EAP Week 6-7

Summary

This lesson focuses on essential reading skills: identifying the purpose of a text and understanding the sequence of ideas. The speaker explains that academic texts serve three main purposes: to describe, discuss, or defend an argument. Understanding these purposes aids in clearer comprehension. The speaker also outlines common academic text structures, such as argumentative, problem-solution, and report formats, emphasizing how recognizing the sequence of ideas—introduction, body, and conclusion—enhances understanding. The lesson concludes with encouragement to practice these skills through exercises, ensuring students feel prepared for upcoming tests.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding the purpose of a text is crucial for comprehending academic reading material. The purpose could be to describe, discuss, or defend a topic.
• 😀 Describing a topic involves providing factual information about a subject without expressing an opinion or argument.
• 😀 Discussing a topic means presenting multiple viewpoints on an issue, weighing the pros and cons, and possibly choosing a side.
• 😀 Defending a position involves either agreeing with or challenging a particular stance on a topic, often with evidence to support your viewpoint.
• 😀 Knowing the sequence of ideas in a text helps follow the author's argument and understand the overall structure more clearly.
• 😀 Academic reading passages generally follow a common structure: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
• 😀 The introduction of a text typically provides background information and outlines the scope of the topic or argument.
• 😀 The body of a text is where the main arguments or points are presented, supported by evidence. This section varies based on whether the text is descriptive, argumentative, or defensive.
• 😀 The conclusion of a text summarizes key points, reinforces positions, and might suggest a final stance on the issue at hand.
• 😀 Academic texts can follow different structures, such as argumentative (to persuade), problem-solution (to propose solutions), or report (neutral and fact-based).
• 😀 Exercises related to these reading skills will help solidify your understanding and improve your ability to analyze texts effectively.

Q & A

What are the three main purposes of a text in academic reading?

The three main purposes of a text in academic reading are: 1) to describe, 2) to discuss, and 3) to defend.

How does identifying the purpose of a text improve reading comprehension?

Identifying the purpose helps readers understand the text more easily and quickly, as it clarifies what the text is trying to convey and makes it easier to grasp the key message.

What is the difference between a 'describe' and a 'discuss' text?

A 'describe' text explains or outlines a topic or aspects of a topic neutrally, while a 'discuss' text presents multiple perspectives on an issue and may argue for one position over another.

What does it mean to 'defend' a position in a text?

To 'defend' a position in a text means to argue in favor of or against a specific viewpoint or idea, often already established in the title or prompt.

Can you give an example of a text where the purpose is to 'defend' a position?

An example of a 'defend' text is: 'Students should be able to be employed part-time as a source of semi-professional labor. Discuss this.' The task requires the reader to either agree or disagree with the statement.

What are the three main structures of academic reading texts?

The three main structures of academic reading texts are: 1) argumentative or thesis structure, 2) problem-solution structure, and 3) report structure.

How does an argumentative text differ from a report structure in academic writing?

An argumentative text aims to persuade the reader to accept a specific point of view, whereas a report structure focuses on presenting facts objectively without making an argument or expressing an opinion.

What are the three main sections in any academic reading passage?

The three main sections in any academic reading passage are: 1) Introduction, 2) Body, and 3) Conclusion.

What is the purpose of the introduction in an academic text?

The introduction provides background information on the topic and outlines what aspects of the topic will be discussed, depending on whether the text is descriptive, argumentative, or defensive.

What should be included in the body of a 'discuss' type text?

In a 'discuss' type text, the body should present sub-arguments for each position on the issue with supporting evidence, offering a balanced view of different perspectives.

How does a conclusion vary across the three types of texts (describe, discuss, defend)?

In a 'describe' text, the conclusion summarizes the description neutrally. In a 'discuss' text, it summarizes the different positions and may reinforce the reader’s view. In a 'defend' text, the conclusion reinforces the writer’s position, either defending or challenging the argument.