing conclusionsl
briefreports;
business letters:
contrast and comparison ;
covering letters;
formal and informal emails:
memos: and
note-taking.

iii
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. write using grammatically- and mechanically-correct language appropriate to the type of report
specified.

2. differentiate between effective and ineffective written communication by understanding and

identiffing the criteria ttrat describe effective report-writing'

3. identiff the context, purposes, audience, and process of formal written communication.

4. employ developed pre-writing skills by brainstorming, choosing, consulting other people and
sources or information, and scanning material appropriate to the type of report required, as
well as taking relevant notes.

5. further develop their writing skills by making use of notes, writing frst drafts, and consulting
dictionaries and other reference books.

6. proofread their own and classmates' written work.

7. produce formal written communications targeted towards varied and specific audiences.

8. develop and use effective strategies for participating in collaborative work aimed at the
preparation and completion of written business communications.

Suleiman S. Mazyad, PhD

IV
 Thble of Contents
UNIT l:The Mechanics of Writing
Partl: Capitahzatton ............ ................. 1

Pafi2: Punctuation ..............l

Part3:Articles ............ ........ 9
l.IndefiniteArticles: a/an .......... ..................... 9
2.TheDefiniteArticlethe ........... 10
3.TheZ.eroArticle ..................... 12
UNIT 2: Sentence Structure
Part 1: Parts of a Sentence ................... 14
Pat2: Prepositions of Place: in, on, at, from, to, with ............ 16
Part 3: Kinds of Sentences ................ ..................... 19
1. Simple Sentences ...................20
A. What is a simple sentence? ..................20
B. Subject-VerbAgreement ......... ............21
2. Compound Sentences with And, But, So, and Or ........... .............22
3. ComplexSentences ................25
UNIT 3: Transition Signals
1. signals?...............
What are transition .................. 27
2. CommonTransitionSignals ..............28
3. Using Coordinators, Sentence Connectors, and Subordinators to
Combine Sentences ....... D
UNIT 4: Writing an Effective Paragraph
Part 1: Whatis aparagraph? ............. .................... 36
Part2:Topic Sentences & Main-Idea Sentences ..... 4l
Part3: IrelevantSentences ..............'.'.42

UNIT 5: Argumentative Writing: Making Generalizations

and Drawing Conclusions
Part 1: TheArgumentativeParagraph .............. ....... 47
Part2:Expressions ofAdvisability '...'.'. 49
Part 3:Writing anArgumentative Paragraph ............ 52

UNIT 6: Brief Reports

1. Whatis areport? .'......... 59
2. Why are reports written? .................. 59
3. Structure of aReporl ..... 63
 l.AnOverview .......... .............63
lnformation ............
2. Background
3. Discussion of the Problem or Solution .... 64
4. Conclusion ............ .............. 65
UNIT 7: Business Letters
InformationandRequests .............. ....70
l.AboutBusinesslrtters ................... 70
2. Formatting forBusiness l,etters .......7I
TheInsideAddressorLetterhead.............. ..................7I
Date............ ..........71
TheAddressee's Address ... ...... 72
TheGreetingorSalutation ............. ,..............
.............72
The Subjectline .......... ............73
TheBody ...............73
TheClosing ...........74
SignatureandSender'sldentification .............. ..............74
Enclosures;Carbon Copies ......74
Grammar: InformationQuestions ........77
UNIT 8: Contrasting and Comparison
1. essays?
What are contrast and comparison ....... g3
2. ContrastandComparisonTerms .... g3
1. ComparisonTerms ............... g3
2. ContrastTerrns ......... ........... g3
3. Compare-and-ContrastWritingMethods ......... gg
A. The BlockMethod ............. ................... gg
B.TheAlternatingMethod .....91
4. Comparing and Contrasting ......... .... gz
A. Contrasting .............. ............ gz
B. Comparin9............... .............92
5. Creating Thesis Statements .............. 93
A. Contrasting .............. ............ 93
B. Comparin9 ............... .............94
UNIT 9: Cover Letters
l.Whatarecoveringletters? .............. 98
2. In what situations are covering letters used? ....... 98
3. What are the characteristics of a good covering letter? ......... 98
4. How is a covering leffer formatted? .................... 98
5.CoveringkttersforUniversityApplications ........... .............99

vi
 Irtters forlnternshipApplications .............
6. Covering ....... 104
T.CoveringlettersforJobApplications ........... 108
UNIT 10: Writing Formal and Informal Emails
l.Introduction .............. 111
2. FormalEmailFormatting .............. II2
3. FormalEmailWriting ............. ll2
4.InformalEmailFormatting .......... l2O
5.InformalEmailWriting ........... I20

UNIT 11: Memos

1. Whatis amemo?
" 126

2.Whywriteamemo? """"""' """' 126

3. Parts of aMemo
"""""":""' """""""""' 126
A.TheHeading """' 126
B.TheBody """" 126
l.lntrodu'ctiitii""""""" """ 126
................... 126
2. Derails
................... 126
3. Conclusion
4. Carbon Copies """"""' 127

4.AnExampleMemo """"""" 127

UNIT 12: Note-Taking

Whatisnote-taking? .......... ........I37
Short Forms of Words .. 138
How can I take good notes? ........... 140
IdentifyingtheTopic ........ ................ 140
Opinions ....l4Z
Facts .........l4Z
SupportingDetails ........ .................. 143
PuttingaFactintoAction ........ .......I43
Summarizing Information and Suppoting Details ................. I44
Howcanlidentifythemainideaof areading? ............. ........ 144
WritingaSummary .......l4l

vu
UNIT 1
The Mechanics of Writing
Part 1: Capitalization
In English there are many rules for using capital letters. The following eight basic rules are important
to know for almost anv sort of writins.
L
Y u- ol o- t
e. I
c:\-r: t\ /'V
titlg -':
3. thepronounl. L
4. names of places (proper nouns). Gr u.yr 1

5. names of historical events, prizes, and famous documents

6. people's initials (mostly all letters in initials are capitalized,not just the first), and acronyms.
7. the titles of books, journals, magazines, reports, etc. iJ ' D \ 4-: j ,.

8. thenamesofthedaysoftheweek,monthsoftheyear,andspecialholidays.
e yS f
Look at these examples illustrating rules I to 3.
1. The first word in a sentence.
a. The University of Najran is small.
b. There are many universities inthe Kingdom.
c. My college has an enrollment of ten thousand students.
2. Names of people, theirtitles, and initials.
Ahmad David Mary
Dr.SultanAlHazmi ProfessorAliKhalid Mr. DavidSmith
Mrs.AmalAhmad Mr.andMrs.AlShammari
KingAMullah PresidentSadat Jana
K.F. Al Shuhri Faisal S. Mizved S.A. Dowsari
3. Thepronounl
My friend and I study English.
Mahmoud and I work at Rivadh Bank.
I Sentence-Writing
Write a sentence introducing the person identified by each set of information provided. Remember to
end the sentence with a period. Follow these examples:

this - my teacher - mr. robin green

This is my teacher, Mr. Robin Green.
jasem
i-
I am Jasem.
1. this -professor- alhazml 2. this - mv brother - khalid

3. this -tahani al ktalefeh 4. these - jana's cousins - aisha,leena, and amani

r_-

5. i - lama 6. this - my neighbour - nasslr

7. this - my dentist - dr. ahmad 8. this - mrs. al hamad

2 Paragraph Revision
Below is a short paragraph. Rewrite the paragraph on the lines below capitalizing as
necessary

i will arrive in town

am writing this letter to let you know that i spoke with mr. ralph copper today. he
i-ext week and would be happy to meet with you sometime next month. pleasicontact me to let me
know what day you are free to meet with mr. smith and our regional representativeg. sultan
khalid. mr. khalid will be accompanied by akram s. dowsari, as always. thank you for your inlerest
._'-
inourcompany.
Look at these examples illustrating rules 4 & 5.
4. Names of specific places. Place names include ones such as:

Planets: Bridges:
Mars
Venus
KingFahdBridge
- Sydney llarbour Bridge
1,,,;1:,;;,,,,,, Zafr!4$Bridg0,,:,,:r,:,;;
Cities:
Asia Riyadh
Africa
Europe Jeddatt
NortfiAmerica Londoar,r
Countries: Paris '"
Saudi Arabia Yillagps:
Bahrain Helbau,,
EevPt Abyqni'li"
Syna
the United Kingdorn Mansa
the United Arab Emirates Streets:
Oceans: King Abdullah Street
the Atlantic Ocean Prince Naif Street
:"' :
tho Indian Ocean'
Buildines:
-Seas: ,, theKingdomTol&r
the Red Sea
the Mediterranean Sea Building 2
'::"' ri
' the Holiday Inn Hotel
the Nile River Airports and Ports:
the Amazorl River
KingAMulazizAirport
the Y:.qtgX,Ae River, l:::::,
Port Saeed
Lake Nasser Speqifi c Organizations (schools,universities,
LakeVictoria companies, etc.)
Lake illalawi London University
:::,:at:.a::.:
Da&si Riyadh High School
the Aiwan Dam
AsirDam The National Commercial Bank
the Hoover Dam Al Rajhi Bank
I

:.:::. ...:.
Compare: 5. Names ofhistoric events, historic documents,
and prizes.
: .I live on.l(ing 4qqan ShW, :r:::::\ilorldWdf
Iliveoathatstreg!. :" theNoUet'Pfizes
the Renaissance the Ileclaration of
She went to the air,,port.
theGoldenAgeoflslam Independence
-r- --
3 Sentence Revision
Rewrite the sentences with the proper capitalization. Don't forget to put a period at the
end of your sentences. Follow the example.

Example:
the aswan dam is located in the north of the border between egypt and sudan.
TheAswan Dam is located in the north of the border between Egypt and Sudan.
1. the indian ocean covers 2OVo of the eafih

t we spent one month in china and went to several villages

3. the yangtze river in china is about 1.5 miles across

4. the renaissance comes between pre-scientific and modern times

5. toyota motor ofjapan had many problems in20o9

6. king abdulaziz international airportis north of Jeddah in saudi arabia

7. saudi arabian airlines is the onlv airline in ttre souttr terminal

8. both the winter and the summer olympic games are held only once every four years

4 Error Identification and Correction

Circle each capitalization mistake in the following sentences. Then rewrite each sentence
correcting it. Follow the example.
Examples:
(3h-t stayed at the world hotel by frankfurt international airport.
w
Sami stayed at the World Hotel by FrankfurtlnternationalAirport.
1. There are many famous cities in europe that date back hundreds of years.

2. nasahas discovered five new suns in the milkv wav.

4
3. online courses can be accessed from anywhere.

4. It took ten years and us $650 million to survey sea life in the pacific ocean.

5. Fauzi ahmad, a professor at the university of cairo, was part of a team to map marine life in

the red sea.

6. In 2006 pluto was reclassified as a small planet.

7. jeddah, dammam, and alkhobar are coastal areas.

8. In port alexandria there is a special zone in building 4 used for long-term storage.

Look at these examples illustrating rules 6 to 8.

,:::6.,rshor:tfi0rmrnrun€s.1fuitisls,ud.Wr,onyms l

Initials: ,

{KU=Sng5tglidUnive.nt{ ,. :::: ,,

NCB = the National C_ommercial

lank
KKIA = King Khalid Intemational Airport
i*-rrH;ilcaNl*u"; t" '
:r:: :'lr r:r" :"::' i' ':: :t' r: ""' 'r'l '":t'

Acronym:
LA$8RI:; Light{mplification by,Sirnulated Ertdssion of Radiation
IOPSC rttre,Organizatioaof PeftoleuqtE{podng,Cout&ie's

No&: Wo write somo,important abbrwiations in lower-case letters; or a eornbina&ion of

upper-case (capital) and lower-case.
Examples:

f.8'=forlxamPle
i.e. = that is
 ?. Title* The first word, and all tlre other words in a title except for articles and prepositions,
begnwithacapitalletter. rri::::','
'']:'a.abook:F.ng|i5[fgBusinessandManagement.il,,.'].'].i.],...'
b.anewspapen Gazntte DailyfLt r- ArabNews
S*Oi
c.amagazrne: New
i, r .i:r:'d. Tfure : : ;:: t 't ,' t, .
- anarticte: fvfifranicsofWriting

r,i: f. acourse: ,,:Englislt0l Arabic 101 ,, ,,.,,. ,,, :,:,,. ,ii.: .r:..: ,:,

g. acompany: ,,SQ{,,. .,, ManarContractingCo.

Noti: Course names are capitiilized, but general subjects are not except for languages and
religions,eg. matlrematicsvs.Islarn Mathematics3ll frerrctr:2Ol' r:::' ,: 'rr::: ::r:: ',i'

:'. .. i:: : . 1 t. a:. li

8.
U. Also
Alsocqprtati4q.dqrenanreso{the
cqpitalize.d are names of the daysoftheweek,themonth$oft}rcy9af
days of the week, the monthsof theyear, holidays, and aor
,feStiValS, ,, ,,. :::,,. ,:l::.,.,,,r,,, ,ia:r:. ,111,1. 1r;,,. ,.1;1ri, . rr:..,

, Saturdqy,,$unday,Monday,,I\psday,Iilednesday,Thunday,Fridayr:afr .,,::r: ,,,;, .,,:::., ,..:.. .,:.

Jangary, Febnrary, March, April, May, June, JulyrAu$rsq,Sq{*qrbgr,rQcgqbq[ :.:i:: .:].

Novem@Decernber -,

5 Making Acronyms
Make an acronym from the following terms. Follow the example.
Example: National Aeronautics and Space Administration = NASA

1. ScholasticAchievementTest=
2. Joint Photographic Experts Group -
3. PersonalldentificationNumber=
4. Acquiredlmmune Deficiency Syndrome =
5. DiskOperatingSystem=
6. Self-MonitoringAnalysis and Reporting Technology = _
7. Subscriber Identification Module =
8. united Nations Educational, Scientific and cultural oreanization =
8 Paragraph Revision
Below is a short paragraph. Rewrite the paragraph on the lines provided with the
ny words necessary.

is in need of additional titfir"require more sales

is informatio@O U.fore my meeting with
staff will be hired,fwhen will the new staff be
new staff be paidTrvho will supervise the new staff
rassistance .

Part 3: Articles
An article is a word that helps to identify a noun. There are two kinds of articles. One is called a
definite article and the other is called an indefinite article. Some nouns do not use any articles.
This situation is calledzero article.
A.Indefinite articles: a and an
B. Definite article: the
C.Zero article: no article is necessary
1. IndefiniteArticles: alan

Articles Examples

T indefinite articles (dan) are used:

- to refer to something for the frst time: Jana said that she has a headache.
Kahlid bought a new car yesterday.
I have an appointment at 9:00am.
He wants to eat an orange.
 Articles Examples

- a is used before consonants (b, c, d, f, g, a computer, a library, a znbra,a horn

h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z):

- an is used before vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, q[ elephant, an i-sland, an egg, an q[ple,

u): anumbrella,anopinion "' '

Notes:
1". Some consonants are pronCIunced like an honour, an hour, an X-ray
vowel sorrnd, and so an isrused:
a
2. Some vowels are pronounced like a
consonaRt sound: a unit, a uniform

9 niff in each blank with either a or an. The first three are done for you as examples.

1. I saw a zebrain a zoo once.

2. She had an egg and __cD_ glass ofjuice for 1 snack.
3. I need {^,\ envelope so I can mail -. letter.
4. Razanhasthehabitofdrinking : cupofcoffeebefore writing_exam.
5. We went on A. vacation last year and stayed in cabin near \ river.
6- I met
-
or business conference last week.
Australian man at
^.*
7. Salwareceived o..,., emailfrom r friendshehadnotseenin longtime.
8. I saw --^5- otter playing in =. pond at r wildlife park.-
9. My friend and I would like to go on eq European tournextyear.
10. My cousin lives in _ar\_ urban area, but I live in s rural one.
2.The Definite Article the
Explana{oll Exarples
The de8sibiqr{cle (the) is used:

1) when we want to refer to sornething I want to buy a comput€r. However, Th computer

which has akeady been mentioned: I saw yesterday was too expensive.
She made a cake. Ihe cake was delicious.

l0
 Explanation Examples
2) when both the writs.',aad the read .err
Where is theriestoom? It's dorrnstairs.
know what is being talked about Can I have the car today? Sure, I can take the I

bus.

3) when we want to refer to objects the Sun, the world, the planers :

that are one of a kind:

4) before superlatives and some the highest mountain, the last chapter, the first
otheradjectives: page

5) before adjectives that refer to a the elderly, llhe Chinese

group ofpeople

O befoie the names of, tndies of the Atlantic, the Amazon, the Dead Sea,
water, groups of islands, and the Philippine Islands, the Himalayas, the Sahara
specific geognphic ar-eas like
mQwFinranges;@:deserts'',,,,,
7) befure periods of tiarc: the nineties (1990- I 999), the Middle Ages

L0 fiff in each blank with a, an, or the. Or leave it blank if no article is necessary. Remember
to use capital letters where necessary. The first one is done for you as an example.
1. The Sun is a star, butthe Earth is a planet. ,
2. 97a- EtropeanRenaissanceoccurredbetween 14.^- 14'na16 '[ +-l'Ufrcenturies.
3. n highestpointn *b worldis *r. mountainin +{4 Himalayascalled dL--
MountEverest.
4. There is .r desert in NorthAfrica called llc. Sahara. It is so large that it is almost as
big as >-/,-','-- rJnited States.
5. I enjoy visiting \t4'--r shops in the downtown area of l4ity.
6. '*- 6ptop is a -rexpensive computer, but it is small and easy to carry around.
7. last time we went to _ Indian restaurant, we had delicious curry dish.
8. -She is volunteer. She helps to serve meals to poor.
9. meeting you want is down long hallway and in - first room on
right -
_
10. - - called
car that Nassir wants uses both petrol and electricity. It's hybrid car.

- 11
 3. The ZeroArticle
Explanation Examples

We do not use any articles when:

1) wereferto plural and uncountable
nouns in general terms.

Plural nouns When children reach the age of hve they start
school.
Cats can be good pets.
Sheep are raised in the mountains.

Uncountable nouns Water is not often found in the desert.

Rice is grown inAsia.
Energr is produced by the sun.

2) we are using f,rxed expressions I finish working at noon.

with certain prepositions. I'll go by taxi.
He's in bed sick.
He got into trouble yesterday.
Note:
When we want to refer specific The children were very tired after playing all day.
plural and uncountable nouns we The water here is good to drink.
use the article the. The education she received was excellent.

11 niU in the blanks. Sometimes you must use the, and sometimes no
article is necessary.
Remember to use capital letters where necessary. The first one is done for you as an
example.
Caution: sometimes either the or no article can be used, but one will be more common.
So use that one.

1. I usually like cake. Howe u"r. . h cake we had last night was too sweet.
2. Fahd keeps fish in a tank. fish he has are called angelfish.
3. - of
Monday is my favourite day fuweek.
4. Sami went to - work by taxi today because he woke up late.
5. work that Jana does atfiZ_library is easy.

t2 -
 6. _manager will call you back this afternoon. He's at lunch right now

7. He's at-home now, butwill be in-officeby 9.00am.

8. (P/p)et dogs are not allowed on bus. -

9. She was born in United States, but she lives in now.

10. - (P/p)aper was invented by - Chinese in 105 AD.

