summary, comment, mediation, speech, letter, article, discussion, blog entry, outline, contrast, comparison, email, analysis

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...[title]... by...[author's name]..., published in ...[newspaper]... on ... [date/year]... deals with the situation of migrant workers in California. It contains information concerning... [topic]... ● main part: - all the essential information concerning the task - don't interpret the text - use present tense - use your own words - no personal opinion - use indirect speech, no direct - shorten the sentences ANALYZING WRITTEN TEXTS > In an analysis, you're expected to show your understanding of the underlying meaning of a text and how it is conveyed. In an examination, you may be asked to look at a particular aspect of a text in detail and to reveal the means employed by the author to achieve a certain effect on the reader. Your task might be to show how the central idea of a text/the author's attitude towards a certain issue/the prevailing atmosphere/etc. is conveyed. In order to perform, examine the following aspects: - central idea/message -style/register (objective, subjective...) With regard to literary texts also consider: - narrative technique(s) (e.g., point of view, mode of presentation...) With regard to non-literary texts also consider: - structure of the text (e.g., order of paragraphs, subheadings, topic sentences, graphics...) > For your analysis, it is important to distinguish between fictional and non-fictional texts and to decide which features are typical of the text you have to deal with. Remember, your main goal is to explain how and why the author uses all kinds of means to make his/her point and to explain the effect this has on the reader. ● ● - tone/language (formal, informal, colloquial...) - stylistic devices (metaphor, contrast, imagery...) ● introduction: - begin with a central assertion/statement: e.g., The author takes a critical viewpoint on ...; In this excerpt, character X seems completely distraught... - introductory sentence: the genre, headline/title of the text, author, name of the newspaper/magazine (if given), the year/date of publication, the overall idea/topic - short summary of the text - hypothesis, that gets analyzed in the main part and answered in the conclusion main part: - analyze linguistic/stylistic/structural devices, give examples and evidence and analyze the effect on the reader (use quotes to argue) > always focus on how those devices help to convey the meaning of a text conclusion: - sum up main points, answer the hypothesis, state your opinion When analyzing literary (fictional) texts: - genre (poem, story...) - theme (love, conflict...) - characterization (direct, indirect...) - rhetorical/stylistic devices - setting (time, place, atmosphere...) - action/plot (internal, external...) - point of view - formal aspects (stanza, refrain, rhyme...) With regard to non-literary (non-fictional) texts: -genre (newspaper, article...) - purpose/intention (argumentation, persuasion...) - structure/layout ANALYZING PICTURES (CARTOONS, PHOTOGRAPHS, PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS) > Like written texts, pictures, such as photographs, paintings and drawings or cartoons, use certain elements to convey information. In your analysis of visual material/texts you are expected to identify those elements, describe them systematically and explain their use and function, Furthermore, you need to evaluate their effect on the reader. ● introduction: - state the central idea of the cartoon/photograph/painting/drawing, i.e., say what the picture is about - give the artist's name, mention when and where the picture was published main part: - a detailed description: Name the different parts the picture consists of (e.g., visual elements, foreground, background, captions, speech or thought bubbles) - describe the depicted objects or people (e.g., features, clothing, positioning and size of objects/figures, colors, facial expressions, body language), the action and the setting (i.e., where and when the action takes place) - explanation: analyze the different elements (e.g., captions, bubbles...) - analyze techniques bused to convey the message (e.g., symbols, exaggeration...) - say which element are striking and why, say which of the objects and characters carry a meaning that goes beyond the obvious explain what they represent - say how the elements interact and what effect the element has on the reader - explain the message of the picture using your knowledge about the issue conclusion: - conclude the main parts, state your opinion ANALYZING GRAPHS, CHARTS AND TABLES > Data and statistics are usually presented in the form of graphs, charts or tables. Writing about graphs, charts and tables does not only require a thorough analysis and understanding of the material at hand, but also involves specific vocabulary. In an analytical task having to do with statistics, you might have to compare the contents of a written text and a graph. Moreover, writing about statistics is often necessary so that you can underline an argument, for example, in a comment or an article you are working on. introduction: - state the topic and briefly say what the graph, chart or table shows. Give the source if relevant, the year of publication. main part: - describe, then compare, explain and finally interpret the information Conclusion: - summarize and evaluate your findings. COMPARING AND CONTRASTING TEXTS > Texts are often published with visual material such as statistics, cartoons, photos, etc. introduction: - begin by explaining what is relevant in the text and the visual material. Show how the text and the visual material relate to each other. ● ● ● main part: - consider and write about: the focus/main aspects of the text and the visual material, similarities and differences, aspects only the text or only the visual material focuses on, means used to convey the message, certain attitudes, intended effects on the readers, whether both text and visual material should be published together, draw convincing conclusions which clearly focus on the task COMPARING LITERARY TEXTS/FILMS/REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES ● conclusion: - sum up your main points and conclusions > If you compare literary texts/ films / real-life experiences, you show the connection between the most important content points according to the task at hand. In your writing you go beyond mere descriptions by pointing out similarities and differences between the text you have to deal with and the literary text/film/real-life experience you want to compare it with. Additionally, you may be asked to discuss, comment on or assess certain aspects relating to the works and/or experiences. ● introduction: - begin by explaining the point of comparison. If you have been asked to choose a work from literature/film or a real person/event/organization for your comparison, give good reasons for your choice, state the introductory sentence main part: - present your main points of comparison and give relevant information on, e.g. source of information/text/material, general information (e.g., title, author/director, name/age/location of character...), ethnic/cultural/ personal/background/ experiences/situation/conflicts/support/organizations/ attitudes/beliefs/behavior/development/outcome) - in your comparison refer to information/facts/examples from the text and to aspects from literature/film/ real life which are relevant to the task. - if you are asked to do so, assess how the characters/chosen person/organization cope(s)/develop(s) conclusion: - sum up the main points and give your opinion and the reason why you think so DISCUSSING AND COMMENTING ON AN ISSUE > The most common form for discussing an issue is to look at it from different perspectives. If you comment on an issue, you do not necessarily need to consider the pros and cons, but you express your personal opinion. In both cases you need to have a clear structure. ● introduction: - introductory sentence - refer to the topic, stating the issue, e. g. I would like to discuss/comment on ... ● main part: - refer to the author's/cartoonist's/artist's position in a more detailed way, e. g. The author claims/maintains ... / The cartoonist/artist shows/illustrates that ... - in a discussion you present and weigh the pros and cons of the issue, e.g., on the other hand... / While ..., whereas ... / In contrast ... - in a comment you focus on the arguments you want to support and/or refute - present your own opinion, e. g. It is my belief/opinion that ... / In my opinion... - include supporting material from other sources, e.g., books, articles or statistics. - arrange your arguments in a logical order WRITING AN ARTICLE ● conclusion: -say what conclusion you have come to, state your opinion on the topic > When writing an article commenting an issue, you want to inform your readers about the issue and express your opinion about it. You might want to give advice or suggest any further actions. Your language and its degree of formality should be appropriate for your readers. If you use ideas from other material, restate in your own words the author's views, arguments, or examples and anything that might be relevant to your point ● headline/title: - write a headline/title that captures your readers' interest. introduction: - try to maintain the readers' interest with an intriguing opening sentence - clearly define your topic, focusing on the purpose your article should serve - make clear why your issue is important main part: - Write in a way that suits the purpose of your article - if you base your article on available texts, refer to general ideas of the material. You are not expected to give evidence from the text - explain your position and give well-founded arguments and convincing reasons - give examples and evidence referring to important facts, statistical information or personal experiences to back up your arguments. - make clear which points are the most important ones > Throughout your text: - Write clear sentences. Use linking words but be careful with lengthy sentences. Unlike German, English tends to use shorter sentences and active verbs. - Follow a clear and logical structure and use paragraphs. - Write in a way which appeals to your target group. - Use vocabulary that is appropriate for your target group and purpose conclusion: - indicate that you are concluding using phrases such as in conclusion, on the whole, finally, as a result, etc. WRITING A BLOG ENTRY ● - sum up your position and your main arguments, do not use the same phrasing as you used to introduce your arguments. - you can also give an outlook for the future or call your readers to action > A blog is an informative or discussion-based website typically run by an individual or a small group of people who want to communicate their daily experiences or thoughts on certain issues. A blog is an interactive website. Blog