WRITING SKILLS

The skill of writing is to create a context in which other people can think.

The pen is the tongue of the mind.

-Miguel de Cervantes

TOOLS OF WRITTEN COMM.

MEMORY IMAGINATIVE POWER POWER OF `OBSERVATION &STUDY ABILITY OF THINKING ABILITY OF COLLECTING & ANALYSING THE INFORMATION ABILITY OF WRITING

ADVANTAGES
Permanent Record For Reference Legal Evidence Accuracy Lengthy & Complicated Messages Correspondence

DISADVANTAGES
Access to Illiterates A Costly &Time-Consuming Process Formalism Delayed Feedback

Suggestions for selecting the right words:

Use familiar words Eg i) This machine has the tendency to develop excessive and unpleasant audio symptoms when operated at elevated temperatures. i)This machine tends to get noisy when it runs hot. Eg- ii) Company operations for the preceding accounting period terminated with a financial deficit. ii) The Company lost much money last year.

Choose short words

Eg i) The decision was predicted on the assumption that an abundance of monetary funds was forthcoming. i) The decision was based on the belief that that there would be more money. ii) Definitive action was effected subsequent to the reporting date.

ii) Final action was taken after the reporting date

Select words with right strength and vigour Eg: Successful business person tycoon Period of business prosperity Business

Boom

Use concrete language Eg: a significant loss should be written as 50 percent losses

SELECTION OF WORDS
1) Message must be adapted to the reader imagining what he or she knows,feels,thinks &such 2) Use technical words appropriately. 3) Use words that do not discriminate. 4) Avoid colloquial, dialectal and slang words 5) Write with clarity and precision by avoiding camouflaged verbs, by selecting the right words and by using idioms correctly.

FRAMING APPROPRIATE SENTENCES

1.Emphasize on short sentences byi) Limiting the sentence content ii) Economize on words eg. i) In the event that the payment is not is not made by January, operations will cease. ii) He ordered desks that are of executive type. iii) We must assemble together at 10.30 AM in the morning. 2. Bring variety in sentence structure

3. Avoid repetition of words, phrases & clauses 4.Use pleasant & positive conversational tone 5.Sentences should be grammatically correct 6.Give emphasis to the main idea of the sentence. 7.Construct sentences in active voice.

ART OF COMPOSITION
The Process of Writing 1) Pre-Writing 2) Drafting 3) Revising

1. Pre-Writing: a) Subject b) Purpose- to inform to persuade (narration, description, argumentation & exposition ) c) Audience

2. Drafting a) Introduction

b) Body c) Conclusion

a) Introduction:
A personal anecdote An emotional appeal A controversial statement A strong statement of dissent A quote from a recognized authority figure A general statement of fact or opinion that everyone is liable to agree with A straightforward statement of the topic

b) Body
i) Coherence ii) Clarity iii) Unity iv) Completeness & conciseness

Effective paragraph writing

Organization of thoughts and ideas Coherence Length of paragraphs

c) Conclusion
Echoing the thesis Completing the logical process initiated by the introduction Summarizing the main points of the argument Using an anecdote or quotation Stating a final supporting point Striking comment that leaves the readers with further food for thought Stepping into the future

3) Revising: a)content

b)organisation c)language

Peer-Editing Proof-Reading

What is a resume?
A resume is a personal summary of your professional history and qualifications. It includes information about your career goals, education, work experience, activities, honors, and any special skills you might have.

General Guidelines
Length: It is best to limit an entry-level resume to one typed page. Be as concise as possible in stating information in each section of your resume. Font: Avoid fonts smaller than 10 point and larger than 12 point. Paper: Use 8 1/2 x 11 20 lb paper. Print your resume with a laser or high quality ink-jet printer.

Know what you have to offer

Think functional skills & personal qualities Build your list of
work experience academics volunteer work classes course projects

 Your resume can then:

Focus on skills & qualities you want to use most Present your strengths based on the employers needs

Follow the three tenets of resume writing:

Every resume has a purpose Everything on your resume supports that purpose The items that best support your purpose come first

Name of the applicant Address Phone number E-mail

Professional Objective/Statement of Purpose: One sentence thesis
Education (Listed in reverse chronological order) Degree in Subject, Institution, Date Specialization Work Experience (Listed in reverse chronological order) Place of employment (Organization and place), Dates Position occupied Chief responsibilities

Accomplishments and awards (Listed in reverse chronological order) Kind of accomplishments (patents ,publications, language skills , etc.) , Date Title of the award , Awarding Organization , Date
Other Relevant Information / Interests and Hobbies (list in descending order of importance) Extra curricular activity, place, date References Available in request OR list names and contact information of 23 referees who know you and your work in sufficient details

Putting It All Together Things to Remember

Avoid over generalized statements Avoid statements that focus only on what a company can do for you Make the statement as specific as possible
Keep your language concise, crisp & clear Avoid providing reasons for leaving past employers

Putting It All Together Things to Remember

Avoid stating salary requirements Avoid limiting geographical considerations (unless necessary) Avoid expounding on philosophy or values Avoid offering any negative information

Putting It All Together Things to Remember

Check for grammatical, spelling & typing errors Attract & hold your readers attention Combinations of capital lettering, underlining, bold face type, and indentations can jazz up your paper (yet, watch for employers who scan resumes) Well placed white space can help the readers eye move across the paper Whatever format you choose, be sure to be consistent Critique! Critique! Critique! Laser print on resume paper

Remember
A resume does not get you a job
A resume does get you an interview. And, putting time and consideration into your resume is one of the best ways to prepare for your interviews!

Avoid over generalized statements: A position allowing me to utilize my knowledge and expertise in different areas. Avoid statements that focus only on what a company can do for you: A position where I gain experience in working on biological problems.

Make the statement as specific as possible: A position which allows me to apply my background in engineering and high performance computing to biological problems.