-Australia
-
l2fillin- - (4, gn, the, or zero-article). Remember to use
with the correct article
each blank
capital letters where necessary. The first one is done for you as an example.

1. I am taking an economics course. I read a chapter of my economics textbook every night.

However, the chapter I read last night was very technical, so I will read it again
tonight. I enjoy --- economics, but sometimes it is difficult to understand.
-
2. Aishagot \ newjob. fil-.*iobshehadbeforewasin q. bookstore.Aisha's
new job is in q. library. She helps ___-._ people find _ books that they need.

3. Samiwentto \ movie-Tuesdayevening.-moviehe sawwas \. comedy.

4. All:staffhadgatheredin \t-conferenceroom. -t _.=leadingmanagerhad au,
announcementto make.

5. (R/r)ivers carry fresh water into&F-- oceans.

6. I have _ early class on _ Wednesdays. _ class begins at 8.00am, but it is
only class I have on _ Wednesdays.
-
7 . Gohar lives in _ small city. _ city he lives in has only 1,000 inhabitants. Even
though itis _ small city, itis importantbecause_people who live there grow alot
of_ dates.

8. 'man on _ corner sells _ eggs. He has _ chicken farm just outside _ city.

9. I enjoyed watching _ football. _ _

game I saw last night was exciting. It was
exciting game because _ winners became _ national champions.

10. Khadr likes to exercise. exercise he enjoys most is hiking.

- -
o 13
UNIT 2
Sentence Structure
Part 1: Parts of a Sentence
A sentence is a group of words consisting of at least one subject and one verb. A sentence expresses
acompletethought.
Examples:

Subject Verb

1. Fahd(noun) studies hard (adverb).

2. I (pronoun) sfidy science (noun).
:3. FahdandSami s0rdy everyevening (phrase)
,4. Studying(gerund) b work (noun).

A sentence may also contain an object and/or other information.

Examples:

i: ii,. t:: , .'

Subject Verb Obiect Otherinformation

1. Fahd snrdies Brdistt at King Khalid Unirrersrty.

(prepositional phrase)
2. Myfa&er, buys tbe Arab News every day (aoverb).
3. Walking(gerund) b healthy.

Notes:
1. The subject can be a noun, pronoun, or verbal noun (gerund). It tells who or what is being talked
about. In English, the subject is always expressed, except in a command, an imperative, where
it is understood that the subject is you.

Examples:
1. Doyourhomework.
2. Revise your books.

t4 a
2. The main verb often expresses the action (that the subject does):
study do test email rePlY

However, a verb doesn't always express an action. Sometimes it links the subject with the rest of
the sentence, is a linking verb.

Examples:

1. Writingisdiffrcult.
2. It looks easy.
3. It feels hot.

The mostcommonlinking verbs are:

be, become, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, and taste.

3. The subjectmaybeacompoundone:
FahdandAhmad study.

4. The verb also may be a compound one:

Istudyandwork.
5. The object and/or other information (i.e. complementary information - a complement) may

be a noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, or a combination of two or more of these:

a. I study English. (noun)
b. I don'tunderstandhim. (pronoun)
c. English is important. (adjective)
d. She works hard. (adverb)
6. A complement may also be a noun phrase, a verb phrase, or a prepositional phrase.
a. Adam owns his own house. (noun ptrase)
b. He wants to get married. (verb phrase)
c. She studies in the library. (prepositionalphrase)

7 . A complement may also be a combination of two or more of these (listed in #6):

a. She studies business at London University. (noun + prepositional phrase)

b. He wants to get married soon. (verb phrase + adverb)

t l5
Exercises
1 Making Sentences
Use each set ofinformation to form a present-tense sentence. Verbs appear in their root
form. Use capital letters and add punctuation as necessary. Follow the example.
Example:
aisha - study - chemistry
Aisha studies chemistrv.

1. salman - be - a broadcast journalist

2. they - be - medical professionals

3. khalid- play- golfonthursdays

4. sami - be - aparimedic

5. uday and Bejab - be - construction workers

6. manal-be-adentist

.7. ahmad - be - alecturer

8. they - work together

Part 2: Prepositions of Place

1. A preposition is a word that connects nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other words in a
sentence. When a preposition inffoduces a phrase, it is called a prepositional phrase.
Examnles of prepositions: in on at from to with
WithaBronoun: withme
.. .a noun: in London
...a@: on the corner

l6 .a
 2. Generally:
...we use in to talk about an enclosed space.
...we use at to talk about a specific point.
...we use on to talk about the surface of something.
Examples:
1. He works in London.
2.lamatwork.
3. Meet me on the corner of Hamad Street and Omar Street.
3. Please note the following standard expressions:
on a bus, on a train, on the floor, on
a bicycle, at university, at school, at prayer, at the door,
in a boat, in the sky, in the newspaper
4. Study the following examples:
1. Khalid has a meeting in Jeddah.
2. I will wait for you at the bus stop.
3. Please look at the top of the page.

5. The object of a preposition is the noun or pronoun that comes after it.

Examples: The object is:

1. Khalidhas ameetinginJeddah. Jeddah
2. I will wait for you at the bus stop. the bus stop
3.Pleaselookatyourbook yourbook

2 Fill in the Blanks

Fill in each blank with the most appropriate preposition and write the object of each
preposition on the line provided. Follow the example.
Example:
We have high-speed internet connection at home. home
1. There were a lot of people _ the party.
2. He was _ hospital for two weeks after the accident.
3. You can mail these letters _ the post office.
4. The children were playing football _ the street.
5. Our tickets were for seats _ the front row.
6. My house is _the end of the street.
7. I stood _ a queue for half an hour to buy bus tickets.
8. I'm not hungry. I ate _ the train.

O. l7
3 Connecting with Prepositions
Using an appropriate preposition, connect each set of extra information in brackets to the
accompanying sentence from Exercise 1. Follow the example.
Example:
Aisha studies chemisbry. 6ing Khalid University)
Aisha studies chemistry at King Khalid University.
1. Salman is a broadcast journalist. (Al Jazera)

?. They are medical professionals. (King Faisal Hospital)

-/J:I
tFfnafidplays golf. (Golf Course)
4. Samiis a

5. Uday and Bejab are construction workers. (Maddinah)

6. Manalis adentist(theuniversity)

7 . Ahmad is a lecturer. (a pharmaceutical company)

8. They worktogether. (the sales department)

''
These ar€ not
':] ',..li.
sentences: : ,. . i, ::

1. Is an English teacher. (Ihere is no subject.) ' ','. '

, 2..sheinKuwaitUniversity.(lhereisnoverb') :.: ' :: : '

,

3. She studied
Ttris is usually not considered a complete thought although you may hear it said:as a short
conversational answer to a question.
Q. What did she do on the weekend?
A. She studied.
The remainder of the sentence is assumed and not repeated . ',

A. She studied on the weekertd.

18
D
4 Error Identification and Correction
Rewrite each of the following statements as a complete and grammatically-correct sentence.
Follow the example.
Example:
My company it is selling electronics.
My company sells electronics.
1. I'mthebusinessperson.

I,tn a ' flxe'?sfesea"-'

2. Myworkitis interesting.
A- ,worb i< iAetc ' t^g '
3. Works Sami late every night.

lani t^/ork5 l-te eVeaY bi?Lvt,

4. Mai never arrive late for work.
Ndrl ley'o
5. Don'tknowhim.
abt
Company famous by the quality products.
,ffi
7. Myofficeisclosefrommyhome.
t[y tIf iLe i

8. Business slow this vear.

orf i,*&19\ s oV l^lS 7 e.o,r '

Part 3: Kinds of Sentences

There are fourkinds of sentences inEnglish:

1. simple sentences 2. compound sentences

3. complex sentences 4. compound complex sentences

t9
 1. Simple Sentences
A. What is a simple sentence?
A simple sentence has one subject and one verb. The subject expresses who or what
did something. The verb expresses the action (orcondition).
Examples:

Subject Verb Notes:

L. The subject in a simple sentence may be
1. I study.
compound: Ahmad and Khalid
2. I study and work.
2.T\everb in asimple sentencemay also
3. Ahmad works.
be compound: study and work.
4. AhmadandKhalid work.
3. "Phone the @mpany." is also a complete
5. She is studying.
6. The students are writine. sentence. The subjectp is understood
in imperative (ordering) sentences, but it
is neither said nor spoken.

A sentence may also have a complement. The complement completes the meaning of the verb and/
or adds more information to the sentence. A complement in a simple sentence may be:

l. a noun, pronoun, adjective, or adverb:

Examples:

Subject Verb Complement

a. I write letters (noun)
b. He likes him. (pronoun)
c. She is friendly. (adjective)
d" They are studying now. (adverb)

2. a noun phrase, a verb phrase, or a prepositional phrase:

Examples:

a. He owns his own business. (noun phrase)

b. She wants to study medicine. (verb phrase)
c. They are meeting in the conference room. (prcpositional phrase)

20
 3. acombination:
Examples:

I a. He studies business atTabukUniversity. (noun+prepositio-nalphrase)

. b. He wants to meet them soon. (verb phrase + adverb)
B. Subject-Verb Agreement
In a sentence, the verb must agree in number with its subject. This means that:
l) if the subject is singular (SS) or uncountable (US), the verb must take the singular form (SV).
Examples:

ss w
a, IuqS:,,, m$g;phone callg,iq, ft e aft9ry9gp,
h She
@ptronel .,4 tfre afteta&n.
He isthemanager.
I,, have acoffee break at about9.ffiam.
is]n&l"rlend i:li;:;l:l.ll ;.';:::;,';a::::,;,,

am an assistantto the departnenthead.

2) if the subject is plural (PS), the verb must take the plural form (PV).
Examples:

PS PY

5 Making Simple Present-Tense Sentences

Use the information to make simple present-tense sentences. Verbs given are in their
root form. Pay attention to word order, and remember to use capital letters and periods
where necessary. Follow the example.
Example:
our staff - usually - once amonth - meet
Our staffusually meet once a month.
1. I - don't un{erstand - the problem - think - Sami
*, | *Uwl. 9r+r**i vr-le't9far-
2. Khalid- hisnewjob- start- nextmonth
VL ^r;d <' iy I g, l^) + u. - \ "\ or-elt *"*tL-
2l
 3. our District Manager - usually - each branch - visit - once a month
6uv D a9+viCt ln|"n,n".o1€r vttl^4;f} disf l-5 e^(1*bt^*LL ct t*c--€ .t
4. never- amistake - make
she -
5V yga t,.,-e'lz e4 cs* u*t frlr"Le .
^n
5. our - new - be - office hours - 8.00am to 6.00pm
o;.rs t-a.w a,l! lr € L\awtg r^v € . .,^^ X. L^o *+&. [a ( -,.o 6[>p^
6. that - risky - too - sound
1-l"-a.t' er'r*,*l> L.o YigkY .

7. the construction - be - of the - building - new - on schedule

.

8. Abdulrazaq - check - himself - all - the invoices

.s i^r'*f eJ/ .

2 Compound Sentences with And, But, So, and Or

A compound sentence consists of two simple sentences joined together by a comma and one of the
seven coordinating conjunctions and, but, so, or, for, nor, and yet. In this unit you will learn about
the hrstfour.

Look at these examples.

1. Use and to join sentences that are alike; it shows 'adding on'.
a. I get up at 6.30. I have breakfast at 7.
b. I getupat6.30, st at7.
, c. He makes the lis for the sales department. He sometimes buys
them, too.
d" He makes the list of stationery for the sales department items, and he sometimes
buys them, too.

Note: the subject (I in a above and He in g) is often repeated in the second sentence, as
above, but sometimes it is not. In the laffer case it is not necessary to put a comma
before the and.

))
 2. Use but to join sentences that are opposite or show contrast; it has the same meaning as
howeYer, on the other hand.
She phoned the customer. He didn't reply.
She phoned the customero but he didn'treply.
They talkd,'to ttre customei, I& was still unhappy.
They talked to the customer, but he was still unhappy.

3. Use so to join sentences when the sryond sentence expresses the result,of something in
the first sentence. It shows logical consequence; it has the same meaning as a result,
therefore.
a. The lntemet was down. He couldn't check his email.
b. The Internet was down, so he couldn't check his email.
4. Use or to join sentences that give choices or alternatives.
::,11r,,1a,,,
. Do yoq w@ to pay with cash? llllould you iath€rpay on credit?, ,

l.:l.'.t:li11:il;1ba.1.. Do youl to pay cash, or wcitild you on creaitf

r'
,,.,,,
"@,0;y
Notes:
1. Don't
Use a comma before the coordinating coniunction in compound sentences only.
use a comma when joining compound elements in simple sentences. Examples:
a. I phoned the customer but the phone was engaged.
b. Would you like tea or coffee?
2. Commas are sornetimes omitted in short compound sentences. Exarnples:
shout€d ror heln o:1".Y{ trearj tr1m.
:. T: a pen but she could not find one.
b. She wanted

6 Fill in the Blanks

Fill in each blank with the most appropriate coordinating conjunction and place a comma-
if necessary - in the proper position in the sentence. Follow the example.
Example:
Khalid was on a business trip, so Sami went to meet the client.

1. You can study now _ you can study tonight.

2. Gohar went to the office Fahd went to the sales meeting.
3. I left Jana a message _Aisha called me back.
-
23
 o'
4. The weather was bad the airport was closed.
5. I need a new computer-iyl don't have enough money.
6. now o, does he wantto have dinnerlater?
Does he want to have dinner
7. She wants to go to university Dhe doesn't know what she wants to study.
au

8. Ahmad drove home _ Majed took a taxi to the airport.

H.,u
7 Joining Sentences with Conjunctions
Join the two sentences with an appropriate coordinating conjunction. Follow the example.
Example:
Husam exercises at 6.00am. Husam is in the oflice by 7.30am.
Husam exercises at 6.00am-and is in the office by 7.30am.
1. They werelate. They took ataxi.

2. She tried to find the error. There was too much data.

3. Lama could study marketing. Lama could study economics.

4. My sister works full-time in a bank. My sister works part-time in a lawyer's office.

5. The CEO could not make it to the meeting. The manager held a conference call in order to
includehim.

6. I can take overtime pay. I can take a two-day vacation instead.

7. Nahla called the manager. His assistant answered the phone.

8. I ordered several replacement parts. They never arrived.

24
3 Complex Sentences
A complex sentence has an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses. A
complex sentence always has a subordinator such as because, since, after, before, although,
even though, as, while, as soon as, or when or a relative pronoun such as that, who, or which.
Look at these examples.

Dependent clause Independent clause

1. When we finished the meeting, it was 5 o'clock.
2. While she was Sending faxes, the manager chatted with his staff

Independent clause Denendent clause

3. He went home after he had finished the interview.
4. They didn't hire her because she didn't have any work experience.
5. I met the man from sales who can speak five languages.

Notes:
1. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.
2. A dependent clause doesn't express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.
3. c
The word that begins a dependent clause is . In the
examples youhavejustread, the subordinati after,
because, andwho.
4. Use a comma at the end of the dependent clause when a complex sentence begins with a
subordinator as in #I and#2.
5. When the independent clause begins the sentence with the subordinators following it, as in
#3,#4,and#5,no comma is required.

8 Making Complex Sentences (1)

Fill in each blank with an appropriate subordinating conjunction, and add a comma where
necessary. Follow the example.
Example:
Although the recession is over, many businesses have not financially recovered.
l. Hequithisjob itpaidwell.
2. the CEO is out of town, the CFO is in charge.
3. it sounds like a good plan, I think it's risky.
4. That'sthecompany wentbankrupttwoyearsago.
5. the merger, sales have increased by 2OVo.

25
 6.WeneedtoverifythosenumberS-wereleasethereport.
7. he was negotiating the deal, the company was looking for another buyer.
8. They found the man _ had broken through the company's lnternet securiry measures.

9 Making Complex Sentences (2)

Join the sentences in each pair to form two complex sentences. In the first sentence, put
the independent clause first, and in the second, put the dependent clause first. Use an
appropriate subordinating conjunction and put a comma in the correct place in the sentence
when necessary. Use a pronoun in the second clause to avoid potentially tiresome repetition.
Follow the examples.
Examples:
Salman left Sami a message. He forgot to leave his telephone number.
When Salman left Sami a message, he forgot to leave his telephone number. OR
Salman forgot to leave his telephone number when he left Sami a message.
1. Husamfinishedwork. Husam wentto the gym.
OR

2. Manal has a university degree. Manal cannot find a job.

OR

3. We visited the museum. We went to the conference.

OR

4. The building was not well-built. It fell down during the storm.
OR

5. He did not eat breakfast. He was not hungry at lunchtime.

OR

6. She waited for class to beein. She read her textbook.

OR

7. The weather was bad. They decided to stay home.

OR

8. I am going to retire. I want to travel.

OR

26
 ,,tors{t

UNIT 3
Transition Signals

I What are transition signals?

T[ansition signals are words and phrases that connect the idea in one sentence with the idea in
another sentence. They are expressions such as first, second, moreover, however, and in short.
They make the flow between sentences in a paragraph smoother, so the reader does not have
problems understanding the flow of the writer's ideas.

Read the following paragraphs. Which of A or B is easier to understand? Why do you

think so?

ParagraphA

University students want to study something that will help them get a good job.
Many choose to sfudy business. Abusiness degree is valuable for several reasons. Business
students learn how to deal with people. They learn how to manage time. They learn the
latest computer-technology advances. Business students graduate with the skills necessary
to work in any field. It is hard work. A degree in business provides students with what they
needto be successful in life.

ParagraphB

University students want to study something that will help them get a good job. As a
result, many choose to study business. Abusiness degree is valuable for several reasons.
First, business students learn how to deal with people and manage time. In addition, they
learn the latest computer-technology advances. Consequently, business students graduate
with the skills necessary to work in any field. In short. although it is hard work, a degree in
business provides students with what they need to be successful in life.

27
 C^t.i fe Z F f ar-e<)rarf2)a ti X l-^.r sil,,-
Id,-^-.-\o-\e_s s
tz/lt'-"{
\ Ji, q.J.,

Paragraph Comparison
re
Yo- \luf
- Paragraph Alacks flow.
- The ideas in paragraphAdo not seem connected.
- Paragraph B is better organized than paragraphA.
- The main points in paragraph B are easier to identify because transition markers guide the reader.

It is important to use transition signals - and use them correctly - to connect one sentence with
another. The followins is a chart of some of the most conunon transition signals.

2 Common T[ansition Signals

Transition Signals
Usage Sentence connection connection
Connectors coordinating subordinating
to listideas intime frrst, second, etc.,
order or order of frstof all. then.
importance next, after that, finally

to add anotheridea and

to add an opposite on the otherhand. but although,even

ideaorindicate however though
contrast

to add a similar idea similarly, likewise, also and

to give an example for example, for instance

to give a cause for

because, since, as
(or reason)

to give aneffect therefore. thus. SO in order to

(orresult) consequently, as a result

to add a conclusion inbrief. all in all.

indeed, inotherwords,
in short. in the end

28
3 Using coordinators, sentence connectors, and subordinators to combine
sentences

1. Coordinators (coordinating conjunctions) make compound sentences from two independent

clauses. (Also see Unt2.)
Pattern: Independent clause, connector + independent clause
Coordinators: , but
. and
rof
, for

;;:,
. nor
Examples:
A credit card is safer to use, so I pay by credit.
I buy a newspaper every day, but I don't always read it.