entries are often texts which are combined with images, audio files or videos. Some blogs have the character of an online diary; accordingly, the style of the texts posted tends to be slightly informal. In general, your writing style should fit your subject and target group ● ● ● introduction: - try to maintain the readers' interest with an intriguing opening sentence - you can include anecdotes, amusing stories, interesting events, questions - clearly define your topic, focusing on the purpose your blog entry should serve - make clear why your issue is important headline/title: - find a headline/title that captures your readers' interest. main part: - write in a way that suits the purpose of your blog entry, explain your - give well-founded arguments and convincing reasons, examples and refer to important facts to back up your arguments - refer to counterarguments and show that you can refute them. - make clear which points are the most important ones conclusion: - indicate that you are concluding using phrases - sum up your position and your main arguments, do not use the same phrasing as you used to introduce your arguments - you can also an outlook for the future, call your readers to action, or invite them to comment on your ideas WRITING AN EMAIL > An email has a message header with the recipient's address and the subject line. This is followed by the message body. As when writing a letter, your writing style should fit your subject and the person you are addressing. If your addressee is a peer or friend, you may use slightly informal language. ● ● subject line: - Write a subject line that fits the content of your email greeting: - choose a greeting that fits your addressee introduction: - start with a capital letter, even though you have used a comma after the greeting. - briefly introduce yourself if your addressee does not know who you are - state your purpose for writing, e.g., commenting on ideas - clearly define your topic and name the aspect(s) you are focusing on main part: - write in a way that suits the purpose of your email explain your position in detail - give well-founded arguments and convincing reasons - give examples and refer to important facts to back up your arguments. - refer to counterarguments and show that you can refute them - make clear which points are the most important ones conclusion: - indicate that you are concluding using phrases such as in conclusion, on the whole, finally, as a result, etc. - sum up your position and your main arguments. Do not, however, use the same phrasing as you used to introduce your arguments - choose a goodbye that suits the person you are addressing Style Greeting formal informal goodbye formal informal Addressee person of authority/adult you don't know well/representative of a company/ an organization peer/friend/famil Person of authority/adult you don't know well/representative of a company/an organization peer/friend/family Phrases Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms... (addressee's surname) Dear Sir or Madam, To whom it may concern, Hi/Hello/Hey... (addressee's first name) Yours sincerely/Sincerely (signature; full name) Yours faithfully/Sincerely (signature; full name) Take care/Best wishes/Bye/See you soon (signature; first name) WRITING A LETTER > When writing a letter, your writing style should fit your subject and the person you are addressing. If our addressee is a peer or friend, you may use slightly informal language. ● ● ● greeting: - choose a greeting that fits your addressee introduction: - start with a capital letter, even though you have used a comma after the greeting. - briefly introduce yourself if your addressee does not know who you are. - state your purpose for writing - clearly define your topic and name the aspect(s) you are focusing on ● main part: - write in a way that suits the purpose of your letter, explain your position in detail - give well-founded arguments and convincing reasons, examples and refer to important facts to back up your arguments - refer to counterarguments and show that you can refute them. - make clear which points are the most important ones conclusion: - indicate that you are concluding using phrases - sum up your position and your main arguments, do not use the same phrasing as you used to introduce your arguments - choose a goodbye that suits the person you are addressing WRITING A SPEECH > A speech aims to raise people's awareness about an issue. Its success not only depends on convincing arguments, but also on how it tries to attract the listeners' attention and to win them over by appealing to their values and feelings. A good speech always has a clear structure consisting of an introduction, a main part and a conclusion. ● introduction: - begin with a thank you to the organizers/hosts for having invited you. - then thank your audience for being there - address your listeners in a way that is appealing to them. Depending on the situation, you could tell an anecdote/raise a question/etc. to arouse their interest - then introduce the topic and the points you want to cover main part: - present your main arguments/points in detail - focus clearly on ideas that are relevant to your target group and message support your arguments/points/ideas with information/facts/examples from the text(s) at hand / other sources you are familiar with as well as your general knowledge about the issue conclusion: - indicate that you are coming to your conclusion - sum up your most important