*_mei ni_*
Monday, September 29, 2008
Reflections
Come to think of it, it has been close to 2 months since I first stepped into EG1471 tutorial class. I realized that I have acquired better skills in writing, not just for the module itself, but in and out of curriculum areas where the language is being employed. Nowadays, I focus more on my sentence structures, for instance introducing the right tenses and pronouns, as well as transition signals to ensure that it is more reader-friendly. I also managed to adopt the right techniques in summarizing a text paragraph or article. But more importantly, I remembered what Miss Fong once mentioned in the first lesson, that is to take this class not just only for academic purposes, but also as an opportunity to widen our social circles. Now, I am really glad, because it is always heartwarming to see familiar faces around the campus, adding colours to my life.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Portfolio Task 2: Common Grammatical Mistakes
One of the grammatical errors that is commonly being observed throughout the writing process is on the usage of tenses and pronoun references. Many may question on the importance of the consistency in tenses. However, any unnecessary shifting in the use of tenses will add on confusion to the readers. The change in tenses is only exceptional in a few cases. One scenario where the change is applicable is when we are switching from direct to indirect speech. This means that we are trying to report on something that someone has already mentioned earlier on. For example, she said, “I will bring the kids to the park tomorrow” will become she said that she would bring the kids to the park the next day. From the two statements, we are able to distinguish the differences in the timing words as well as the pronouns which will be discussed in the next section. As for the usage of pronoun references, the consistency is pivotal such that to ensure that the sentence is concise and clear. The pronoun basically refers to as a noun while the antecedent is the noun which takes its reference from the pronoun. Understanding the co-relation between the pronoun and antecedent serves as a preliminary check to see if we are applying the correct pronouns at the prominent locations. For instance, ‘one should play your part in keeping the environment clean’ should be corrected to ‘one should play one’s part in keeping the environment clean’ or ‘every individual should play his or her part in keeping the environment clean’. Through written language, we are able to discover ideas and define thoughts. However, in order to ensure that readers are able to comprehend and communicate with the writer, the source must be written effectively, that is adopting the correct grammatical structure. Thus, it is undeniable that writing and reading skills are complements of each other.
References
State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Workforce Development. (n.d.). Developing Appropriate Tense Use Throughout a Multiple Paragraph Text. Retrieved from 12 September, 2008 from http://literacy.owc.edu/abe/Language-D/ABE_L-25-02.htm
Handley, E; Oaks, S. (1995-96). Bottom-Line, Low-Anxiety Grammar & Sentence Structure. Retrieved from 9 September, 2008 from Empire State College, State University of New York Web Site http://www.esc.edu/esconline/across_esc/writerscomplex.nsf/wholeshortlinks2/Grammar+Wo
Kilborn, J. (1999, March 26).
Editing & Proofreading Strategies for Specific Sentence-Level Errors. Retrieved from 9 September, 2008 from The Write Place, St Cloud State University Web Site http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/editing.html#PROAGREE
Lunsford, A. (2005).
The Everyday Writer. 20 Most Common Errors. Retrieved from 10 September, 2008 from http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/everyday_writer3e/20errors/16.html
Beare, K (2008).
English as 2nd Language. Reported Speech – Indirect Speech. Retrieved from 8 September, 2008 from http://esl.about.com/od/grammarintermediate/a/reported_speech.htm
*Kindly note that the practice exercises are available in the first 4 links =)
References
State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Workforce Development. (n.d.). Developing Appropriate Tense Use Throughout a Multiple Paragraph Text. Retrieved from 12 September, 2008 from http://literacy.owc.edu/abe/Language-D/ABE_L-25-02.htm
Handley, E; Oaks, S. (1995-96). Bottom-Line, Low-Anxiety Grammar & Sentence Structure. Retrieved from 9 September, 2008 from Empire State College, State University of New York Web Site http://www.esc.edu/esconline/across_esc/writerscomplex.nsf/wholeshortlinks2/Grammar+Wo
Kilborn, J. (1999, March 26).
Editing & Proofreading Strategies for Specific Sentence-Level Errors. Retrieved from 9 September, 2008 from The Write Place, St Cloud State University Web Site http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/editing.html#PROAGREE
Lunsford, A. (2005).
The Everyday Writer. 20 Most Common Errors. Retrieved from 10 September, 2008 from http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/everyday_writer3e/20errors/16.html
Beare, K (2008).