2. a. Some sentence connectors can be used with a semicolon (;) to join two independent clauses
into a compound sentence.
Patiern: independent clausel connector, + independent clause
Coordinators: I also (no comma after this one)
; therefore,
; thus,
; consequently
; on the other hand,
; however,
Example:
TV advertising is very effectivel therefore, the company often uses it.

2. b. Some connectors can be used at the beginning of a sentence with a comma only.
Pattern: Connector, + independent clause
Coordinators: Furthermore,
Inaddition,
Likewise,
Moreover.

29
 Also (no comma after this one)
Therefore,
Thus.
Consequently,
Ontheotherhand,
However.
Examples:
1. First, do the necessary research.
2. Second, get to know your competition.
3. Then write a detailed business plan.
4. Next, study the economic environment.
5. Finally, make sure you understand the risks.

Note: Then is usually not followed by a comma.

1 . Subordinaton (subordinating conjunctions) are the flst words in dependent clauses. Adependent
clause must be added to an independent clause to make complex sentences. Remember that
the clauses can be in either order. If the dependent clause is first, put a cornma after it.

Example:
TV advertising is very effective. Therefore, the company often uses it.

3. Other sentence connectors can be used only at the beginning of a sentence and are usually
followed by a comma.
Pattern: Connector, + independent clause
Coordinators: All in all,
In brief.
First,
First of all,
Second,
Third"
Then (no comma afterthis one)
Next.
Finally,
For example, (this one can be used to join two clauses if a comma precedes
and follows it: ..., for exampler...)

30
Examples:
In brief, meetings are important means of communication in business. If you want everyone in
the office to know about a new project, for example, you can call a meeting to disseminate the
information. First, do the necessary research. Second, get to know your competition. Then write
adetailedbusinessplan. Next study theeconomic environment. Finallyrmake sure youunderstand
the risks.

4. Subordinators (subordinating conjunctions) are the first words in dependent clauses. A

dependent clause is not a complete sentence, and it must be added to an independent clause to
make a complete complex sentence. Remember that the clauses can be in either order. If the
dependent clause is flrst. put a comma after it.

Pattern 1: Independent clause + subordinator & dependent clause

subordinators'
:lTlil*.
because
when
Examples:
1. The chair seat was broken although it was new.
2. Cover letters are important because they outline your request in a few words.

Pattern 2: Subordinator & dependent clause, + independent clause

Subordinators: Although
Evenrthough

Because
Examples:
1. Although the chair was new, it was broken.
2. Because he did not study enough, he failed the exam.

31
Exercises
L Underline every transition signal in the following paragraphs.
Companies have a duty to create a safe working environment for their staff. Similarly, workers
have to know andfollow allthe safety rules. Forexample, factory workers mustwearsafety glasses
and safety boots. Likewise, people who work with machinery must not wear loose clothing.
Furthermore, employees must help their follow workers stay safe.
Therefore, all work-related accidents must be reported to the safety officer. Even though we
try our best to avoid them, accidents do happen. However, we can reduce the number of accidents
thatoccurby learning and following all the safetyrules.

2 In the following paragraphs, underline the most appropriate transition signal from the
choices provided. Also capitalize and punctuate where necessary.

1. Many people feel nervous before they write an exam. Some people get so nervous that
they feel sick. These people often get bad headaches, their stomach hurts, (and/so/but) they
start to sweat. (For example/Alt in all,/In addition), they are unable to think clearly. (Similarly/
As a result/Likewise), they often do poorly on exams.

2. (However/lVloreover/Therefore), following a few simple steps can help these people

feel better. (Also/Thus/First), it is important to eat well. This provides the energy needed to
write the exam. (Second/Tinally/For instance), breathe in slowly and deeply through the
nose. (Besides"/Likewise,,flhen) slowly breathe out through the mouth. This will help the
muscles (for/so/and) the mind relax.

3. (On the other hand,/Finally/Since) be prepared (buUand/for) think positively. This will
help create a feeling of confidence. (In brief, /Although/Then) following these simple steps
can reduce nervousness (buUand/so) help many people do better on exams.

4. Last month, ALW Electronics received an order for 500,fi)0 ALV/ laptops. (Likewise/As
a result /Ilowever) we hired 200 more staff. (In additionr/Similarty,/Although) all vacations
are now cancelled. (Because/Even though/flowever), staff will receive extra pay for having
to work eight hours a day. (So/Since/Though) as manager, I would like to thank you for your
hard work. It is (similarly/as a result oflalthough) your efforts thatALW Electronics is the
number-one electronics company in the counffy today.

32
3 Add the appropriate transition signals from each list to the sentences following the tist. In
addition, be sure to capitalize and punctuate each sentence correctly. Use each transition
signal once only.

A. To list ideas in time order or order of importance use: flrrst, after that, second, third,
etc., then, next, finally.

. The following steps will help keep the information

ose a password with four characters and three
passwordto
sign outofy
are away from your desk. tell your manager immediately if you think someone
has used your computer.

2. It can be diffrcult to decide what type of computer to buy. It is often helpful to think
about how you will use a computer. you can consider different computer
functions. What do you need a computer to do? vou should think about cost.
How much money do you want to spend? Taking some time to think about why you want a
computercan help you decide whatkind of computer is bestforyou.

B. : and, furthermore, in addition, moreover, also.

l.I are high in fat and sugar, an hour of exercise everyday is

lose weieht.

2. The storm lasted for many days. It caused severe flooding. several thousand
people were without power for over a week.
3. Last month, the closed down. Nbf Sami has not been
able to find a ne t PaY his rent.
hn,gy€ oVaf
C. To add an opposite idea use: but, however, on the other hand.

l. Some people enjoy working in a factory others find the work too difhcult.

2. Weekly meetings canbe very useful. sometimes they can be a waste of time.

3. Abdulrazaq was not promoted this year. he is happy in hisjob and receives a
verygoodsalary.

33
 D. To add similar ideas use: and, also, similarly.

1. Companfes want to hire people who can communicate well. This includes writing, speaking,
c{" {i listening skills. Employers "" ' i<, need staff withgoodcomputer
skills.
2. It can be difficult to get into medical school. ' , ..- it can also be difficult to get into
dental school.

E. To give an example use: for example, for instance.

l. Sometimes unsafe products are sold to consumers. last year more than two
million cars had mechanical problems. These problems caused several deaths.
2. Our employees receive very good benefits. all staff get three weeks of paid
vacation, health-care insurance, and are paid for working overtime.

R To give a cause or reason use: for, since, because, as.

1. Thelnternetisnotworking 5e oftechnicalproblems.
2. S the company does not have a lunchroom, staff are often late coming back
fromlunch.
3. *---4- we are a private organization, we do not qualify for the special government-
fundingprogram.
D
4. The CEO wants the report finished by this evening. He needs it tCr- thepresentation
he is giving in the morning.

G To give an effect or result use: so, therefore, consequently.

I am writing about your application for the sales-management position. This position
requires an MBA. i-tM v we are not able to offer you an interview at this time. We do
haveseveraljobsavailableinourresearchdepartment.'r^r Ihavethereforegiven
your application to our human resources deparfinent '1c, that you may be considered.
Thank you for your irfterest in our company.

34
H. To add a conclusion use: in short, in brief, in the end, in other words.

1. Some staffhave not been paid for all of the hours they have worked. We do not have a record
ofthese hours. remember to record the number of hours vou work and
submit the form to this office so that you can be paid on time.

2. It is not legal to park on the street. Some staffhave received parking tickets from the city. We
have parking for employees behind the building. please park in the employee
parking lotor you will get aparking ticket.

3. District managers discussed a new company regulation during a meeting held last week. Some
managers felt the regulation was unnecessary. But 7 UVo of the district manasers
voted for the new company regulation.

4. Sometimes many workers want to take the same days off for vacation. Some people may not
be able to take vacation if too many workers want the same days off. Only two people can
have the same days off. all requests forvacation mustbe given to yourmanager
so that everyone can be sure to eet their vacation.

35
UNIT 4
Writing an Effective Paragraph
Part 1: What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences usually dealing with one main idea or topic.

Read the following example paragraph.

1i" Y-1Q
The president of Franklin Motors, Mr. Samuel Grant, was in River Bend
today to announce the opening of anew eldctric automobile factory. The factory will
produce about 150,000 electric vehicles ayeal Moreover, Franklin Motors has hired
nearly 1,000 workers. It is now the largest employer in the region. Mr. Grant spoke to a
large crowd at the opening ceremony. He said that driving an electric vehicle is one way
car-owners can help protect the environment. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests
wenton atour of the new facilitv.

Notes:
1.. The paragraph is about the opening of an electric automobile factory in River Bend.
2. T\ef,rst line of the paragraph is indented. The first word of line I of the paragraph
begins with one or two centimeters from the left-hand margin of the page.
3. There are seven sentences in this paragraph.
4. All the sentences point to or support the topic sentence, which - as often happens - is
the fnst sentence ofthe paragraph.
5. All the sentences and ideas in the paragraph flow smoothly together in a logical
progtession.
6. Transition words are sometimes used to help the ideas in the sentences flow.
7. There is a period at the end of each sentence. The fnst word of each sentence begins
with a capital letter.

36
Exercises
1 The following sets of sentences are about why email sometimes does not get delivered.
Rewrite the sentences in each set as one paragraph, making sure all the sentences are in
the correct order. When you are flrnished, you will have a four-paragraph passage.

The botd-faced sentence in each set is the topic sentence, and it should appear as the first
sentence in the paragraph.

Underline all the transition words.

Write title for the entire passage that is appropriate to the content. (A title can be seen
a
as a summary - in a few words - of the passage.)

(tirle)

1,. Email is a very popular way to send and receive information.

S a. Whydoesthisnon-deliveryhappen?
y b. Moreover, we don't always get a notice that an email sent was not delivered.
/'t c. Sometimes,however,itdoesnot.
e d" Mostpeoplethinkemailalways getsdelivered.
\ e. It is used for both personal and business communication.

Email is a very popular way to send and receive information.

2. The main reason emails do not get delivered is because your Internet Service Provider
(ISP) is trying to protect you from getting email you don't want to receive.

u.s To pr"nent the spread of spam, ISPs block and delete certain emails.
C b. Howisthisdone?
Ji. c. They can spread computer viruses and cause your ISP to become too busy.
r d. This kind of email is called spam.

u.r e. Dishonestpeople sendmillions

of spamemails daily.

37
 The main reason emails do not get delivered is because your Internet Service Provider
(ISP) is trying to protect you from getting email you don't want to receive.

3. ISPs use filters to identify spam.

?
\. a.F Therefore, the words and phrases used in an email could also be the reason why it is not
e delivered.

A I b. Thesefilterslookforcertainpatterns.
C q c. Sometimes how and whatyou say in anemailmakes itappeartobe spam.
f 3 d" A simple typing mistake in an email address could cause an ISP to classi$r the email as
q spam.

Ze. In addition, spam filers look at email content.

5' f. Email from an email address that looks like it spams will not be delivered, and a notice that

ISPs use filters to identify spam.

4. rn short, email identifred as spam byyour rsP will not be delivered.

7ra.
/
Also check the content of your email for words and phrases that might be considered
spam by your ISP.

{ b. Furthermore, you may not receive a notice that the email was not delivered, or you may
get a notice that your ability to email from that address has been (temporarily) suspended.

2 c. So to prevent your email from being identified as spam, fust make sure there are no
mistakes in the email address.

38
 In short, email identified as spam byyourlSPwill notbe delivered.

Use the information in the table to help you write a paragraph. The topic sentence has
been provided. Add any words (e.g. articles, prepositions, pronouns) and make ahy
grammatical changes (e.g. verb form/tense) necessary to have complete and correct
sentences. Remember to use appropriate punctuation and proper capitalization.
Use the transition words from the table to help make paragraph's sentences flow from one
to the next.
Topic sentence: Advertising is a useful tool.
::::..ri . ri::lia:::: :::a::i.'

,
Sentence Content

.:ffi:[i. :.rlii:1ll , t r ,,iitlt,:: .ilai:li::, :ii:ll]:i:r . rii::rii:,:

.:r1',2. ,...'., can helflinform consunerVabout your product

al
J. good advertising/requireVgood planning howeve{
...::4..::.::::
*..at,rcpgtoag .6 ve*ing'Earr'r',,]:' , r:lir:::: r,::tll,

,,,.5. ,,,,., knodwho will/buy the product first

.,]]l:l:. ,
,..,
l::ilr,"i

6. decide/best method of advertising second

,:.,.,,:7. a:,::
will it bdonline/radio/tebvisior/pnnt 6L and;l:or
,:r'., 8. ,r,:;;r: need to plar/advertising budget n9{t ,,:r,,

9. how much money/want to spend and

',r.1o. rl'.l,' you canldevelop advertising plan aftertliat
:,lil. tti:1tj.
qlqqsagg' must a@ct/people that you want to,!.uy
yourproduct
:4,r2. ....':a.a:..

rnust e.ricourage ttrixr/$ prOductlry to niiike Blem :,'

,,o4altb :::r::i,

::i:.t.:. .,:,:ll::, faithfi.r] custome,rs :,:l:l:r: .:r::::.. :,,::t ,

l3 becreativeibe honest finally, but also

.. rit.r' ..ttt:.
.:,]14. .,...'.
dishonest advertising/can only damage you/your :iiid,',,i.::..,;.1111.

;1,11 :.. . ,r11;11;1, company

39
 Advertising is a useful tool.

3 The following paragraph contains ten errors. On the lines provided, rewrite the paragraph
correcting the mistakes.

-) Not everyone defines good communication the same way. Therefore, most people can agree on the
few basic guidelines. e idea of the meaning of good communication is clarity. This means using

don't intemrpt the speaker. Wait until they are finished talking before asking questions. Finally
although you might not agree with the speakers'opinion, do not criticise. Instead, let it be know-n
that you understand what they have said but you have a different point of view.

40
Part 2: Topic Sentens & N4ain-Idea Sentens
The topic sentence is usually, although not always, the first sentence of a paragraph. It is the most
important sentencebecause ittells the readerwhatthe paragraph is about andhow the topic willbe
discussed. The topic sentence contains the topic, and it often also contains the main idea of a
paragraph. The topic of aparagraph is usually just a few words. The main idea of a sentence is
usually aphrase thatcanbe expressed as a sentence andinforms the readerwhatwillbe said about
the topic. The topic sentence controls all the other sentences in a paragraph. All the sentences that
follow the topic sentence explain the main idea and should flow in a logical order.

4 Read each of these paragraphs carefully. Decide on and write down the topic and main-
idea sentence of each on the lines provided.

1. It is during sleep that our body produces proteins and chemicals that help to repair our muscles
and nerves. On the other hand, a lack of sleep can cause depression, an inability to make decisions
andthinkclearly, andrememberthings.Allin all, getting a suffrcientamountof sleep every dayis
necessary in orderto avoid serious healthproblems.

Topic:

Main-idea sentence:

2. Cellphones shouldberecycledorreusedtoprotecttheenvironmentfromthehamfirlchemicals,
plastics, and metals that they are made of. These materials are so harmful that they can damage the
nerves and reproductive systems of animals and humans. They can even cause cancer. When cell
phones are recycled, they are taken apart and the different materials separated, processed, and
used again to make other products. Cell phones can also be reused. Some companies will repair
and restore old cell phones and donate or sell them cheaply to people in developing countries.

Topic:

Main idea sentence:

4l
 3. These days many people travel abroad to get an education. Although it's not for everyone,
there are several advantages to studying in a foreign country. First, it can be a good opportunity to
learn and use a foreign language. Second, it allows people to experience and participate in a
different culture. In addition, living and studying in a foreign country helps people develop a better
understanding of the world around them. Finally, many people develop social relationships that
benefit them in their business careers. Indeed, studying abroad has academic, social, personal, and
business advantages that otherwise might not be available at home.

Topic:

Main-idea sentence:

Part 3: Irrelevant Sentences

5 Read the following paragraphs. Find one sentence in each paragraph that does not belong,
and cross it out.

1. Getting regular eye examinations is important. However, it is particularly important for children
to get their eyes checked on a regular basis. Doctors who speciahze rneye diseases and vision
problems suggest that children get their first detailed eye exam at the age of six months. A child's
next exam should be done at the age ofthree, then at the age offive, and then every two years after
that. Many children are afraid of visiting the doctor. This examination schedule allows doctors to
identify and ffeat eye diseases and vision problems early. Certain eye conditions can interfere with
a child's ability to read or identify colours. Such problems can delay a child's learning as well as

their ability to keep upwith otherchildren within their age group.

2. A recent survey oflnternet users found thatS3%o ofteenagers between the ages of 13 and 17
are members of online social-networking sites. In addition, 74Vo of yortng adults between 18 and
29 years of age belong to such sites. Online social-networking sites are used to correspond and
share information with others. This can include friends and family as well as complete strangers.
However, the information that people share on these sites is often not secure. Many people like to
share pictures. This means thatpeople are atriskof identity theft and otheronline criminal activity.
On the other hand, these security problems can be avoided simply by following the security guidelines
available on each site.

42
3. Although improved technology is making the electric car less expensive, many problems must
still be solved before such cars can be practical for common use. One problem is power-source
availability. There is a lack of facilities at which to recharge the batteries. Another problem is that
electric cars are not as powerful as cars powered by petrol. Therefore, they are not allowed on
some highways because they cannot accelerate fast enough to pass other vehicles, or climb steep
hills. In addition, the batteries for electric weigh up to 1 ,000 pounds. Elecfric cars can only
ca.rs can

travel about 100 miles on a single charge. This makes electric cars very heavy and causes the
battery to drain quickly.

4. Many people know the advantages of using a credit card. However, few people know that
there are also disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage of using a credit card is spending money
that you do not have. Credit cards are easy and convenient to use. When a person uses a credit
cardtobuy somethingthey areborrowingmoney fromthebank.Attheendof the month, thebank
sends abill.If thecustomerdoes notorcannotpaythefull amountof thebill, they willbe charged
ahigh rate of interest on the balance. This interestrate can be2l%o or more. This situation can
quickly cause a person to go into debt. In short, many people who pay for items by credit card
spendmore money than they earn. As aresult, they endup owing the bank alotof money because
they must pay ahigh rate of interest on the money they owe.

Rewrite the following short paragraphs correcting the mistakes.

Rememberto:
- indenteachparagraph
- use capital letters where necessary
- use periods, commas, and any other necessary punctutation :

- also, underline the topic

Suggestion:
Before you begin a paragraph, read it through and try to decide where sentences begin
andend.

