Chapter 18 has a clear approach on how to summarize a text using an essay. One is supposed to write a thesis statement at the end of an introductory paragraph. Before jotting down the summary, keen consideration should be emphasized on the title, subtitle, first and last paragraphs, and other items in the article. They give main clues of the subject matter and several important messages addressed in the text. Using the information gathered, write down the main points and proofread the rough draft as you make final touches on the final draft.
Chapter 19 highlights on how to write a report. In the first part, the author and title of the work should be noted without forgetting dates of magazines or publications. The content must be condensed with a prominence of the focal points in the text. The second part of the report should relate to personal reaction to emerging issues. On the other hand, the report ought to ideally conform to the contextual harmony of sentences, coherent, concise and free from any grammatical errors. The basic plan of the paragraphs should respond to details in the text and not be too detailed.
The next chapter deals with how to write a resume. This is an account of someone’s background and details of academic qualifications. There are different resumes, e.g., functional and chronological resumes. Resume writing should be brief and impressive to the potential employer. Margins of the resume paper should be balanced. The recent academic qualification or work experience should top the list and at the bottom have a reference list. Before handing over, proper proofreading is essential. In addition, a cover letter should accompany the resume for a brief introduction of who you are to the potential employer. The details should be interesting and brief. The initial paragraph of the cover letter states the source of the job advertisement and a reply address. Second paragraph at a glance states the qualification reflected in the resume. It assumes the format of a model letter with neatness and clarity.
Using the internet and college library has been highlighted in chapter 21. Relevant books and topics can be accessed online and thoroughly researched. The library is an essential research tool having the main desk, a catalog, book stacks, and periodical storage area. Before exploring the library, the main desk provides the description of available brochures that catalogues the library’s services and basic layout. A library catalog allows one to access books either online or in the library using subject headings. A books stack allows easier access of any book on the shelves with their ‘call numbers’. Periodical storage area stocks the journals, magazines and newspapers with relevant topics. Also these libraries can be found in online databases. Using the internet is easier and saves time. After finding a relevant database, one can access additional books from other sites, like Amazon and library congress. Use eLibrary and search engines like Google. After this, evaluate the reliability and clarity of information gathered.
Chapter 22 focuses on the conventions of writing a research paper. Select the relevant topic and research thoroughly using the library or the internet search engines. The research paper should be clear and straight to the point. Ensure enough information is gathered and relevant to the limited topic. A scratch or a rough draft outline should highlight the thesis and supportive arguments in the body of the paper. The final paper should be free from plagiarism, observing correct format and citation style.
Chapter 23 explains the rubrics of subjects and verbs as fundamental stepping stones of the English language. The main points discussed are, the auxiliary verbs also called the helping verbs and linking verbs that tells more about a subject by linking it to another word. In addition, prepositions have been highlighted and their uses explained, i.e., they come before a noun or a pronoun in a sentence, e.g., on, above, and with. Various approaches are discussed on how to identify a subject or a verb in sentences and how to write them correctly.
Fragments are groups of words that do not express a coherent thought. This is when a subject or a vital verb may be absent. In chapter 24, various fragments are identified and corrective measures applied. Lastly, in chapter 25 run-ons or running sentences are discussed. This is where two correct ideas are connected in one sentence without proper punctuation or commas. Several ways like using a period, comma or semicolon can be used to correct the run-ons.