English as 2nd Language. Reported Speech – Indirect Speech. Retrieved from 8 September, 2008 from http://esl.about.com/od/grammarintermediate/a/reported_speech.htm
*Kindly note that the practice exercises are available in the first 4 links =)
Writing Assignment 1: STEM to Language Arts (2nd edition)
Recently, another of the sub-challenges listed in the article by the National Academy of Engineering (2008) was on the promoting of improved science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. However, this will strike an imbalance as less time will be available for education in language arts. One of the main disadvantages is that students might miss out on acquiring lifelong skills which are pivotal. Language arts is more than just speaking and writing – they are about integrating and expressing ideas, about responding to written and spoken outlooks, and about reading and interpreting the world. Many agree that language arts is important as it is the primary element of thought. But what good would our thoughts be if we do not even have the ability to share? It is only through language that the aim of conveying one’s ideas can come true. Next, arts and social sciences also exemplify the power of language beyond our immediate boundaries and environment. Literature develops intellectual thinking as it “invites students to reflect on the significance of cultural values and fundamentals of human existence” (Alberta Learning, 2003, p. 1). As for historical fiction, it acts on developing of social skills as we go back in time and learn about the mistakes through past incidents. Even though more focus is placed on STEM, we must not disregard the importance of language in other curriculum areas. For instance, the medium is also being employed in Mathematics on techniques and questions. To sum up, language arts is a skill that we are applying into our daily life, be it socially as a means of communication and forming interpersonal relations, or in the form of culture and traditions as we reflect on our thoughts and actions and contributions to the current society.
References
Alberta Learning (2003). English Language Arts. Retrieved August 27, 2008, from http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/bySubject/english/srhelapofs.pdf
National Academy of Engineering (2008, February). Introduction to the Grand Challenges of Engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008 from http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221.aspx
National Governors Association (n.d.). Innovation America: Building a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Agenda. Retrieved 26 August, 2008, from http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0702INNOVATIONSTEM.PDF
References
Alberta Learning (2003). English Language Arts. Retrieved August 27, 2008, from http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/bySubject/english/srhelapofs.pdf
National Academy of Engineering (2008, February). Introduction to the Grand Challenges of Engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008 from http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221.aspx
National Governors Association (n.d.). Innovation America: Building a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Agenda. Retrieved 26 August, 2008, from http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0702INNOVATIONSTEM.PDF
Monday, September 8, 2008
Writing Assignment 1: STEM to Language Arts
Another of the sub-challenges listed in the article by the National Academy of Engineering (2008), was "encouraging and promoting improved science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education." However, more focus on STEM education most likely means less time for education in language arts. One of the main disadvantages is that students might miss out on acquiring lifelong skills which are pivotal. Language arts is more than just speaking and writing - they are about integrating and expressing ideas, about responding to written and spoken outlooks, and about reading and interpreting the world. Many agree that language arts is important as it is the primary element of thought. But what good would one's thought be if we do not even have the ability to share? It is only through language that the thought of conveying one's ideas can come true. Next, arts and social sciences also exemplify the power of language beyond our immediate boundaries and environment. Literature develops intellectual thinking as it "invites students to reflect on the significance of cultural values and fundamentals of human existence" (Alberta Learning, 2003, p. 1) while historical fiction acts on developing of social skills as we go back in time and learn about the mistakes through past incidents. Even though more focus is placed on STEM, we must not disregard the importance of language in other curriculum areas. For instance, the medium is also being employed in Mathematics on techniques and questions. To sum up, language arts "is a social and uniquely human means of exploring and communicating meaning. As well as being an important element of culture, language is essential for forming interpersonal relationships, extending experience, reflecting on thought and action, and contributing to society." (Alberta Learning, 2003, p. 1)
References
Alberta Learning (2003). English Language Arts. Retrieved August 27, 2008, from http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/bySubject/english/srhelapofs.pdfNational
Academy of Engineering (2008, February). Introduction to the Grand Challenges of Engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008 from http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221.aspx
National Governors Association (n.d.). Innovation America: Building a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Agenda. Retrieved 26 August, 2008, from http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0702INNOVATIONSTEM.PDF
References
Alberta Learning (2003). English Language Arts. Retrieved August 27, 2008, from http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/bySubject/english/srhelapofs.pdfNational
Academy of Engineering (2008, February). Introduction to the Grand Challenges of Engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008 from http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221.aspx
National Governors Association (n.d.). Innovation America: Building a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Agenda. Retrieved 26 August, 2008, from http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0702INNOVATIONSTEM.PDF