1.
although not everyone has the chance to do it working in a family owned business can provide many
advantages families share common values so they often have the same beliefs on how things should
be done strong family relationships give the company an advantage over other types of businesses
family members are loyal to each other as well as the business keeping the business

43
 going is important to everyone in addition family-run businesses benefit from the knowledge and
experience passed on by the older generation as well as new ideas, methods, and knowledge of
technology introduced by the younger generation

2.
dfficult times however a family-run business can experience
most businesses occasionally experience
challenges otherbusinesses do notin afamily-run business itcan sometimes be difficultto separate
family problems from business problems for example it is often hard to forget about business problems
during family events in addition it is not easy to keep family problems from interfering with the day-
to-day operation of the business frrthermore it may be difficult to convince members of the younger
generation to join the company this lattermost point is often the reason that a family-run business
eventually fails.

44
7 Read the sentences in each group. Most of the sentences refer to a common topic. Some
do not.

Find the sentence that contains the main idea and underline it.
-
Then mark with a tick the sentences which support that main idea and refer to the
-
common topic, i.e. the relevant sentences.
Cross out the sentences which are irrelevant.
-
Number the relevant sentences in the order they should appear in a paragraph.
-
After that, write the ticked sentences as a short paragraph, putting the sentences in
-
the numerical orderyou gave them.
Remember to indent your paragraph and start it with the main-idea sentence.
-
1.

These days, credit card companies want to get as many new customers as possible.

Finally, a lost or stolen card can be canceled immediately.

Furthermore, a credit card that can be used internationally reduces the need to exchange money
when travelling in foreign counties.

However, it is best not to use your credit card if you don't have the money in your bank account.
It means that you do not have to a carry large amount of cash with you when shopping.
In addition, using a credit card offers many other advantages.
Using a creditcardto buy things has become a convenienthabitformany people.
This stops illegal purchases from being added to your account.

45
 2.
In short, the basis of a good relationship is honesty.
On the other hand, not many people can be trusted.

Honesty is defined as being truttrful and sincere.

Therefore, honesty provides a basis for trust.
when we do notrespect someone we will not wantto spend time with them.
Moreover, people who lie cannot be trusted.
Very few other characteristics are as important as honesty.

Itmeans notlying ortying to deceive.

Many people considerhonesty to be the foundation of strong personal relationships.
Without trust, people will not believe what a person says.
This is because honesty is the source of many other important characteristics.

46
UNIT 5
Making Generalizations and Drawing Conclusions
Part 1: The Argumentative Paragraph
In argumentative orpersuasive writing, we try to convince others to agree with ourpoint of view
and our reasons for having it. This is done by:

1.Clearly stating the topic.

Example: Many people believe that a good product sells itself.
2. Stating your positian-anlh-e-topiq.
Example: However, it is the location of a business that determines its success.
3. Supporting your position with logical arguments, and supporting those arguments with details or
examples.
Example: Although customers consider both the quality and the price of goods, they also want
goods that are easy to buy. Abusiness that is difhcult to find. or is not easy to get to. will have
very few customers.
4. Forming and stating aconclusion.
Example: In short, if a customer cannot access a particular business. they will find a company that
better suits their needs.

Exercises
I Thansition Signals and Topics
1. Read the following paragraphs. As you read, underline any transition signals. After
reading the paragraph, write the topic of the paragraph in the space provided, as in the
example.
Example: There are many advantages to using plastic containers to store food. However, plastic
should not be used for this purpose because it can be dangerous to our health. Chemicals used to
make the plastic can enter the food stored in the container. When we eat this food, these chemicals
enter our bodies. A small amount of a chemical is not harmful. But so much of our food is stored in
plastic containers that large amounts of these chemicals stay in our body. This can be very harmful
to our health. Moreover, it can cause some cancers. In short, containers made of plastic contain
dangerous chemicals, so they should not be used to store food.

Topic: plastic containers

47
 A. Packaged-food companies use too much salt. Too much salt in our food causes health
problems. NorttrAmericans consume about 3,500 milligrams (mg) of saltperpenondaily. However,
people should not use more than 2300mg of salt a day. Consequently, the government should make
laws limiting how much salt can be added to packaged food. The govemment should make these
laws because they manage public-health issues. In brief, since too much salt in food is apublic-
health problem, the government should make laws to force companies to reduce the amountof salt
that is put in the food that they make.

Topic:

B. Most cars these days use fuel made irom petroleum. However, it is possible to make
fuel for cars from agricultu , for example, from soybeans and corn. But making fuel from

crops needs more research. This research costs a lot of money. Car companies should provide the
necessary money. There are several reasons for this. First, car companies design cars and fuel
systems. Second, all companies should consider how their products affect the environment. Fuel
made from petroleum harms the environment, but fuel, made from crops does not. Finally, it is
possible we will run out of petroleum because it cannot be replaced. On the other hand, crops can
provide an endless supply of fuel. In conclusion, car companies should supply the money required
to research fuel made from crops because they design the cars.

Topic: F^./
) For each of the paragraphs above, write the opinion or point-of-view of the writer.
Example: Plastic food containers should not be used to store food.
1.
2.

3. For each of the paragraphs above, write the three ideas the writer uses to support
hisopinion.
Example:

a) Chemicals used to make the plastic can enter the food stored in the container.
b) Large quantities of these chemicals stay in our body.
c) This can be harmful to our health and cause some cancers.

a)
b)
c)

48
 5. Write down the conclusion of each paragraph.

Example: Containers made of plastic contain dangerous chemicals, so they should not be

used to store food.

A.

B.

Part 2: Expressions of Advisability

We can state an opinion by using expressions of advisability. These expressions include:
should...should not
ought to...ought not to
it is a good idea to...it is not a good idea to

The verbs should and ought to are used as auxiliary or helping verbs to express something that is
a good idea or is advisable.

Look at these examples:

We should use cloth bags to carry groceries. She ought to lose weight.
You should save money. He ought to study harder.
The government should reduce taxes. They ought to visitBahrain.

The phrase it is a good idea to can be used in the same way.

It is a good idea to turn offthe lights when you leave the house.

It is a good idea to take the bus to work every day.

It is a good idea to get plenty ofexercise.

49
 We can express something that is not a good idea by placing the negative not after the word
should.
Look at these examples:

You should not use a credit card.

The government should not increase tanes.
We should not drive the car to work every day.

He ought not to stay mrt too.late.

She ought not to play computer games after 10:0opm.
They ought not to drivg in bad weather. ..

It is not a good idea to drink too much coffee.

It is not a good idea to keep a cellphone on in the hospiral.
It is not a good idea to be late for work.

2 Sentence-Writing
1. Use thefollowing information to write opinion statements using should, ought to, it is a
good idea to. Follow the examples. Remember to use a capital letter at the beginning and
a period at the end ofeach.

Examples:
The govemmenVraise taxes (should)
The government should raise taxes.

You/study for the exam (ought to)

You ought to study for the exam.

take the bus (it is a good idea to)

It is a good idea to take the bus.
1. Ahmad/getmorerest(should)

2. he/exercise (ought to)

3. buy a new car now (it is a good idea to)

4. the workers/get araise (should)

50
5. they/visit more often (ought to)

6. the managersftrave a meeting about sales (should)

7. see a dentist every six months (it is a good idea)

8. he/study law (oughtto)

2. Use theinformation to write opinion statements using should not, ought not too it is not
a good idea to. Follow the examples.
Remember to use a capital letter at the beginning and a period at the end of each.
Examples:
The govemment/raise taxes. (should not)
The government should not raise taxes.
You./lose weight. (ought not to)
You ought not to lose weight.
take a taxi. (it's is not a good idea to)
It is not a good idea to take a taxi.
1. you/smoke (shouldnot)

J you/worry (oughtnotto)

3. argue with the manager (it is not a good idea)

4. the factory workers/go on strike (should not)

5. Khadr/spend so much money. (oughtnotto)

6. travel during a lightning storm (it is not a good idea)

7. you/invest in that company. (should not)

8. cheat on exams (it is not a good idea)

5l
 : Writing an Argumentative Paragraph (Refer to part 1to see
examples.)
No matter what kind of writing you do, it's important to plan and make a draft copy of your writing.
In argumentative writing, you can start planning by making a short form outline. This plan of
action can include:
1. The topic and your
opinion.
Write down your topic and your opinion. What are you trying to persuade others to believe?
2.Witeout all the facts that you want to use to support your opinion.
3. Write a draft of your paragraph. This should include:

G
. - anintroduction
,C

'ii'^,; the topic

s, 0..1, Your Pointof view, oPinion
s qff. ;fuppon Sentences
conclusion
.'<s.^
ii. roper capitalization and punctuation
4. Establish a flow between sentences by using transition words.
5. Stay on topic.
6. Your conclusion should contain :

- abrief restatementof yourpointof view

- a summary of your point of view and you support it

3 Topics and Points of View

l. With a partner, discuss the opposite of the opinions presented in paragraphs 1 and 2 in
Exercise 1.
First, as a review, write down the opinions presented in Exercise 1, paragraphs I and
2.
Second, discuss the opposite of these opinions.
Example:
1. a. Plastic food containers should not be used to store food.
1. b. Plastic food containers should be used to store food.
C/
N/
V\Paragraph I
1. a.

l. b.

<)
Paragraph 2
2.a.

2.b.

2. With your partner, choose one of the two topics in Exercise 1to write an argumentative
paragraph about. You must take the opposite opinion to what was presented in
Exercise 1.
1. Use simple present-tense to write down the paragraph opinion sentence and your
opposite to it.

Example:
Plastic food containers should not be used to store food.

Opposite point of view: Plastic food containers should be used to store food.

Paragraph Opinion Sentence:

Your (Opposite) point-of'view :

3. Together discuss why you support this opinion. Jot down your thoughts in point form in
the space provided. ...
Why we supportthis opinionbecause: \ )-
Example: €1
reused
a) plastic containers can be '6
b)harmfulchemicals arenotusednowadays *1
c) we can protect the environment by reusing plastic containers
d) plastic keeps food fresh
e) using plastic protects ourhealth

f) plastic containers can be cleaned

53
 a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

Choose three of your reasons given in question 3 and, using simple present tense,
write three separate sentences in support of the opinion you chose in question 2.

Example:
a)
used to keep food.
b)
c)

a)

b)

c)

5. Now use simple present tense to write a conclusion sentence.

environment by re-using them.

Your sentence:

54
6. Individually using simple present-tense, write a draft of your paragraph. Remember
toinclude:
- anintroduction
- the topic
- your point-of-view, Your oPinion
- three supporting sentences
- a conclusion
- proper capitalization and punctuation (see unit 1)

Make sure you establish a flow between paragraphs by using transition signals. (See
Unit 3 for review.) Use the active rather than the passive voice. Make sure you stay
on topic. Remember to indent the first sentence of your paragraph, and to use
capitalization and proper punctuation.

ExampleParagaph:
Plastic food containers should be used to store our food. There are many advantages
to using plastic to make containers to store our food. These days technology has improved so
harmful chemicals are not used in the plastic containers used to keep food. Plastic containers
keep our food fresh and help prevent illness from spoiled food. Plastic containers can be
cleaned andre-used andthis helps protect the environment.

Yourparagraph:

5J
 7. After you have finished your draft, give your paragraph to your partner. Read your
partner's paragraph. Use the following checklist to decide if it has all of the necessary
elements of a good argumentative paragraph.

Read the example checklist below, which edits the example paragraph in Part 6 above.
Then edit your partner's paragraph using the checklist form that appears below the
example checklist.

Example:

Yes No Argumentative Paragraph Checklist

{ Does the paragraph contain a topic? If yes, what is the topic?
plastic food c ontainer s

{ Does the paragraph contain an opinion sentence? If yes, what is the opinion?
Plastic containers should be used to store out food.

Does the writer provide at least three sentences to support his or her point of
^/
view or opinion? If yes, write these sentences below.
r) a)
plastic containers used to keepfood.
2')

3)
the environment.

{ Is there a conclusion? If yes, what is the conclusion?

Circle and correct any errors you find in:

- indentation-Your paragraphwas not indented
-capitalization
-punctuation
-speling
-grammar
- not using, or using incorrect transition signal you did not use transition
s -
r signals.

56
Your checklist editing your partner's paragraph:

Yes No Arzumentative Example-Paragraph Cbec\tis!

Does the paragraph contain a topic? If yes, what is the topic?

Does the paragraph contain an opinion sentence? If yes, what is the opinion?

Does the writer provide at least three sentences to support his or her point of
view or opinion? If yes, write these sentences below.
r)
2)
3)
Is there a conclusion? If yes, what is the conclusion?

Circle and correct any errors you find in:

-indentation
- capitalization
- punctuation
- spelling
- gammar

I - not using, or usinS incorrect fiansition signals

Discuss the paragraph with your partner and, when you are finished, return the paragraph
to your partner with the completed checklist.

8. Write frnal copy of your paragraph, making any changes you feel are necessary
a
considering the feedback you received from your partner'
Example:
plastic food containers should be used to store our food. Moreover, there are many
advantages to using plastic to make.containers to store our food. These days, technology
has

improved so harrnful chemicals are not used in the plastic containers used to keep food. ln addition'
plastic
plastic containers keep our food fresh and help prevent illness from spoiled food. Finally,
containers can be cleaned and re-used and this helps protect the environment. Indeed,
plastic food

containers should be used to store food because nowadays they do not contain harrnful
chemicals,
them.
they keep us safe from eating spoiled food, and we can protect our environment by re-using

57
58
UNIT 6
Brief Reports
1 What is a report?
A report is a formal document that presents information on a certain topic. These topics vary
widely. For example, they can be business-related, technical, academic, or related to government
issues.

Some Example Topics

2 Why are reports written?

Reports are often written to examine a problem. A report summarizes the facts, suggests a plan of
action. and arrives at conclusions.

Example hoblems

Business: There was a decrease in sales between January and June of this year.

Technicayscientific: Employees are not following computer security regulations.

Academic: There is low number of females registering for science courses.

Government: There was a20Vo increase in the unemployment rate between June and December.

In this unit we will focus on business and technical topics.

59
Exercises
I Describing Problems
Identify the problem in each of the following situations. Then write one complete sentence
that describes the problem. Follow the example provided.

Example:

The city has received $20 million dollars to repair roads and sewers in the downtown area. All
necessarJ repairs must be completed before the end of the year. Three of the downtown area's frve
major roads are now closed. These road closures are causing a serious problem for six businesses
located in the cenffe of town. So far these businesses have seen a60%o decrease in sales.
The problem is:
sales.

1. Every vehicle produced by ROYAuto Manufacturing is given a thorough and frnal safety check
before leaving the factory. In the last thirty days, safety technicians have found faulty brake pedals
inhveGTR500 StIVs.
Theproblemis:

2. At the weekend, a computer virus attacked and spread throughout the company's computer
system. The failure to follow company computer-security regulations was the reason the virus was
able to attack the svstem.
Theproblemis:

3. This morning IT security reported the illegal withdrawal of funds from the accounts of ten bank
customers. Atotal of US$5 million was stolen. Secwity discovered that thieves had installed scanners
in several Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
Theproblemis:

4. Twenty percent of our employees will retire in two year's time. Therefore, the company has
hired several new graduates. Although these new employees are highly skilled, they don't have
enough knowledge about the company to communicate with clients.
Theproblemis:

60
On the lines underneath each problem on the left, write the appropriate recommendation
chosen from those in the column on the right. Follow the example provided.

Problems Recommendations
Example: The closure of three main access roads in Example: Cancel property tax
the city's downtown has caused a6OVo drop in sales at payments for each business for
six businesses located in the centre of town. two years.
Cancel property tax payments for each business
for two years.
Hire two more full-time
The voice quality of the line is poor. employees to process new
accounts.

The RT700 Smart Phone has a faulty wireless Return allbut 2Vo of the green
connection. Smart phones to the
warehouse.

Overall sales dropped by 4OVo between July and Arrange agroup meeting with
September. all new staff so the manager can
explainthemenu.

None of the green Smart phones has been sold. Re-record the automated help
line.

A shortage of staff means that it takes four weeks to Investigate the reason for the
process new accounts. drop in overall sales between
July and September.

Newly hired restaurant staff is not familiar with the menu. Recall all RT700 Smart
Phones.

6l
 On the lines underneath each problem on the left, rewrite in a complete sentence the
appropriate recommendation chosen from those in the column on the right. Follow the
example provided.

hoblems Recommendations
Example: Three computer viruses infected the system Example : investigate problem
lastmonth. - computertechnician - hire
Hire a computer technician to investigate the
problem.
the weekend - complete
systems check - be done -
Six TX700 cameras have been returned because of
schedule
faultymemorychips.

sales people - hire - two -

holiday season - part-time -
The computer system is frequently shutting down. work

TX700 cameras - remove -

immediately - the shelves -
There are not enough sales people to help customers rcmaining
during the holiday season.
all newly-hired employees -
provide - one-week training
course
Newly-hired employees don't have enough information
about the company to do their jobs well.
conference room - wireless
access - install

The printer breaks down several times a day. three estimates - cost - get -
buy - new printer

Visitors who come to our office to attend meetings

cannot use the Internet on their laptops because our
company does not have wireless access.

62
3 Structure of a Report
There are many kinds of reports. Therefore, the length of a report can vary from a few paragraphs
to hundreds of pages. There are also many reasons for writing reports so there are several styles.
However, reports mostly follow a general structure. A good report has the following structure:

1. An Overview
An overview is a brief sunmary of what the report is about. It describes e report is needed
and summarizes the recommendations and the conclusion. Although the overyiew usually appears
as the firstparagraph in areport, itis usually written down afterthebackground, discussion and
conclusion have been composed and set down.
The following points should be covered in an overview:
Ci.re--vfew
7
J f..Ll ,-^nJ
who requested the report; -'!c !J ,o^
'._
q
wh erson who requested the report; C-a(.
the for which the report was wriffen;

what the recommendations are, if any.

SampleOverview
This reportwas requestedby Mr. SamiAl Khalefah, Directorof Finance atComputer Software
Inc. (CSI). The purpose was to find the best w.ay to reduce the amount of overtime taken to
process the mobile-phone invoices. It is recommended that CSI provide all consultants with the
new RW Smartphone. This Smartphone has a usage tacking system. Information from the phone is
downloaded into the company's computer. Telephone numbers and customers are matched and
invoices are automatically produced.

1. Who requested the report? Mr. SamiAl Khalefah

2. What is the position of the person who requested the report? Director of Finance at CSI
3. What is the name of the company for which the report was written? Computer Software Inc.
4. Why was the report written? to find the best way to reduce the amount of overtime talcen
to process the mobile-phone invoices
5. What is/are the recommendation/s? that CSI provide all consultants with the new RW
Smartphone

63
 2. Background Information
The background section of a report explains the problem or the reason for the report. The following
points should be covered in the background section of the report:
1. what the details are about the company;
2. what caused the problem; and
3. what the problem is.

Sample Background Information

CSI started operations in2001 with three consultants. It writes software programmes for small
companies. Consultants travel to the customer's location to observe business operations. This
allows CSI to write software programs that target the customer's specific situation. In order to do
their jobs, s require the use of company mobile phones. At the end of every month,
consultants give their phone bills to the finance . The clerk checks the bills against the consultants'
schedules and sends cq$grngrs an invoice for telephone expenses. However, CSI now has seven
consultants, and the f,rnance clerk is spending too much time working on the mobile-phone bills at
the end of the month.
l. What are the details about the company? was established in 2007 with three consultants;
writes software programmes for small companies
2. What caused the problem? an increase in the number of mobile-phone invoices the finance
clerk has to issue every week
3. What is the problem? that the finance clerk is spending too much time working on the
mobile phone bills at the end of the month

3. Discussion of the Problem or Situation

The discussion section provides facts, details, and data concerning the situation being examined. It
helps the readerunderstand the issues.
The following points should be talked about in the discussion section:
1. what has caused the problem to get worse; and
2. why the company wants to solve the problem now.

