Reading

• Implicit

  Not expressed clearly, indirectly stated but implied or hinted at, read between the lines to understand details
• Explicit

  Completely clear and includes details, directly stated to fully and clearly express something, leaving nothing implied
• Claim (central argument)

  The writer's point or position regarding the chosen topic
• Characteristics of a good claim

  • Argumentative and debatable
  • Specific and focused
  • Interesting and engaging
  • Logical and resulting from reasonable weighing of support provided
• Types of claim


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

  Asserts that something has existed (PAST), does exist (PRESENT), or will exist (FUTURE), debates whether it is TRUE or FALSE
• Claim of value


  An argument (claim) about moral, aesthetic or philosophical topic (value), asserts judgment whether something is good or bad, right or wrong, more or less desirable
• Claim of policy

  An argument (claim) about an actionable topic (policy), something that should or should not be done, key words are "should, must and ought"
• Letter

  A type of written communication between two people
• Business letter


  A professional, formal letter that is sent by one company to another, can be used for professional correspondence between business clients, employees, stakeholders as well as individuals
• Purposes for writing a letter

  • To share information or news
  • To express thanks
  • To make an enquiry
  • To keep in touch
• Guidelines in writing a letter

  • Use correct format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar
  • Present ideas clearly using appropriate language for target readers
  • Arrange ideas logically
  • Use active voice and direct but tactful tone
  • Focus on readers using "you" approach
  • Specify name of receiver, or use generic title if impossible
  • Leave 3-5 blank lines for signature
  • Use full date format, not plain numerals
• Parts of a business letter

  • Letterhead
  • Date
  • Reference line
  • Inside address
  • Attention line
  • Salutation
  • Body
  • Complimentary close
  • Signature block
  • Identification initials
  • Enclosure notation
  • Copy notation
• College admission application letter


  Shows interest in the university while justifying why you are qualified
• Parts of a college admission application letter


  • Introduction (state who you are, eye-catching statement, show enthusiasm)
  • Body (present qualifications, organize by theme, state benefits to university)
  • Conclusion (indicate interest for interview, how to contact you, express hope for positive response, say thank you)
• Tips in preparing an application letter


  • Content (do not repeat academic records, address to specific person, market yourself, avoid awkward statements, highlight 2-3 accomplishments, be factual and realistic, minimize opinions, do not beg, imagine interview script, match university mission-vision, focus on strengths)
  • Language (use active voice, good grammar/spelling/vocabulary, avoid jargon/clichés, be direct)
  • Format and mechanics (use letterhead, 1-2 pages, appropriate page fill, 10-12 font size)
• Resume

  A tool that summarizes your skills, educational background, experiences, and other qualifications
• Parts of a resume

  • Contact information
  • Career objective (optional)
  • Summary of qualifications
• Parts of a resume

  • Contact information
  • Career objective
  • Summary of qualifications
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Relevant skills
  • Trainings
  • Honors and awards received
  • Character references
• Contact information

  • Includes your name, address, contact number, and e-mail address
• Career objective

  Specific about the position and type of employment desired, identifies the kind of career you are seeking
• Summary of qualifications

  • Use when you have at least five years of professional experience
  • Consist of one to four strong sentences that will highlight your experiences and accomplishments
  • Should be written in the third person and in active voice
• Work experience


  • Never put anything that is not a hundred percent true
  • Begin with most recent experience
  • Each job mentioned must include the name and the address of the employee, the inclusive dates, and brief job description
  • Use present tense active verbs for current jobs and past tense active verbs for past jobs
• Education (required)
• Relevant skills

  • Computer skills
  • Communication skills
  • Language skills
• Trainings

  • Title of the training
  • Organizer
  • Date
  • Venue
• Honors and awards received

  • Title of the award or honor
  • Inclusive date
  • Sponsor or award-giving organization
• Character references

  • Do not exceed to three references
  • Include name, position, company, and contact details of your references
• Types of resume

  • Chronological format
  • Functional format
  • Combination or Hybrid format
• Chronological format

  Used to emphasize the applicant's work experiences progress, starts with the complete work experiences, followed by the educational background
• Functional format


  Focuses on the skills, not on the work history
• Combination or Hybrid format


  Combines the chronological and functional format
• Employment application letter

  A one-page letter, also referred to as the "job application letter" or "cover letter" attached to the resume when applying for jobs
• Purpose of writing the employment application letter


  To highlight the applicant's experiences and personal qualities for him to be considered for an interview schedule, as well as with the available job position
• Components of a letter


  • Heading date inside address
  • Greeting or salutation
  • The body
  • Complimentary close
  • Signature and sender's identification
• Parts of a cover letter

  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion
• Introduction

  • Introduce yourself and state your purpose in writing to the receiver
  • Indicate your source of information in learning about the job vacancy
  • Add an interesting statement about yourself that will cause the reader to continue reading your credentials
  • Show your enthusiasm to work in the company
• Body


  • Present your work experience, academic qualifications, trainings, and some personal qualities with specific evidence
  • Organize your paragraphs accordingly
  • Explain the benefits to the employers if they hire you
  • Refer the reader to a specific part of the resumé that suggests your strongest credentials for the position
• Conclusion


  • Indicate your interest for an interview at a time most convenient to the employer
  • Indicate how the interviewer can contact you
  • Express an expectation of a positive response from the employer
  • Thank the employer
• Tips in preparing a cover letter

  • Never begin your letter with bland and generic phrases
  • A cover letter must not simply repeat the content of your resumé
  • Address the letter to a specific person
  • Be specific with the position you are applying for
  • Avoid superfluous information
  • Focus on what you can do for the company
  • Avoid mentioning opinions about yourself
  • Highlight two or three of your most significant accomplishments or abilities
  • Use the active voice
  • Be sure to have correct grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and usage
  • Be direct to the point
  • Be factual
  • Do not beg for the job
  • Match your letter to the job description and job requirements