point(s) - make sure your audience gets your message through a final memorable statement / an outlook for the future / a call to action / etc. - thank your audience for listening MEDIATION SUMMING UP INFORMATION FROM A GERMAN TEXT > The main goal of mediation (Sprachmittlung) is "getting the message across" in another language. Do not translate literally. Merely render the information asked for in factual language and pay attention to the purpose and addressee as stated in the task. The person you are producing the mediation for might have asked you to outline certain aspects of a text. Thus, include only what is necessary for giving information about these aspects. Usually, you will have to sum up information from German texts ● summing up - when you outline information from a German text you sum up the information relevant to your reader(s) in English ● - you also give explanations that are necessary for someone who is not familiar with Germany or the German culture. For example, when writing about recycling in Germany, you need to explain the concept of "gelbe Tonne" in English. - do not forget to give the source of the information you are outlining. - structure your text clearly: Link your ideas in a convincing way and use paragraphs with topic sentences WRITING AN EMAIL SUMMING UP INFORMATION FROM A GERMAN TEXT ● subject line: - write a subject line that fits the content of your email - do not use a translation of the headline/title of the German text at hand greeting: - choose a greeting that fits your addressee introduction: - start with a capital letter, even though you have used a comma after the greeting. - state your purpose for writing and explain why you are outlining the information from the German text, refer to your addressee and what you expect him/her to be interested in - clearly define your topic and name the aspect(s) you are focusing on - give the source of the information you are summing up - paraphrase the headline/title of the German text ● ● ● main part: - focus on summing up the aspect(s) you are expected to present/deal with. - leave out smaller/irrelevant details ● - do not translate passages from the text at hand - present the ideas in a logical order, you do not need to follow the structure of the German text - give necessary explanations (e.g., typical German terms, concepts, etc.) - do not express your own opinion on the ideas you are outlining WRITING AN ARTICLE SUMMING UP INFORMATION FROM A GERMAN TEXT conclusion: - indicate that you are concluding by using phrases - when outlining information, it is enough if you write one final sentence summing up the overall idea but do not repeat what you have said above word for word - choose a goodbye that fits the person you are addressing. headline/title: - find a headline/title that captures your readers' interest / focuses on the aspect(s) you are expected to cover - do not use a translation of the headline/title of the German text at hand Introduction: - keep your introduction as short as possible. - explain why you are outlining the information, refer to your target group and explain why you think that the information might be relevant to them - clearly define your topic and name the aspect(s) you are focusing on - give the source of the information you are summing up - paraphrase the headline/title of the German text main part: - focus on summing up the aspect(s) you are expected to present - leave out smaller/irrelevant details - do not translate passages from the text at hand - present the ideas in a logical order, you do not need to follow the structure of the German text - give necessary explanations (e.g., typical German terms, concepts, etc.) - do not express your own opinion on the ideas you are outlining conclusion: - indicate that you are concluding using phrases - when you are outlining information, it is enough if you write one final sentence with a brief summary of the overall idea - make sure you do not repeat what you have said above word for word WRITING A BLOG ENTRY SUMMING UP INFORMATION FROM A GERMAN TEXT ● ● headline/title: - find a headline/title that captures your readers' interest / focuses on the aspect(s) you are covering - do not use a translation of the headline/title of the German text at hand introduction: - keep your introduction as short as possible. explain why you are outlining the information, refer to your target group and explain why you think that the information might be of relevance to them - clearly define your topic and name the aspect(s) you are focusing on - give the source of the information you are summing up - paraphrase the headline/title of the German text main part: - focus on summing up the aspect(s) you are expected to present/deal with - leave out smaller/irrelevant details. - do not translate passages from the text at hand. - present the ideas in a logical order, you do not need to follow the structure of the German text - give necessary explanations (e.g., typical German terms, etc.) - do not express your own opinion on the ideas you are outlining conclusion: - indicate that you are concluding using phrases such as in short, as you can see, as presented above, overall, etc. - when you are outlining information from a German text, it is enough if you write one final sentence with a brief summary of the overall idea - make sure you do not repeat what you have said above word for word - additionally, you may call your readers to action or ask them to comment on your blog entry