Sample Discussion of Situation

Since it began operations five years ago, CSI has increased its busines sby ffiVo.In addition, the
number of consultants has grown from three to seven. Moreover, the company is expected to grow
an additional20Vo over the next five years. This will mean hiring at least three more consultants.
However, currently the finance clerk is spending so much time on mobile-phone invoices that she is
working at least ten hours of overtime every week in order to complete all her work.

64
1. What has caused the problem to get worse?
a) that CSI has increased its business by 607o and
b) that the number of consultants has increased from three to seven.
2. Why does the company want to solve the problem now?
a) because the company is expected to grow even more in five years' time and
b) because the finance clerk is working at least ten hours of overtime every week in
order to complete all her work.
4. Conclusion
The conclusion briefly states the subject of the report, the major points from the discussion and, if
necessary, recommendations for action. Recommendations are written in the imperative form. The
following points should be covered with in the conclusion of the report:
1. summarizing the problem and its causes;
2. givngany recommendation; and
3. giving supporting reason for the recommendation/s.

Sample Conclusion
In summary, Computer Software Inc has grown significantly in five years, and it is expected to
growevenmore overthenextfiveyears. The current systemof submitting mobile-phonebills tothe
finance clerk means that she is working more than ten hours of overtime every week. Therefore, it
is recommended that the company provide all consultants with the new RW Smartphone. This
mobile phone has a usage tracking system. The information gathered by the tracking system can be
downloaded into the company's computer. Software will automatically match calls with customefs
and produce invoices. This will eliminate the need for the finance clerk to work overtime.
1. In one or two sentences, summarize the cause of the problem and the problem itself.
Computer Software Inc has grown significantly in 5 years and it is expected to grow
even more over the next five years. The current system of submitting mobile-phone
bills to the finance clerk means that she is working more than L0 hours of overtime
every week.
2. What is/are the recommendation(s)?
It is recommended thatthe company provide all consultants with the new RW
Smartphone.
3. What is/are the reason(s) for this recommendation?
a) The RW Smartphone has a usa&e tracking system.
b) The information gathered by the tracking system can be downloaded into the
company's computer.
d) Software will automatically match calls with customers and produce invoices.
e) This will eliminate the need for the finance clerk to work overtime.

65
5 Organizinga Report
The following is a report about a company called GH Insurance Inc. The sentences - the
first part in each section of the report - are out of order. Following those you will see a list
of questions. Answer the questions using information from the sentences. Then write out
the paragraph in full by re-arranging the sentences in the appropriate order. The overview
is done for you as an example.

Overview
(As mentioned previously, although the overview appears first in the report, it is actually

written down after the background, discussion, and conclusion have already been written.)
1. Remember: the sentences are out of order.
a) The purpose of this report was to find out why some customers are unhappy with the
company's new automated telephone answering system.
b) It is recommended that the system tell customers to press zero to speak to a customer-
service representative.
c) This information shouldbe addedimmediately afterthe greeting.
d) This report was requested by KhalidAlwan, Manager of Customer Service at GH Insurance.
2. Answerthefollowingquestions.
a) Who requested the report?
KhalidAlwan
b) What is the job of the person who requested the report?
Customer Service Manager
c) What is the name of the company for which the report was written?
GH Insurance Inc.
d) Why was the report written? to find out why some customers are unhappy with the
company's new automated telephone answering system.
e) What is/are the recommendation/s? that the system tell customers to press zero if they

siven by the system immediately after the greeting

3. Write the overview paragraph in full.
This report was requested by KhalidAlwan, Manager of Customer Service at GH Insurance.
The purpose of this report was to find out why some customers are unhappy with the company's
new automated telephone answering system. It is recommended that the system tell customers to
press zero if they wish to speak to a customer service representative. This information should be
added immediately after the greeting.

66
Background Information
1. These sentences are outoforder.
a) Two months ago, GH Insurance began using an automated voice information system to
provide customers with information about car insurance.
b) GH Insurance is a small company that sells car insurance.
c) The company receives hundreds ofphone calls every day.
d) The receptionist also assists people who come into the office and enters customer information
intothe comPuter.
e) GH has areceptionist who answers the telephone.
f) Recently, customers havebeen complaining thatthe automatedinformation systemmakes it
difficult to talk directly to a customer service representative.
g) Customers receive insffuctions to press a number on their telephone to get specific information'

2. Answer the following questions.

a) What are the details about the company?

b) What caused the problem?

c) Whatis theproblem?

3. Write out the background paragraph in futl.

67
 Discussion of the Situation
1. These sentences are out oforder.
a) It is important to provide all customers with the services they require.

b) Many customers are happy to have access to detailed information on the automated
information system.
c) However, GH received too many complaints that customers must listen to a long list of
instructions before they can talkto a customer service representative.

2. Answerthe followingquestions.
a) What has caused the problem to get worse?

b) Whydoes the companywantto solve theproblemnow?

3. Write out the discussion paragraph in full.

Conclusion
l. These sentences are out oforder.
a) This will satisfy those customers who are not comfortable with the automated recording.
b) In summary, GH Insurance Inc is a busy car insurance company. It began using an automated
voice information system two months ago to helpprovide customers with information
on car insurance.
c) Therefore, itisrecommendedthatthe automatedvoice recordingbe changedto
askcustomers
to press zero to speak to a customer service representative.
d) However, the company soon began receiving complaints from customers about difficulties
in
speaking directly to client service representatives.
e) This information should be added immediately after the greeting.

2. Answer the following questions.

a) In one or two sentences, summarize the cause ofthe problem and the problem
itself.

68
 b) What is/are the recommendation(s)?

c) What is/are the reason(s) for this recommendation?

3. Write out the conclusion paragraph in full.

69
UNIT 7
Business Letters
Information and Request
I About Business Letters
Business letters are written for many reasons. Two common reasons are to ask for and provide
information, and to make requests. In this unit we will follow the UK-style businessletter format.
Look at the following sample business letter. It is in response to a request for information. Thke note
of the format and the parts of the letter. It includes:
- the address ofthe sender (inside address)
- the date
- the addressee's name, title and address
- a standard greeting
- a subject line or reason for writing the letter
- the body or content of the letter
- aclosing including the writer's name and title
- a note detailing any enclosures
- a note mentioning to whom any carbon copies of the letter have been sent
inside address
ComputerSolutions
896CedarBeltway
Unit39
Concord,England
SSK33 6JR
date
l2 September20ll
addressee's name. title. and address
Mr R. Jones
SalesManager
ThamesCommunications
RiverBuildings
StockwellWalk
l,ondon,England
SW17 5HG

70
 greeting
DearMr. Jones,
subject line
Subject: Communications Software

body of the letter

I am writing in response to your letter of 10 September asking about our satellite communications
software.
Enclosed is our 2011 product calendar. The calendar is also available online at [email protected].
Please call me if you would like to meet and discuss our products.
closingparaEaph
Thank you for your interest in Computer Solutions communications software.

closing
Yours sincerely,

signature
EdwardGreen
title
Sales Manager

enclosures
Encl: I

carbon copies sent

cc: Product Sales

2 Formatting for Business Letters

The Inside Address or Letterhead
Companies usually use specially designed printed paper called letterhead (paper) that contains the
company's name, logo, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address. Sometimes the
company's address is at the top in the middle of the page, in the top right-hand corner, or at the
bottomof thepage.

7l
 Date
All business letters mustbe dated. The date is written firstfollowedbythe month, andthentheyear.
The month shouldbe completely speltout andthe yearwrittenwith all fourdigits.

Example:
12 October 2011.
Start the date from the centre of the page about four centimetres from the top, or one or two
lines underthe retum address. Withinthebody ofaletteq the article the is writtenwhenthe name of
the month is not mentioned with the date.
Example: We will begin work on the 12't'.

The Addressee's Address

This includes the intended recipient's name, job title, company, and full address. The address starts
at the left margin one or two lines below the date.

Example:
Mr. HusamAlKhalefah
Sales Manager
RTElectonics
76 SpringWay, Unit408
LondoqEngland
TN45 2JE

The Greeting or Salutation

The type of salutation depends on the sender's relationship with the addressee. However, itbegins
with the word Dear and always includes the person's last name. Generally, the greeting ends with a
comma.

Example:
DearMr.AlKhalefah,
Ifyou do not know the name or gender ofthe recipient, several general terms can be used.

Example:
DearMadarn/Sir,
Dear Sales Manager,
Dear Human Resources Director.

72
Courtesy titles:
Mr. - isusedformen
Dr. - is usedmostly formedical doctors and some PhD holders
Mrs. - is used for married women
Miss - is usedforunmarriedwomen
Ms. - is used when you are not sure of a woman's marital status, or if a woman has indicated a
preference for this title.

The Subject Line

Including a subject line can help the recipient better understand the objective of a letter. The subject
line is usually placed one line below the greeting but it can also be located directly below the
recipient's address above the greeting.

Example:
Subj ect: Delivery of RIX ComPuters
or
Re: Delivery of RIX Computers
or
RE: DELTVERY OF RTX COMPUTERS

The Body
The body is the main part of a business letter. It should be brief and to the point. In the first
paragraphshould be the reason for the letter: why it was sent. The remaining paragraphs contain
detailed information about why the letter was written. If necessary, more in depth information can
be sent to the recipient in the form of one or more enclosures. The closing paragraph of the body,
depending on the content ofthe letter, should include expressions of interest, thanks, reassurance,
appreciation, etc.

Examples:
I look forward to...
Thank you for your interest in...
Iwill monitor the situation. . .
Please call me if you require...

73
 Depending on the letter style, paragraphs may start at the left margin or be indented. Regardless of
the format, insert a space between paragraphs.

The Closing
The closing ends with a cornma. It normally begins at the left margin, but can also start in direct line
with the date. For example, if the expression Dear Mr. Green was used in the greeting, the letter
should endYours sincerely orYours truly.

(Note: the second word of the closing is NOT capitalized.)

The signature is the last part of the letter. A business letter should be signed using first and last
names. The identification line may include a second line for a title, if appropriate. The signature
should start directly above the frst letter of the identification line in the space between the closing
and the signature line. Use black ink.

Example:
Yours sincerely,
Bdward Green
EdwardGreen
Sales Manaser

If other material is included in the package in addition to the letter, add Enclosure. or Encl. one line
below the last enfiy.
If another person has been sent a copy of the letter, add the letters cc and the name of the person or
department that will receive a copy. The cc means carbon copy.

Example:
Encl:3
cc: Product Sales

74
Exercises
I Use the above information on Formatting Business Letters to correct errors in the following
business letters. Circle each error, and then rewrite the letter correcting the mistakes.
A.
R&G Engineering
18 Jarir Street
Rivadh 11663

November lth,z}tt
MahmoudAli
G &WArchitects
109 KingAbdulaziz Road
Jeddah, SaudiArabia
SR34lDS

DearMr. Jameel:

RE:PLANS FORARTMUSEUM

Thank you for sending me the plans for the new art museum. As you requested, I have
developed several lighting designs for display cases. However, I have several questions.
What is the total budget for lighting? Where in the museum will the display cases be located?
When must the project be completed by?
I wouldlike to arrange forus to meetto discuss theproject indetail. Wouldyoube available
to meet in my office on Nov. l7th at l0.00am?

I appreciate yourinterestin R&GEngineering andlookforward to meeting you in person.

I have enclosed descriptions and illustrations of the lighting plan I have in mind.
I have also enclosed our latest lighting catalogue.
Sincerely
J.*.rtl furl&"
JarrelI{a$im
R€sid€xftardCEO

Erct I
cc: NassirHashim

75
 B.

MahmoudAli
G &WArchitects
109 KingAbdulaziz Road
Jeddah, SaudiArabia
SR34 1DS

8.h December20Il

Mr. JameelHashim
President and CEO
R&GEngineering
1 8 Jarir Street

Riyadb,
n663

DearMr. Jameel:

Subject Art Museum lighting plan

Ourmeetingof lTNovemberwasveryinformative.Iundentandyour@ncemregarding
the location of the display cases. I have forwarded your ideas to our project designer.

On 8 January coming, the board of directors of the museum will meet. Would you be
availableto attendthismeeting? Iwouldlikeyoutobe availableto answeranyquestions
board members may have about lighting for the museum.

I have enclosed the board meeting agenda package. Thank you again for yow interest
inthemrseum.

Younfaithf.rlly
MahmoudAli
MahmoudAli
G&WArchitects

cc: NassirHashim

76
Grammar
Information Questions
An information question asks for information about something or someone by using a question
word: where, when, why, who, whom, wha! whose, how, how many' how much, how far, and
howlong.

Look at these examples.

77
 0$Bstion U,sed 0q Examnle
\4hrd ' :' :'l: ri:::.::.,,,:...,:.
AskAbout
,'::ll,.,,r:ill: ::.rilr:.., ...:i,..
. :l::
.i : ,.:,: . r. . t.'t. :

amount '
i
how much How muc:h is that computer? Thisoorqp*eris
+ribie :. .,., .ll
'l::$R1Qp0,'l.,:'.tl.i. ...'1.;..l

how mtrch amoUnt ': IIow muchtimedo you needto I need two :

time+do finistrtlreproject? monthstofinish

. .::
,.. .:u
i[
how many nurnber ,How many people work i* yoru., Ttventy people
:r l':dffiOi"|: ,,', ::i :
+,riif,llltl',,:
'
ri:r:l:r '::::ii:i work my in
offioe.
,::,,,,,,r:,]illl.,
r::r"what' + .:;:

What size do you need? Ineedasiae 10.

:t,r,ile*& :,:::
\' '1"::": "l'
Notes:
1. When you are asking about the subject (usually the first part of the sentence), use a question
word in the place of the subject. The word order is the same as in a statement.
2. When you are asking about the predicate (usually the last part of the sentence), the question
begins withawh- word, but the word order is either:
question word + helping verb + subject + main verb
OR
question word + be + subject (when be is the main verb of the sentence)

2 Use the following statements to help you form questions. Follow the examples provided.

Examples:
a) Where is your oflice?
My office is on King Street.
b) Whocalledme?
Janacalledyou.'
c) Whatkindofcardoyouhave?
I have aToyota.

1.
I graduated fromthe University of Riyadh
)
Ten people were at the meeting.
3.
Mr. Collins will arrive at the airport at 7:00pm.

7E
 4.
The flight from Riyadh to London is 6 hours and 55 minutes.
5.
I think the new sales manager is very good at his job.
6.
I take the bus to work.
7.
SamimetMr. Collins atthe airport.
8.
I worked late last night because I had to finish these reports.
9.
She speaks Arabic, English, and French.
10.
Kahlid is at the head office todav.

3 With a partner, use the information in the table and the sentences below it to write a letter.
The sales manager at Jarir's Book Store is writing to ask a publisher questions about
author Sally Wren's visit to Jarir's Book Store for a book-signing. Sally is an award-
winningauthor.
The sentences for the body of the letter appear on the next page. you must puftheuojttlhc
correct order. Your letter should contain three paragraphs.

79
 Sentences for body ofletter:
Thank you again for this exciting opportunity.
I am looking forward to meeting you and Ms Wren on the 10't'.
Whattime will MsWren arrive at JarirBook Store?
Thank you for arranging for Ms Sally Wren to visit Jarir Book Store on 10 March.
I have a few questions about Ms Wren's visit.
How long will she be able to stay?
Ourcustomers are excited aboutthe chance to meether and forthe opportunityto have theirbooks
signed by the award-winning author.
When will you be shipping her new book to our store?

80
4 With your partner, write a letter from Ms. Mary Simpson in response to HeshamAhmad's
letter to JPT Publishing. Use the information in Exercise 3 and that which appears below
to help you. You and your partner must create the content for the body of the letter.

The publisher will ship Sally Wren's new book on l0 March. Ms. Wren and Ms. Simpson will
arrive at Jarir Book Store on 15 March at 2:00pm. They will stay rmtil 4:00prn. Ms. Wren is looking
forwardtomeetingallherfans. Mr.Ahmadshouldcalllvts. Simpsonifhehasanyfilfherquestions.

81
5 Use thefollowing situation to write a letter to make requests. Use the information on
Formatting Business Letters to help you. Remember to include:

- the address ofthe sender (return address)

- the date
- the intended recipient's - the addressee's - name, title and address
- a standard greeting
- a subject line or reason for writing the letter
- the body or content of the letter which is brief and to the point
- a closing that includes the sender's name and title

Make up any information you need that is not provided below.

You are the meeting planner for Computer Technology, Inc. You are organizing the company's
annual meeting, which will be held at the Holiday Inn. Write a letterto the hotel's conference
manager to request the following:

1. a conference room for 1 50 people for June 2 to 4, 20ll

2. Wireless Internet availability in the conference room forthree days
3. one copy ofa hotel brochure

82
UNIT 8
Contrast and Comparison
I What are contrast and comparison essays?
Contrast and comparison essays are methods of evaluation. A comparison is done in order to
focus on similarities. On the otherhand, when we contrast, we focus on the differences.

2 Contrast and Comparison Terms

1. Comparison Terms
Phrases Examples
to
similar The functions of an iPhone are similar to those of a Blackberry.
similarly Electricity can be generated from wind power. Similarly, electricity can be
generated from tidal power.
like Like sociology, psychology is a social science.
likewise HPis apopularcomputercompany. Likewise,Apple is apopularcomputer
company.
also An iPod can be used to watch movies. It can also be used to listen to the radio.
is also The Indian restaurant is very good. However, the Thai restaurant is also very
good.
in the same way In the same way that too much salt is bad for your health, too much sugar is also
bad for your health.
the same as This computer is about the same as that one.
is/are equal to That computer is equal in value to the one we saw yesterday.
is/are equally These two phones are equally popular among young adults.

2. Contrast Terms
Differences Examples
comparedto Compared to wind power, solar power is the more expensive.
in contrast I like to exercise daily. In contrast, my brother prefers to sit at home and
play computergames.

83
 unlike Unlike power generated from petroleum, solar power generation does not
causepollution.
more than/less than Your car costs more than mine.
Driving costs less than taking a taxi.
betterthanlworsethan The weather today is better than it was vesterdav.
The newscaster reported that this dust stonn will be worse than last week's.
however Sami's plan is good. However, Khalid's is better.
on the other hand Often winter temperatures are mild. On the other hand, summer's
temperatures are extemely high.

Exercises
I Nlaking Sentences
Following the information given above, use the phrases below to make contrast and
comparison sentences. Follow these examples.

f . is also
an orange is a fruit
a lemon is a fruit
An orange is a fruit. A lemon is also a fruit.

2.likewise
an orange is high in vitamin C
a lemon is high in vitamin C
An orange is high in vitamin C. Likewise, a lemon is high in vitamin C.

Difference Examples
3. on the other hand
an orange is sweet
a lemon is sour
An orange is sweet. On the other hand, a lemon is sour.

