Reading and writing

• Critical reading


  A process in which the reader becomes an active interpreter of the text, involving evaluating the text based on its claims and context
• Critical reading


  • Breaks down a text into parts and examines each part closely to understand the whole text
  • Requires weighing and considering, especially for texts loaded with meaning, context, and claims
  • Can be likened to savoring a complex dish filled with complementing flavors that require close observation of our taste buds
• Implicit text


  A text that states a message indirectly; the writer simply hints at the actual message
• Explicit text


  A text that states the message in a direct and straightforward manner, making it easier for the reader to decipher
• Implicit text


  • Linguistic cues or context clues within the text can help the reader grasp the implicit message
• Claim


  The central point, idea, or argument within a written text
• Types of claims


  • Claim of fact
  • Claim of value
  • Claim of policy
• Claim of fact


  A claim that points to factual information that is scientific, documented, evidence-based, or self-evident
• Claim of value


  A claim that argues or states something to be either good or bad or if something is better than another thing
• Claim of policy


  A claim which states or argues that certain actions should be done or that certain conditions should be allowed to exist or operate, often recommendatory in tone
• Types of assertions


  • Assertions of fact
  • Assertions of convention
  • Assertions of opinion
  • Assertions of preference
• Assertions of fact


  Statements that can be verified by research data
• Assertions of convention


  Statements based on traditions and norms
• Assertions of opinion


  Observations that are more difficult to quantify or verify their reliability, though may be based on facts
• Assertions of preference


  Subjective statements based on one's interests or personality
• Resume


  A document containing an outline of a person's education, skills, work experience, and other qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)


  A long application document that may be 5 or 6 pages long, covering in-depth all information including Academic Background, Research Experience, Awards, Honors, and other specific accomplishments
• Types of Resumes

  • Chronological Resume (reverse-chronological)
  • Functional Resume (skills and achievements focused)
  • Combination Resume (skills and abilities focused)
• Chronological Resume


  • The most commonly used resume format among job seekers
• Functional Resume


  • Skills and achievements are the focal points
• Combination Resume


  • Looks like the skills-based functional resume format, focuses on the applicant's skills and abilities
• Heading


  Includes your identifying information: full name, address, contact number, and email address
• Objective


  Informs the hiring officer or school admissions officer the purpose of your resume, should be specific, concise, and briefly highlights your major qualification, serves as a "sales pitch" to get the hiring officer interested in your application
• Education


  Lists the schools you have attended and the years of attendance, may include your class rank, grade average, and advanced classes you have taken up if any
• Honors and Awards


  Lists honors, distinctions, and academic or extracurricular awards you may have received and when you received them
• School Activities


  Enumerates your experiences in school, including class projects, sports, clubs, and other noteworthy activities
• Work Experience


  Shows your work experience, both paid and voluntary, specifies your job title, name of the organization, dates of employment, specific duties, and responsibilities
• Skills


  • Hard skills (job-specific tasks that can be learned through training, e.g. computer skills, writing skills)
  • Soft skills (traits that can be applied to a wide variety of work types, e.g. empathy, time management, leadership skills)
• What makes a good resume?

  • Honest
  • Clean
  • Brief
  • Updated