4. in contrast
an orange is orange in colour
a lemon is yellow in colour

An orange is orange in colour. In contrast, a lemon is yellow in colour.

84
1. Bicycles and Motorcycles
Similarities Differences

1. similarly 3. unlike
a transportation a bicycle does not use petrol
bicycle is used for
a motorcycle is used for transportation a motorcycle uses petrol

2. similar 4. compared to
a bicycle has two wheels abicycle is small
a motorcycle has two wheels amotorcycle is large
1.

2.

3.

4.

2. E-readers and books

Similarities Differences

f . in the same wav 3. in contrast

read
an e-reader contains material to e-readers contain full dictionaries
abook contains material to read books do not contain full dictionaries

2. like 4. unlike
an e-reader can be carried around an e-reader is electronic
a book can be carried around a book is not electronic

1.

3.

4.

85
21. Write the information that appears above each table in the appropriate column in the
table.
) Then choose an appropriate contrast or comparison transition term from the lists at
the beginning of this unit, and write it beside the number.
3. Finally, use this information to write two comparison sentences and two contrast
sentences. Follow the example provided.

Example: Sugar and Salt

l. - sugar is sweet
- sugar changes the flavour offood
- salt can be obtained from sea water
- sugar can be used to preserve food
- salt is not sweet
- salt changes the flavouroffood.
- sugar can be obtained from a type ofgrass
- salt can be used to preserve food

2.
Sintkities Differences
f. sinilarly 3. unlike
sugar changes the fl avor of food sugar is sweet
saltchanges the flavorof food salt is not sweet
z. also 4. ontheotherhand
sali ig:used to preserver'fuod saltis from seawater
sugar is used to preserve food sugar is obtained from sugarcane

3. 1. Sugar changes the flavor of food. Similarly, salt changes the flavour of food.
2. Sugar can be used to preserve food. Salt can also be used to preserve food.
3. Unlike salt, sugaris sweet.
4. Salt can be obtained from sea water. On the other hand, sugar can be obtained from
a type ofgrass.

86
1. desktop computers and laptop computers
- laptop computers are popular
- laptop computers are pricey
- a desktop computer does not have a battery
- desktop computers are not portable
- desktop computers are popular
- desktop computers need an operating system
- desktop computers are relatively cheap
- you can carry with you and use a laptop computer almost anywhere
- laptop computers need an operating system
- a laptop computerhas abattery

Similarities Differences
1. 3.

, 4.

1.

5.

87
 2. tea and coffee
- tea contains a lot of antioxidants

- coffee contains caffeine

- the coffee plant is reallY a tree
- tea comes from a leaf
- tea contains caffeine
- coffee contains a lot ofminerals
- coffee comes from abean
- the tea plant is reallY a tree

Similarities Differences

1. 3.

2. 4.

3 Compare-and-Contrast Writing Methods

There are two popularmethods of comparing and/or conhasting items. One is known as the block
method, and the other is called the alternating method.

A. The BlockMethod
The block method is most useful for short writings on simple topics. Look at the following chart
containing information that compares and contrasts online and print newspapers. Notice what
information is included in each paragraph.

In the block organisation, the similarities are discussed together in one block (which can be a
paragraph or several paragraphs). Then the differences are discussed together in one block.

88
Block Method
Paragraph #

1. Introduction: Attract the reader's attention.

Newspapers are an important part of many people's day.
What is the background concerning the topic?
People find reading a paper copy of the newspaper inconvenient.

What two items are you evaluating?

Paper copies ofnewspapers and online newspapers.

Why are you evaluating these two items?

To contrast the two kinds.

What is the thesis statement?

There are three reasons why reading an online copy ofthe newspaper is
more sensible than reading a paper copy of the newspaper.
2.ltemone: Paper copies of newsoapers
Characteristic 1: News is often oldbefore the reader gets it
Characteristic 2: Creates much paperwaste.
Characteristic 3: Reading several papers a day can be expensive.
3.Atransition signal is required between fwo items being compared.
On the other hand

4. Item two: Online newspapers

Characteristic 1: News is updated as new information becomes available.
Characteristic 2: Online newspapers are paperless.
Characteristic 3: Most are (still) free.
5. A transition signal is required between the last item and the conclusion.
In brief
6. Conclusion:
Summarize the thesis.
People want a more convenient way to read their daily newspapers.
Summarize the main support statements of your thesis.
Reading newspapers online allows people to get the most up-to-date news. In addition,
since online newspapers are paperless, it reduces paper waste. Furthermore, most online
newspapers are (still) free of charge.

89
 Asyou read the following example underline:
1. the thesis statement; and

2. all tansitions signals.

Example:1
Inhoductiort
Newspapers are an important part of many people's day. Some people get their newspapers
delivered to their home. Some buy their newspapers at the nearest store. However, others just turn
on their computer. Reading newspapers online is becoming very popular. Moreover, nowadays
people find reading a paper copy of the newspaper inconvenient. There are three reasons why
reading an online copy of the newspaper is more sensible than reading a paper copy of the
newspaper.

Item one: Paper copy newspapers

The first reason is that the information in paper copies of the newspaper is often old by the
time the reader gets it. The second reason is that many people like to read several newspapers a
day. Consequently, they find that they collect too much paper waste. Finally, paper copies of
newspapers cost money. Therefore, reading several papers a day can be expensive.

Item two: Online newspapers

On the other hand, online newspapers are updated as news occurs. An important news
item is placed in the online newspaper as soon as new information is available. In addition, since
online newspapers are paperless, people can happily read as many newspapers as they like without
worrying about wasting paper. Finally, there is still no charge for most online newspapers. People
can read as many local, national, and international newspapers as they like at no cost.

Conclusion
In brief, people these days want a more convenient way to read their daily newspapers.
Being able to read newspapers online allows people to get the most up-to-date news. In addition,
since online newspapers are paperless, it reduces paper waste. Furthermore, most online newspapers
are free ofcharge.

90
B. The Alternating Method
The alternating method makes comparison s within the same paragraph.
Paragraph#
1. Introduction: Attract the reader's attention.
Newspapers are an important part of many people's day.
What is the background concerning the topic?
People frnd reading a paper copy of the newspaper inconvenient.
What two items are you evaluating?
Paper copies of newspapers and online newspapers.
Why are you evaluating these two items?
To contrast paper copies of newspapers with online newspapers.
What is the thesis statement?
There are three reasons why reading an online copy of the newspaper is more sensible
than reading a paper copy of the newspaper.
2.ltem 1: Paper copies of newspapers
Characteristic 1: News is often old before the reader gets it
Thansition signal: However
Item 2z Online newspapers
Characteristic l: Online newspapers are updated immediately
3.Item 1: Paper copies of newspapers
Characteristic 2: People find that they collect too much paper waste.
Tfansition signal: In contrast
Item 2: Online newspapers
Characteristic 2: Online newspapers are paperless.
4. Item 1: Paper copies ofnewspapers
Characteristic 3: Reading several papers a day can be expensive
Tlansition signal: On the otherhand
Item 2z Online new spapers
Characteristic 3: Most online newspapers are free
5. Thansition signal: In Conclusion
Conclusion:
Summarize the thesis.
People these days want a more convenient way to read their daily
newspapers.
6. Summarize the main support statements of your thesis.
Being able to read newspapers online allows people to get the most up-to-date news. In
addition, since online newspapers are paperless, they reduce paper waste. Furthermore,
most online newspapers are (still) free-of-charge.

9l
4 Comparing and contrasting
A) Contrasting
You canplan what and how to contrastby answering the following questions.
1. What are you contrasting?
Example: luxury sedans and minivans

2. What characteristics are you contrasting?

Examples: a) storage space b) seating space c) safety

3. How will you contrast luxury sedans and minivans?

Example: luxurysedans
a) limited storage space
b) lack of seating space for children
c) passengers at greater risk of getting severely injured if stuck by another vehicle from the side

Example: minivans
a) specially designed to have plenty ofstorage space
b) spacious seating provided specifically with children in mind
c) safety features include added protection for passengers if struck by another vehicle from the
side

4. What are the support statements for your thesis?

Example:
a) Minivans are specially designed to have plenty of storage space.
b) Spacious seating is provided in minivans specifically with children in mind.
c) In a minivan, safety features include added protection for passengers if the vehicle gets
struck by another vehicle from the side.

B) Comparing
You can plan what and how to compare by answering the following questions.
1. Whatareyoucomparing?
Example: two brands of digital camera

2. What characteristics are you comparing?

Example: a) cost b) flash-memory size c) resolution d) LCD screen size

92
 3. How will you compare the cameras?
Example:

Toni CyberShot
a)flashmemory=32MB b) resolution=t4.tmegapixels
c)LCDscreensize=3.5" d)cost=US$480
Net Cyber Shot
a) flashmemorysize=32MB b) resolution= 14.1 megapixels
c) LCD screen size = 3.5" d) cost = US$370

4. What are the support statements for your thesis?

Example:
a) The flash memory size is the same in the two cameras.
b) The resolution of the two cameras is also the same
c) The Toni Cyber Shot LCD screen is the same size as the Net Cyber Shot LCD screen.
d) There is a US$ 110 difference in price between the Toni Cyber Shot and the Net Cyber Shot

5. What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a statement that will be proven or supported in the body of an essay. It
appea$ in the introduction.

5 Creating Thesis Statements

You can create a thesis statement by answering the following questions.

A) Contrasting
1. Whatisyourtopic?
Example: automobiles

2. Whatareyoucontrasting?
Example: luxury sedans and minivans

3. What position on the topic are you taking?

Example: Minivans are better than luxury sedans for growing families.

4. State your thesis.

Example: Families who cannot afford a luxury sedan f,rnd that a minivan is a better investment
for a growing family.

93
 B) Comparing
1. Whatisyourtopic?
Example: digital cameftN
2. Whatareyoucomparing?
Example: the Toni Cyber Shot and the Net Cyber Shot digital cameras

3. What position on the topic are you taking?

Example: the Toni Cyber Shot and the Net Cyber Shot have the same features

4. State your thesis.

Example: It is important to research which camera you want to buy because there is often a
significant difference in price for cameras with the same features.

3 a) Using the information in Part 4 A) (Contrasting) and Part 5 A (Creating thesis

statements), write an essay contrasting sedans and minivans. Use theAlternating Method.
Filt in the following chart to help you plan your essay. Then write your essay below the
chart.

Alternating Method
Paragaph#
l.Introduction:
Attract the reader's attention.

What is the background concerning the topic?

Whattwo items are you evaluating?

Why are you evaluating these two items?

What is the thesis statement?

2. Item L:
Characteristic L:

tansition signal:

94
 Item2z
Characteristic 1:
3. Iteml:
Characteristic 2:
Tlansition signal:
Item 2:
Characteristic 2;
4. Iteml:
Characteristic 3;
T[ansition signal:
Item 2:
Characteristic 3:
5. T[ansition signal:
Conclusion:
Summarize the thesis.

Summarize the main support statements of your thesis.

95
 b) Use the information in Part 4 B) (Comparing) and Part 5 B (Creating thesis statements)
to write an essay comparing the Toni Cyber Shot and the Net Cyber Shot. Use the Block
Method. Fill in the following chart to help you plan your essay. Then write your essay
below the chart.

Block Method
Paragaph#

l.Inhoduction:
Attract the reader's attention.

What is the background conceming the topic?

What two items are you evaluating?

Why are you evaluating these two items?

What is the thesis statement?

2.Itemone:
Characteristic 1:
Characteristic 2:
Characteristic 3:
3. A transition signal is required between the first and the send items:

Itemone:
Characteristic 1:
Characteristic 2:
Characteristic 3:
4. A transition signal is required between the last item and the conclusion:

96
Conclusion:
Summarize the thesis.

Summarize the main support statements of your thesis.

97
 UNIT 9
CoverLeffers
" I What are covering letters?
These are formal letters that introduce the sender to the receiver and explain why the documents
also enclosed are being sent.. .the letter 'covers' the documents.

2 In what situations are covering letters used?

Three common situations are:
- when applying forcollege entrance
- when applying foran internship
- when applying for a job

3 What are the characteristics of a good covering letter?

These are:
- being one page in length
- having only three or four short paragraphs
- briefly intoducing the sender
- listing the enclosed documents and briefly explaining why they are being sent
- highlightingthe skills andqualifications the senderhas regardingthe applicationbeingmade

4 How is a covering letter formatted?

Covering letters use standard business-letter style (See Unit 7). They include:
- the sender's name. address. and contact information
- the date
- the addressee's name, title, company/institutionniune, address
- agreeting
- the body, which includes
- an introduction
- two or three paragraphs of content
- aconclusion
- a closing

98
 Name
Address
City, State
Sender'sName&Address Country(ifsentintemationally)
Postal Code
telephonenumber
email address

date + month, year Date

Name
Title
Company/krstitution
Address Recipient's Name & Address
City, State
Counfly (if sent internationally)
Postal Code

Dear Mr./Ms./lVIrs. + Name, Greeting

Introduction: who are you and why are you writing

Content: highlighting your skills, experience and qualifications in two or three Body
paragraphs
Conclusion: : thank the recipient for considering you for what you are applying for
Sincerely,
signature of sender Closing
Name of sender
Encl: listof the enclosed supporting documents

5 Covering Letters for University Applications

Every college or universif has a specific application process. Before you apply to any school, you
must research their application requirements. Generally, applications are sent to the Admissions
Department. However, it is important to address the letter appropriately and include a recipient's
name if possible.

First, look through this sample covering letter. Then carefully read through the analysis following it
of educational-institution coverins letters.

99
 FauziAhmad
1 6 Prince,Atlmad Street
Riyadh 1166,3
:(00%6) r2709270 ,

[email protected]

20April,2011
,fenne&Crant
. Assi- ant DeanAdmissions
' Smith School of Business
I UniveniryofChester

Chester, Cheshire
'CHl4FI

Re: andication for admission to Business l,aw

.

.
gndoggd,i$ my completed application foim and personal essay for adrnission first-year
as a

stg&nt in the Smith School of Business at the University of Chester. I want to begin classes in
the fall of this year.
,f. *i,fromtheBusinessManagementprogramatJamesCollegeinLtndonwith
. My goal is to further my 5hidies in the area of Business Law. at Chester. My
lclass honours

:official franscripts, academic, and personal recommendations are being mailed separately
firomthis application.
The Smith School of Business is well-lorown for its outstanding Business I-aw program. I look

100
 FirstParagraph
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention that
you are including relevant documents with the letter, and when you want to begin classes.

Middle Paragraph(s)
The next section of your covering letter should mention in which school you are currently enrolled
and any colleges you have already attended. You should also briefly mention why you are interested
in the program you are applying for and your future career goals. In addition, mention any other
documents being forwarded to the school at a later date. These might include official transcripts,
and academic or personal references.

FinalParagraph
conclude your covering letter by praising the school, and mention that you look forward to an
invitationto attend.

Exercises
I Writing a Universrf-Application Covering Letter
With a partner, use the information under these two student profiles to write a covering
letter to each to apply for admission to the university programs described.

L. Student Profile ProgramDetails

Name: Sami Hamad Name of University: Brighton Tech
Address: 83 King Abdulaziz Road Name of Assistant Dean of
City: Jeddah Admissions: Angela Dixon
Postal Code: 223331 Address: 23 Stone Road West
Phone number: (02) 665522I City: Inndon
Email address: samiH@ gmail.com Postal Code: TR345 6T5
hogram Name: Systems Management
Academic History: high school certificate
Academic interests: computer science
Enclosures: application form, personal
essay
Documents to be sent separately: official
ffanscripts, academic and personal references

101
 L. Covering Letter

102
 Narrc:*saMansour' ' ,

Addqeqg:67 ShOkh Hamad Sreet

City:Manama
Postal Code: SR345 32R
,,P.hgnen t%z-612|:, .,.
:' Emall addres;.essa{[email protected]:

2. Covering Letter

103
6 Covering Letters for Internship Applications
An internship is the oppornrnity to work in the summer while enrolled at university. The goal is to
gain experience in your major field of study. Some internships pay wages; others do not.

A covering letter fbr an application for an intemship is a document sent with your rdsumd to highlight
your skills, sffengths, and experience, and to provide additional information about your qualifications
forthe intemship.

First, look through this sample covering letter. Then carefully read through the analysis following it
of internship-application covering letters.

JameelAmer
Smith School of Business
University of Chester
Chester, CHI 4BJ
(674) 87s-223
[email protected]
7 February,20I2

MaryMcWilliams
Human Resources Manager
Bames Intemational
83ThamesAvenue
London,RTWT6TTS

DearMs. McWilliams.

Enclosedis my r6sum6 forapplicationforthe BusinessLawClerk summerintemshipposition

at Barns International. This job was listed with the University of Chester Career Services
Office.

to4
 I have a BA from the Busiqess:Management program at James College, London. In addition,
I am a first-year student at the Smith School of Business at the Uni-versity of Chester. I am
studying International Trade Law.

Trade. Your firm specializes

in helping Asian companies understand UK trade regulations. My goal is to help build positive
trade relations between Asian companies and UK businesses.

I will contact you the week of 4 March in the hope of scheduling a time when we can meet to
discuss this oppornrnity furttrer. Thank you for your consideration.

SinCefelV. ,,ii,,,.,,ii,,

Jt*..;l A*.t ,
'
JameelAmer
Encl I

FirstParagraph

The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the
position you are applying for and where you foundthe internship listed.

Middle Paragraph(s)

The next section of your covering letter should highlight your qualifications and experience. In addition,

summarize the company's sfrengths and achievements.

FinalParagraph

Conclude your covering letter by informing the recipient of a date on which you will contact them to
follow up on the application. Also thank the employerforconsidering you forthe position.

105
2 Writing an Internship-Application Covering Letter
With a partner, use the information under this student profile to write a covering letter to
apply for the internship position described.

L. Student Profrle Internship Description

Name: MarwanBatrji Company Name: City of London
Address: Information and Media School Name of Recipient: James Thorold
City:Amman Department: City Clerk's Office
Postal Code: SW532 6RW Address: 73 Swallow Road
Phone number: (Ol) 4567 -2810 City: London
Email address: [email protected] Postal Code: TR834 3ST
Internship Position: Communications
Academic History: currently enrolled in Clerk
Journalism Program, 2"d Yeat
About the Company: the City of London
Academic interests: Communications and has developed a creative public
PublicRelations
communications program. It is also a three-
Enclosures: r6sum6 time winnerofthe Communications Cowrcil's
Best Public Communications Award.

1. Covering Letter

106
 2. Student Profile Internship Description
Company Name: M&D Financial
Name: NoraAlKhalaf
Address: North Atlantic Universitv
Name of Recipient: Hamad Nassir,
RecruitingOfficer
City: Doha
Department: Human Resources
Postal Code: NS27 9NB
Address: 30 DohaRoad
Phone number: 0 380-8612
City: Doha
Email address: norak@ yahoo.qatar
Postal Code: NS39 4NT
Academic History: Financial
Internship Position: Client Services Clerk
Management,2"dyeat
About the Company: M&D Financial is
Academic interests: Group investment
an investment company. It is among the top
planning
five investment companies in Qatar inthe
Enclosures: r6sum6
area of Group Financial Planning Stategies.

2. Covering Letter

L07
7 Covering Letters for Job Applications

First,look through this sample covering letter. Then carefully read through the analysis following it.

Amal Saad
40 Nazla Street
Dammam,6677l
(03) 876-2386
[email protected]
29 Jlune,20ll

NajlaKhalid
Manager
HumanResources
The Resource Group
310 King Street E
Dammam, SK99 6EW

DearMs. Khalid.
Enclosed is my r6sum6 in application forthe Marketing Coordinatorposition atthe Resource
Group as advertised in the 28 June edition of the Examiner.
I have a Business Marketing degree from King Faisal University. I completed three summer
Intemships atAMulateefJameellnternational.Iworked as aMarketingAssistantatAMulateef
Jameel International after graduation.

AtAbdulateef Jameel International I was able to see how marketing theory is applied to
actual situations. I now want to apply this knowledge in a business environment as a Marketing
Coordinator.
I look forward to hearing from you. Please call me so that we may arange a time to meet and
discuss this matter further. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerelv.
AMI'S16'/
AmalSaad
Encl:1

108
 FirstParagraph
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention
the
position you are applying for and where you found the job listing.
Middle Paragraph(s)
The next section of your covering letter should describe what you have to offer the employer.
Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for.
FinalParagraph
Conclude your covering letter by suggesting the addressee contact you to affange a meeting to
discuss the opportunity further. Also, thank the employer for considering you for the position.

3 Writing a Job-Apptication Covering Letter

With a partner, use the information under this applicant profile to write a covering letter to
apply for the job described below it.

Applicant Profile
Name: Abdulqader Othman
Address: 80 Kings Road
City:Amman
Postal Code: RS783 7SG
Phone number: 0 567 -9932
Email address: abdulqaderO @ gmail.com
Qualifications: a degree in financial management from University of Jordan. Did trvo summer
intemships at International Trade Bank. Was hired by Intemational Trade Bank after graduation.
as anAccounts Officer. Was responsible forproviding the financial information to small business
accountholders.
Goals: Wants to expand experience in the banking world by helping client's get start-up
loans for small business ventures

ob Description
Company Name: Arab Bank
Name of Recipient: MarwanAl Qassim Manager
Department: Human Resources
Address: 348 JabalAl Hussain
City:Amman
Postal Code: RS358 3SH
Position: LoansOfficer
About the Company: the Arab Bank has a reputation for helping those who want to start
up small businesses. The Loans Officer's job is to assistant clients in getting start-up loans for
small business ventures.
Where job advertised: the 18 May Post.

109
 Covering Letter

110
UNIT 10

Writing Formal and Informal Emails

Introduction
Email is now an acceptable method of business and personal communication. It is used to:

a. makeplans
b. contact friends, clients, andcolleagues
c. giveinformationandinvitiations
d. placeorders
e. askforinformation

Email can be formal or informal. Formal email is sent to people in a wide-variety of professional
and academic situations. This includes to customers, managers, company employees, professors,

deans, and executives of businesses, colleges and universities. On the other hand, informal email is

sent to friends and colleasues.

There is a certain style of writing that should be followed when writing any email. Email is usually

short and to the point. Whether formal or informal, it is necessary to use proper capitalization and
punctuation. (See Writing Mechanics Unit 1.) In addition, writing an entire word in capital letters
in an email means that you are shouting. This is considered rude. A word that you want to emphasize
can be italicized,underlined. orin boldface.

111
2 Formal Email Formatting
An email should look something like this:

A Formal Email to a Company Executive

To : davesmith@ hunter.com
Cc: jdlsalesmanager@ tunnel.com
Subjecfi Sales report for the month of January
(attachments listed, if there are any)

DearMr. Smith,
My name is Jana Salim. I am Mr. Batrji's assistant. The report you asked for about January
sales is attached.

Thenextmeeting of the Sales ManagementTeamis 22February. Pleaseletmeknow if you

require any further information.

Thank you for your interest in MD Management. I will contact you next week regarding the
2ZFebruary meeting.

Respecfrrlly,
JanaSalim
ExecutiveAssistant
MDManagement
(o2)667780

3 Formal Email Writing

1. Formal email writing uses standard English terms.
Contractions, such as can't, haven't, wontt, don't, etc. should notbe used (with the possible
exception of don't in commands and requests; e.g. 'Don't wait too long before responding,
please. ') These expressions should be written in their complete form: cannot, will not, do not,

etc. ln addition, formal writing requires words to be written in their full form, such as photograph,
television, air conditioning, and advertisement. Not photo, TV, air-con, or advert.

2. Formal email frequently uses indirect questions.

Indirect questions are used to politely ask questions in formal situations. They usually come
after introductory phrases combined with interrogative pronouns and adjectives (who, whom,

112
 what, which, whose), adverbs (when, where, how, why), orconjunctions (if, whether). Modal
verbs are often used in the introductory phrase.

Examples:
a) Could youplease tell me whymy application was refused?
b) would you let me know when the next sales meeting is to be held?
c) could you tell me whether or not the meeting has been cancelled?
O Would you know if there is a fee to attend the seminar?
Exercises
I Indirect Questions
Write an indirect question for each of these situations. (Remember that a question mark
must come at the end of each question.) Insert a 'please' wherever it seems appropriate.
Follow the example.

Example:
Ask when the meetins was held.
Couldyou tell me when the meeting was held?
1. Ask whether the order arrived on time or not.

2. Ask if classes have been cancelled due to the weather.

3. Ask for a copy of a report to be sent to you.

4. Ask what time Jim's flight arrives on Tuesday.

5. Ask how soon the order can be delivered.

6. Ask why the meeting was cancelled.

7. Ask who the Dean of Admissions is.

8. Ask when the new course calendars will be mailed out.

113
2 Writing Formal Emails
Part 1: Write each bit of information, numbers l,-10, on the line beside its correct label,
letters a'j. (Write the information, not just the numbers')
Part 2z Then write the email in the box provided, putting each bit of information on the
correct line/s.
Part 3: Finall5 in complete sentences, answer each of the questions about the email.

Note: for the following example, note carefully what is being done in Parts L & 2.
Then complete Part 3. Finally go on to the other exercise emails.
Example: a formal email to a college administrative assistant
1. none
2. [email protected]
3. Younsincerely,
4. Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to receiving the information requested.
5. Essalsmail; none; (+966) 2-6676113
6. I am interested in taking a distance-leaming course in Records and Information Management.
However,I would like more information aboutthe program.
Would you be able to provide me with details about fees, schedules, and how many courses
are inthe certificate Program?
7. noattachments
8. Queryaboutonlinecourses
g. I am contacting you to get information about courses offered by your College that are available
onlinq
10. DearMs. Brown,
Part 1
a) Addressee's email address: ianicebrown@colleg
b) Subject line: Ouery about online courses
c) Greeting: DearMs. Brown.
O Whatfiles and/or documents are attached: no attachments
e) Main-point sentence: I am contacting you to get information about courses offered by your
College that are available online.
D Details:

prosrarn?

Ll4
g) Conclusion:
h) Closing: Yours sincerely.
r) Name of sender: Essalsmail
Sender's title: none
Sender's contact information: G9 66\ 2-667 6 I 13
Carbon copies: none

Part 2
A Formal Email to a College Administrative Assistant

To : j anicebrown@ college.com
Cc: (none)

Subject: Query about online courses

(noattachments)

DearMs. Brown,

My name is Essalsmail.I am contacting you to getinformation aboutcourses offeredby your

College that are available online.

I aminterestedintaking a distance-leaming course inRecords andlnformationManagement.

However,I wouldlike more information aboutthe program. Wouldyoube able toprovide
me with details about fees, schedules, and how many courses are in the certificate program?

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to receiving the information requested.

Yours sincerely,
Essalsmail
(+966) 2-6676113

115
 Part 3 (Remember to answer in complete sentences. Follow the example.)
1. Who is the addressee of the email?
The addressee of the email is Janice Brown.
2. Whoisthesenderoftheemail?

3. Where does the addressee work?

4. Whatisthetopicoftheemail?

5. What is the main-point sentence?

6. Why is the sender writing the email?

7. What is the sender's contact information?

3 Writing Formal Emails (cont'd)

A Formal Email to a Supplier
Part 1: Write each bit of information, numbers L-lL, on the line beside its correct label,
letters a-j. (Write the information, not just the numbers.)
1. DearMr. Al Shuhri,
2. [email protected]
3. Yours sincerely,
4. ElectricalcablesforTR928
5. [email protected]
6. order invoice for 40 RT788 electrical cables
7. MM Supplies continues to be a reliable and trusted supplier for our building needs. Please
email or call me if you have any questions. Thank you for your assistance.
8. I regret to inform you that the Materials Planner made a mistake, and we are shoft some of the
electrical cables necessary for this site.
9. Could you please send 40 RT788 electrical cables to building site TR928 as soon as possible?

10. Fawzan Khalid; Materials Buyer, R&T Construction; (07) 2225261

11. noone

r16
a) Addressee's email address:
b) Subject line:
-
c) Greeting:
d) What documents are attached:
e) Main-point sentence:

f) Details:

s) Conclusion:
h) Closing:

il Nameofsender:
Sender's title:
Sender's contact information :
j) Carbon copies to:

Part2zWrite the email inthe boxprovided, putting each bitof information onthecorrect
line/s.

A Formal Email to a Supplier

To:
Cc:

Subject:

Attachments:

tt7
 Part 3: In complete sentences, answer each of the questions about the email.

1. Who is the addressee of the email?

2. Whoisthe senderoftheemail?

3. Where does the addressee work?

4. Whatisthetopic ofthe email?

5. Whatisthemain-pointsentence?

6. Why is the sender writing the email?

7. What is the sender's contact information?

r18
3 Use the information in the following response email to fill in the information from a-j below.

Formal Email to a Company Executive (response)

eletical
' IaiiriJarliesBailryMamger'oflfi{ Supplie$.As,requestedfouro'rderfor40RT788
cables has @n delivered.

Site lvkmager Ornar Saad received the order on,28 August. The order invoice is aftached

Please call oremail if you require any morematerials. Thankyou forusing MM Supplies for
yourbuildingneeds.

Younsincerely,
EidAlShuhri
Manager
M&MSupptes
(07)-2679m,O

a) Recipient's email address:

b) Subject line:
c)
d) What documents are attached :

e) Main point sentence:

f) Details:

tt9
 g) Conclusion:

h) Closing:
r) Name of sender:
Title:
Contact information:
J Carbon copy to:

4 Informal Email Formatting

Since informal emails are usually sent to close friends and family, there are not really any specific
guidelines to follow. However, it can be useful for you to have more than one email address, one for
professional use and another for contacting friends and family. An email address for informal use
can be a nickname or a hobby, for example.
Examples:
a) [email protected]
b) [email protected]
5 Informal Email Writing
Informal writing makes use of contractions such as won't, can't, dontt, shouldn't, haventt, etc.
In addition, informal email uses abbreviations or shortened forms of word such as photo, TV, air-
con, ad, etc.

Greetings in infbrmal emails can begin with Hi or Hello followed by the intended recipient's first
name. Hello is more formal than hi, and can be more suitable when writins to colleasues.
Examples:
a) HelloMansour,
D HiJohn.
Closings suitable for informal emails include ones such as Regards, See you soon, and Bye.

Informal email uses directquestions using question words such as what, how, when, where, why,
has, is, are, and do.
Examples:
a) Whywas my applicationrefused?
b) When is the next sales meeting?

120
 c) Has the conference been cancelled?
d) Is there a fee to attend the seminar?
e) Are they going directly to the airport?
f) Who will meet me at the airPort?

g) Do you know why she called?

h) Does he know where the office is?

4 Asking Direct Questions

Write an indirect question following each of the instructions provided. Follow the example.

Example:
Ask when the meeting was held.
When was the meetingheld?

1. Ask who is going to meet Abdullah at the airport on Friday.

2. Ask if Hamdan is going directly to the hotel'

3. Ask if classes have been cancelled.

4. Ask if Zuhair remembers how to get to the office.

5. Ask when the semester will be over.

6. Ask ifAkram and Sami are going to the Career Conference.

7 . Ask where the Dean's office is located.

8. Askhowto getintouchwithAmani.

t2l
5 Writing Informal Emails
Part 1: Write each bit of information, numbers 1-10, on the line beside its correct label.
letters a-j. (Write the information, notjust the numbers.)
Patt 2: Then write the email in the box provided, putting each bit ofinformation on the
correct line/s.

1. Regards
2. HelloRauf
3. none
4. Since you are the Production Manager, I'd like to hear yourpoint of view. Are you available
next week? We probably need half a day for this. Let me know by Friday when you are
available and I'll have my assistant write up an agenda and send it out to everyone.
5. [email protected]
6. Thanks foryourcontinued support. See you soon.
7. none
8. Saeed; Senior Buyer; Direct 01454511
9. I'm arranging a meeting with Golden Starrepresentatives to discuss this.
10. Meeting with Golden Star executives

Write each bit of information, numbers 1-10, on the line beside its correct label,letters a-
j. (Write the information, not just the numbers.)

a) Recipient's email address:

b) Subjectline:
c) Greeting:
d) What documents are attached:
e) Main point sentence:

f) Details:

122
 Conclusion:

h)
i) Name of sender:
Title of sender:
Sender's contact information:

"D Carboncopyto:
Write the email in the following box, putting each bit of information on the correct line/s.
Informal email to a colleague

Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:

123
6 W.it" one email to a friend and one email to a colleague on topics of your choice. Use the
following outline to help you write your emails. Write the emails in the boxes provided.

An Email to a Friend
a) Addressee's email address:
b) Subject line:
c) Greeting:
d) What documents are attached:
e) Main-point sentence:
D Details:
s) Conclusion:
h) Closing:
r) Name of sender:
Sender's title:
Sender's contact information :
j) Carbon copy to:

Write an email to a friend.

To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:

124
An Email to a Colleague
a) Addresseets email address:
b) Subject line:
c) Greeting:
d) What documents are attached:
e) Main-point sentence:
D Details:
s) Conclusion:
h) Closing:
r) Nameof sender:
Sender's title:
Sender's contact information:
J Carbon copy to:

Write an email to a colleague.

To
Cc:
Subject:

Attachments:

t25
UNIT 11
Memos
I What is a memo?
Memo is the short form of the word memorandum. A memo is less formal than a letter and is a type
of correspondence that is usually used within acompany or academic office environment.

2 Why write a memo?

Memos are brief and to the point. They are written when it is not necessary to write a formal letter.
They are generally used to provide or to ask for information and to make requests.

3 Parts of a Memo
A. The Heading
Theheadingindicates:
1. The intended recipient/s of the memo 3. The date the memo is sent
Example: Example:
To: AllSalesManagers Date: 7 January,ZoI2

2.Thesenderof the memo 4. The subject of the memo

Example: Example:
From: Directorof Sales Subject Sales Bonuses

B. The Body
l.Introduction
The first paragraph of a memo should state the purpose of the memo.
Example:
I am happy to be able to announce that durin g20lI, all R&G Electronics sales teams beat their
sales goals by 3O7o.As a result, I am pleased to be able to award bonuses to all sales teams.
2. Details
The detail section of a memo contains additional information for the addressee/s and mav also
contain a request for action.
Example:
Each sales manager should decide how to distribute the bonuses to their staff. Please inform the
Finance Department of your decisions before the end of this month. Sales managers will receive
their bonuses with their March waqes.

126
 3. Conclusion
The conclusion of a memo contains a brief summary of the situation and a courteous closing.
Example:
Again, congratulations to all R&G Electronics sales teams for outstanding achievements in 2011 .
Inform the Finance Department of how the bonuses should be distributed before the end of January
they may be included in the February wages. Please call my assistant at extension 894 if
you
so that

have any questions.

4. Carbon Copies
copies of the memo can be sent to others for their information.
Example:
Cc: Chief Financial Officer

4 An Example Memo
Memorandum
To: All Sales Managers
From: Directorof Sales
Date:7 January,20l2
Subject: Sales Bonuses

I am happy to be able to announce that during2}ll,all R&G Electronics sales teams beat
their sales goals by 3OVo. As a result, I am pleased to be able to award bonuses to all sales
teams.

Each sales manager should decide how to distribute the bonuses to their staff. Please inform
the Finance Department of your decisions before the end of this month. Sales managers will
receive theirbonuses with theirMarch wages.

Again, congratulations to all R&G Elecffonics sales teams for outstanding achievements in
20 1 1 . Inform the Finance Department of how the bonuses should be distributed before the

end of January so that they may be included in the February wages. Please call my assistant
at extension 894 ifyou have any questions.

Cc: Chief Financial OfFrcer

L27
Exercises
l Analynngthe Memo
With a partner, alternate asking and answering these questions. T[y to use complete
sentences. Write down your own answers to each of the questions. The first one is done
for you as an example.

Example:

l. Who is to getacopy ofthis memo?

2. Who is sendine this memo?

3. On what date is the memo to be sent?

4. Whatisthetopicofthis memo?

5. Whatisthis memoannouncins?

6. Why are all sales tearns receiving a sales bonus?

7 . What two things does the Director of Sales want the Sales Managers to do?

8. What number can the Sales Managers call if they have any questions?

128
2 Creating a Memo - Part A
Workwithapartner. Copytheinformationin ChartA, puttingitintothecornectorderof a
memo in Chart B. The paragraphs are not in the proper order. In addition, the sentences
that make up each paragraph may also be out of order. The first two items in Chart B are
doneforyou.

Chart A
Memorandum
Sent by: Director of Sales
Finally, pleaseuse yournew phoneforbusinesses purposes only. You willbe chargedforusing your
smart phone for personal use. Thank you again for providing our customers with excellent service.
New smartphones for managers
All Managers
To be given to:
consequently, the company will provide all managen with a new RW smartphone.
As you know, managers spend more thanToVo of their time outside of the offlrce.
However, it is important for you to be able to contact your customers and for them to be able to
contact you.
6May,2OI2
Carbon copy to: Financial Clerks
You will download this information and send it to the financial department at the end of every month.
The RW smartphone contains a usage tracking system. This will help us to improve our expense
records system.

Chart B

To: AllManagers
From: Directorof Sales

129
2 Creating a Memo - Part B
Work with partner. Copy the information in Chart A, putting it into the correct order of a
a

memo in Chart B. The paragraphs are not in the proper order.In addition, the sentences
that make up each paragraph may also be out of order. The first two items in Chart B are
done for you.

Chart A
Memorandum

Sent by: Housing Supervisor

International Students

I would like to thank you and your staff for helping to provide our international students with a
comfortable place to live while they study here.

A pleasant and secure living environment helps students to adjust to living away from home.

These rooms must be thoroughly cleaned and the furniture put into place before 15 August. We
have an additional forty international students who will requirehousing in September.

As aresult, we will use the first and second floors of the East Residence forthese students.

To be given to: Housing Manager

We also have permission for staffto work overtime if necessary.

If you require additional staffto meet this deadline, please let me know.
l7 June,20l2

130
 Chart B
Memorandum

3 Plan and write a memo for each of the two following situations. Proceed through these four
steps:
1. Readtheinformationdescribingthe situation.
2. Plan the memo through discussion of the questions with yourpartner, and then writing the
answers down in complete sentences.
3. Using the information given in the situation description and the planning-question answers, fill in
the blanks. Use pOint-fqrno inslrye$ if you wish to do so. You must put the information in the
correct order.
4. Finally, use the information from the situation and the planning exercises to write the memo.

Situation I
This memo should be sent December 22"d.

TheAssistant Dean ofAcademics atWestem College is going to send a memo to all exam supervisors
to inform them of a conference at the Royal Hotel on the 22"d and23'd of January,Z\IL.The topic
of the conference is Cheating in the Digital Age. The conference is being presented by the

131
 Association forAcademic Honesty. All exam supervisors must attend this conference to learn the
latest methods used to prevent students from cheating on their exams. Westem College will
pay the

registration fee and all other expenses forexam supervisors to attend. TheAssistantDean wishes to
thank all exam supervisors for helping Western College build and maintain its image of academic
excellence.

Acarbon copy of this memo is to be given to the Dean of Academics.

Plan the Memo

With a partner, alternate asking and answering orally the following questions about the
situation. Then on your own, write yAULq1!11 answers in complete sentences. The first
question is answered for You.

1. Whatisthepurposeofthememo?

2. Who will receive the memo?

3. Whoissendinsthememo?

4. When willthememobesent?

5. What information is being provided to the addressee(s) of the memo?

6. What must the recipient(s) of the memo do?

7 . What is/are the addressee(s) of the memo being thanked for?

132
Fill in the Blanks
With partner, use the information from the situation and the answers to the planning
a
questions to fill in the blanks. You can use point-form. Some information is provided for
you as examples.

Addressee(s): All Exam Supervisors

Sender:

Date:

Subject:

Points to include in the introduction:

- There is a conference at the Royal Hotel

Points to include in the details paragraph:

methods used to prevent cheating on exams.

Points to include in the conclusion:

Carbon copy:

133
 Write the Memo
On your own, use the information from the situation and from the planning exercises to
writethememo.

Memorandum

Situation 2
This memo is to be sent 20 June2ol2.
The Sales Manager will send a memo to the Finance Officer to ask him to preparc a sales report for
the frst quarter of the year. Product numbers and the region in which the products were sold should
be included in the report. Quarterly sales reports are useful for helping to identify whether seasons
have an effect on sales. This report is to be presented at a planning meeting on 17 July, 2012. The
Sales Manger wishes to thank the Finance Officer for his assistance in helping him prepare for the
planningmeeting.

134
Plan the Memo
With a partner, alternate asking and answering orally the following questions about the
situation. Then on your own, write your own answers in complete sentences.

1. Whatisthepurpose ofthe memo?

2. Whowillreceivethememo?

3. Whoissendingthememo?

4. When will the memo be sent?

5. What information is being provided to the addressee(s) of the memo?

6. What must the recipient(s) of the memo do?

7. What is/are the addressee(s) of the memo being thanked for?

Fill in the Blanks

With a partner, use the information from the situation and the answers to the planning
questions to fill in the blanks. You can use point-form.

Addressee(s):
Sender:
Date:
Subject:
Points to include in the introduction:

135
 Points to include in the details paragraph:

Points to include in the conclusion:

Carbon copy:

Write the Memo

On your own, use the information from the situation and from the planning exercises to
writethememo.

Memorandum

136
UNIT 12
Note-Thking
What is note-taking?
Note-taking is making a summary of information that you want to remember from oral presentatiotrs
or from printed matter.

Taking notes helps you to remember rvhat you heard or read. When you take notes you are
summarizing the information in your own words. Using your own words helps you to understand the
material. When you understand something, you are better able to remember it'

Usef'ul ways to take notes are to make diagrams, mind maps, tables, symbols, or a summary in
rvords, and following are examples of those'

Diagrams Mind MaPs

*l
t!r

fs
ET

GS'
Xg
qe;
Tables

Word Part-of-speech Example sentence

beautiful descriptive adjective There is abeautiftrl sunsetevery night.

calrnly adverb He calmly phoned the police.
name action verb Name all the bones in the humanbody.
list nou-n Make a list of those who can work overtime.

t37
 ' Symbol Meaning Example
A change Social A occurs from within a culture.
equals, is the same as taxes = income forgovernment
+ does notequal, is notthe same as long hours = high salaries
less than The clerk's income is < $40.000.
morethan > 200 people lost theirjob
$ dollar The $ fell by 2 points last year.
@ at The US$ is now @ 98 cents CA$.
) leads to, results in poor diet)poor health
v a decrease in, goes down unemployment V hstmonth
,1. an increase in, goes up taxes f this year
& and housing & property = real estate
# number Ibought#60.
o
degree It was 600 yesterday.

Short Forms of Words

Words can be shortened in variety of ways. Short forms can be one letter or one syllable. you can
a
make up your own short forms. What is important is that the short form means something
to you.
The following short forms are just a few examples.

ShortForm Meaning Example

p. page see chartp.45
i.e. thatis equine i.e. ahorse
(from Latin: id est)
e.g. forexample dairyprodcuts,e.g. milk,
cheese
(from Latin: exemph grAtid)
etc. et qetera (and so forth/and so on) weother: rain, snow, hail, etc
re: regarding/about re: accountspayable
ref: reference/referto ref: textp.89
compu computer compu saleshave V
gov't govemment Gov'tspendinghas f.
info information gathermoreinfo
equip. Compu. equip. costs alotof
$.
television TV They sell wide-screen TVs.
important NB Here are some NB e.g.s.
(from Latin: nota bene\

138
Exercises
l Summarizing
Use symbols and short formsfrom the tables to summarize the following sentences. Follow
the examples provided. (Answers may vary to some extent.)
Examples:
a) Information is available on the government website.

Info is available on the gov't website.

b) We will change to elecffic cars in 2013.
We will A to electric cars in 2013.
c) It is important to write down equipment numbers.

It's * to write down equip #s.

1. Thecostoffuelis goingdown.

2. For example, we can increase government benef,rts.

3. It is important to exercise and eat well.

4. We have sold more than 500 of the new computers.

5. Eating salty foods leads to heart disease.

6. He sells electronics Vo thatis,computers, cellphones, and televisions.

7. The head office is at the corner of King St. and Queen's Way.

8. A decrease in price does not equal an increase in sales.

139
2 Making Abbreviations
Use the following words to make your own short forms. Follow the examples provided.
(Answers will vary.)
Examples:
a) petroleuw = petrol b) temperature = temp c) please = p!;
1. ]ear=
2. problem=
3. miles =
4. kilometres =
5. professor=
6. department =
7. ChiefExecutiveOfficer=
8. available =

How can I take good notes?

In order to take good notes you need to decide what information is important.
Decide that by asking yourself a few simple questions.
i) What is the topic?
ii) Whatis the main idea?
iii) What facts support the topic and main idea?
It is important to be able to tell the difference between opinions and facts. Facts are important
information and support the main idea. Opinions may be interesting, but they do not usually provide
proof to support the main idea unless they are expert opinion, an opinion by a generally -rec,ogtttznd
expert on the subject at hand.
iv) What information is related to the subject? These are supporting details.

Identifying the Topic

t$h is the general message of a comthunication; It is also called the subsect,lTo

identifu the topic ask yourself what the information is about. The topic is usually a noun
phrase and can be identified in one ortwo words.

140
3 Identifying the Topic
Identify the topic in each of the following short paragraphs. The first one is done for you
as an example.

1. The latest communication device today is not just a cellphone; it's a smartphone. One f,rts into
the palm of your hand, but it has all the functions of a computer. In fact, it seems its function as a
telephone is fairly minor. Smartphones have touchscreen technology, keyboards, and cameras, but
they are also capable of connecting to the Internet.
The topic is: smartphones

2. Solar energy is a good idea for several reasons. One good reason is to protect the environment.
Using forms of energy like petroleum and coal creates ar, water, and soil pollution. Such pollution
can cause deadly diseases in humans and animals. Since solar energy captures energy from the sun,
it does not cause pollution.
The topic is:

3. These days many people worry about identi$ theft. Identity theft is when a person's identification

information is stolen and used without their permission. Examples of identification information include
the numbers found on credit cards, driver's licenses, identif,rcation cards, and passports.
The topic is:

4. Many people use their computers for online banking and shopping. To participate in these
activities it is necessary to enter personal and financial data into ttre computer. This kind of information
is what online thieves want access to. To prevent these thieves from breaking into your computer
and stealing this information, you musthave agoodcomputer security system.
The topic is:

5. Choosing a college can be very difficult. However, there are several ways to make the choice
a little easier. One way is to visit the campuses of the top two or three colleges you are applying to.
You can do this by attending an open house.At an open house, you canjoin group tours that are led
by current students at the university. This allows you to see university facilities and ask questions
about student life.
The topic is:

t4l
 Opinions
An opinion is a belief or judgment which has not been or cannot be proven.
Opinions statements often use signal words. The following chart contains examples of signal words
being used to form a statement of opinion.

Signatlilord Examole

mayfnftfut Global warming maybe the result of airpollution.'

Sales might increase by lOVo thisquarter.
shorld/oughtto The economy should improveby nextJune
This medicine ought to cure your ilhtess.
thill/feet Scientists think thatthis is anew species ofbird.
Many people feel that impulse buying is a waste money.
qood.beJter-bcst This is agoodproduct.
This car is better than that car.
This is the bestrestaurantin town.
bad-woiso'worst Sami's plan is bad, but Khalid's plan is worse.
Thisistheworstmovieevermade. ,

descriptive adjectives This is abeautifuI area in which to 1ive.

mordmost+ adjective This movie is more interesting than last week's.
This is themostimportant sporting eventof the year.
less/least + adjective The norttrernregion is less attractive thanthe southem.
The western region is the leastatfactive.
it is believed that It is believed that English will continue as the #1
intemational language in spite of growing Chinese
economicpower.
probabb The product probably won't sell very well.

Facts
A fact is knowledge or information based on something that has occurred and can be confirmed to
exist. Facts can often be measured.
Examples:
Sales rose by lOTo in the first quarter of this year.
Every year this country exports 45Vo of the rice it grows.
Water freezes into ice at 0"C.

142
 Supporting Details
Supporting details are used to help explain a fact or a main idea. In the following example, the fact
is underlined. The topic is in bold. The remaining information supports the fact.

buy it. This is called impulse buying. Three things are needed to convince a customer to buy
somethingonimpulse:
1. a good f,rst impression of the product.
2. convenient and easy-to-see product-placement in the store.
3. easeofpurchase.

Putting a Fact into Action

A computer accessory was located on high shelves at the back of the store. It was not
easy to see or to find. It cost $15.00. No one bought the product.
The Sales Promotion Manger moved the product to the front of the store close to the
checkout counters. She created an attractive display that attracted the attention of customers.
Information on the display briefly described the product, what it was used for, how to use it, and
why itwas convenient. The price of theproduct remained at $15.00.
The product was sold out by the end of the month.

4 ldentifying Facts and Opinions

On the line at the end of each sentence, indicate whether the information seems to be a
fact or an opinion. The first one is done for you as an example.

1. R&T computer accessories are better than Polar computer accessories. opinion
2. Many believe that cellphones are necessary communication devices.
3. Twenty-nine percent of car accidents happen between two and five miles from home.

4. Seawater fre ezes ata lower temperature than freshwater does.

5. This car is probably the best one on the market today.
6. The dust storms ought to stop by the end of this week.
7. Eating food with a high salt content can cause high blood pressure.
8. A student with a GPA lower than 3.0 will not get into Central University.
143
 Summarizing Information and Supporting details
1. Don't copy word for word what you are hearing or reading.
2. Use short forms and symbols that have meaning for you.

5 Using Symbols and Short Forms

Use symbols and short forms to summarize the following sentences. The first one is done
for you as an example. (Answers will vary.)
1. An increase in sales equals an increase inprofits.
a)An Ainsales=an Ainprofits OR b)@

Explanation: a above is the sentence in a shorter form;

b is the meaning of the sentence reduced to its most basic form.

) The number of automobile accidents decreased at that intersection.

3. The temperature dropped ten degrees overnight.

4. A change in management will result in beffer customer relations.

3. [.ess than forty percent of the population voted

6. Overeating and no exercise results in weight gain.

7. Memorization does not equal leaming.

8. Find references to the importance of spending to a healthy economy.

How can I identify the main idea of a reading?

The main idea of a reading is what is being expressed about the topic or subject. Awell-structured
reading often contains the main idea in the frst or introductory paragraph, especially in science and
otherfactual writing. The sentence thatcontains the main ideais called thetopicsentenceormain-
idea sentence.

144
 Each paragraph that follows the introductory paragraph will also contain a main idea. These main
ideas will supportthe main ideaof the reading. Eachparagraph willcontainsupportingdetailsthat
prove or support the main idea of the paragraph.

5 ldentifying the Main Idea

Identify the main idea in each of the paragraphs from Exercise 3. The first one is done for
you as an example.

1. The latest communication device today is not just a cellphone; it's a smartphone. One fits into
the palm of your hand, but it has all the functions of a computer. In fact, it seems its function as a
telephone is fairly minor. Smartphones have touchscreen technology, keyboards, and cameras, but
they are also capable of connecting to the Internet.
Themainideais:

2. Solar energy is a good idea for several reasons. One good reason is to protect the environment.
Using forms of energy like petroleum and coal creates au, water, and soil pollution. Such pollution
can cause deadly diseases in humans and animals. Since solar energy captures energy from the sun,
it does not cause pollution.
The main idea is:

3. These days many people worry about identiff theft. Identity theft is when a person's identification

informationis stolenandusedwithouttheirpermission. Examplesofidentificationinformationinclude

the numbers found on credit cards, driver's licenses, identification cards, and passports.
The main idea is:

4. Many people use their computers for online banking and shopping. To participate in these
activities it is necessary to enter personal and financial data into the computer. This kind of information
is what online thieves want access to. To prevent these thieves from breaking into your computer
and stealing this information, you musthave a goodcomputer security system.
The main idea is:

5. Choosing a college can be very difficult. However, there are several ways to make the choice
a little easier. One way is to visit the campuses of the top two or three colleges you are applying to.

You can do this by attending an openhouse.At an openhouse, you canjoin grouptours that are led
by current students at the university. This allows you to see university facilities and ask questions
about studentlife.
The main idea is:

145
6 Identifying Supporting Details
Use the paragraphs from Exercise 3 to identify the supporting details of the main idea.
The first one is done for you as an example.

1. The latestcommunication device today is notjust acellphone;it's a smartphone. One fits into
the palm of your hand, but it has all the functions of a computer. In fact, it seems its function as a
telephone is tairly minor. Smartphones have touchscreen technology, keyboards, and cameras, but
they are also capable of connecting to the Internet.
The supporting details are:
- it's compact. but it has all the functions of a computer
- smart phones have touch screen technology. keyboards. and cameras
- they are capable of connecting to the Internet

2. Solar energy is a good idea for several reasons. One good reason is to protect the environment.
Using forms of energy like petroleum and coal creates arr, water, and soil pollution. Such pollution
can cause deadly diseases in humans and animals. Since solar energy captures energy from the sun,
it does not cause pollution.
The supporting details are:

3 . These days many people worry about identifr theft. Identity theft is when a penon 's identification
information is stolen and used without theirpermission. Examples of identification information include
the numbers found on credit cards, driver's licenses, identification cards, and passports.
The supporting details are:

146
4. Many people use their computers for online banking and shopping. To participate in these
activities it is necessary to enterpersonal and financial data into the computer. This kind of information
is what online thieves want access to. To prevent these thieves from breaking into your computer
and stealing this information, you must have a good computer security system.

The supporting details are:

5. Choosing a college can be very difhcult. However, there are several ways to make the choice
a little easier. One way is to visit the campuses of the top two or three colleges you are applying to.

You can do this by attending an open house. At an open house, you can join group tours that are led
by current students at the university. This allows you to see university facilities and ask questions
about student life.

The supporting details are:

Writing a Summary
To write a summary, you must identify the topic, the main idea, and the supporting details of the
information. Then using your own words, briefly write the major points including a few supporting
details that support those points. Depending on the length of the reading, a good sunmary should
be no more than ten sentences.
In Exercise 3, you identified the topic. In Exercise 5, you identified the main idea. In Exercise 6, you
identified the supporting details.

147
7 The following paragraphs are from Exercise 3. To help you summarizerfirst read each
paragraph again. Then underline the topic twice. After that, underline the main idea. Then
using a wavy line, underline the main supporting details.
Finally, in your own words, use the underlined information to write a summary of each
paragraph. The first one is done for you as an example.

1. The latest communication device today is not just a cellphone; it's a smartphone. One fits into
the palm of your hand, but it has all the functions of a computer. In fact, it seems its function as a
telephone is fairly minor. Smartphones have touchscreen technology. keyboards. and cameras, but
they are also capable ofconnecting to the Internet.

Summary:
The smart phone is a very popular communication tool. It operates like a computer and can connect
to the Internet. It also has a touch creen. a keyboard. and a camera'

2. Solar energy is a good idea for several reasons. One good reason is to protect the environment.
Using forms of energy like petroleum and coal creates air, water, and soil pollution. Such pollution
can cause deadly diseases in humans and animals. Since solar energy captures energy from the sun,
it does notcause pollution.
Summarv:

3. These days many people worry about identi$ theft. Identity theft is when a person's identification

information is stolen and used without their permission. Examples of identification information include
the numbers found on credit cards, driver's licenses, identification cards, and passports.
Summary:

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 4. Many people use their computers for online banking and shopping. To participate in these
activities it is necessary to enterpersonal and financial data into the computer. This kind of information
is what online thieves want access to. To prevent these thieves from breaking into your computer
and stealing this information, you must have a good computer security system.
Summary:

5. Choosing a college can be very difficult. However, there are several ways to make the choice
a liffle easier. One way is to visit the qlmpuses of the top two or three colleges you arc applying to.

You can do this by attending an open house. At an open house, you can join group tours that are led
by current students at the university. This allows you to see university facilities and ask questions
about student life.
Summary:

8 Making Notes
1. Read the following passage once to get a general understanding of it.
2. Then read each paragraph carefully one-by-one and make notes using short
forms and symbols. rdentify the topic, main idea, supporting details, facts,
examples, and opinions.
3. Finally, summarize the passage in your own words.

Fossil fuels are used to produce about 8O7o of the world's energy needs. Examples of fossil
fuels include petroleum and coal. However, when these types of fuel are burned to produce power,

149
 they cause pollution that is harrnful to the environment. In order to protect the environment, energy
companies are investing in alternative methods of producing power. One of these methods is solar
energy.

Solar energy comes from the sun and has many advantages over fossil-fuel energy. One of the
main advantages isthatnopollution is generatedwhenproducingpowerfrom solarenergy.Another
advantage is that solar energy is available in an unlimited supply. In addition, solar power does not
have to be fransported, so it can be used where it is generated and is therefore an excellent source
of power for isolated communities.

Currently however, the equipment used to capture energy from the sun and turn it into power is
very expensive. Yetdespite ttre high cost, many people feel that solarenergy shouldreplace fossil-
fuel energy because it is an unlimited resource that does not harm the environment.

1. Thke notes:

2. What is the topic?

3. What is the main idea?

150
4. Supportingdetails:
Facts:

Examples:

5. What opinions are stated?

6. Summarize the passage in your own words.

li

151
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