intro to academic discourse

1. Intro to
Academic Discourse
Week 1 – Overview of an Encyclopedia article

2. Reading Encyclopedias
Encyclopedia – “a reference tool; a book or set of books
containing articles on many different topics, usually arranged
in alphabetical order.” (pg. 2)
Encyclopedias:
❖Do not generally cover a topic as deeply as a textbook
would, nor are they as up to date as a periodical aritcle.
❖Their value lies in the range of background information
they can provide in which they typically define topics,
classify them, describe them, exemplify them and provide a
historical perspective.
❖Because they are a source of factual information, they have
to give clear, unbiased information.

3. Reading Encyclopedias
Important features of good encyclopedias:
❖A table of contents, glossaries and indexes are used to help you quickly
locate the information you are looking for.
❖Material is well researched and often written by an expert or a team of
experts
❖Information will generally have an informative title, headings, and
subheadings
❖Typographical help with specific terms such as boldface or italics
❖Lists for easy access of information or related topics
❖The style of writing is simple, clear with topic sentences in every paragraph
❖Summaries, reference lists and related articles or links to related web sites
are often included to assist the reader.

4. Using Encyclopedias with Lectures
▪ Coordinate reading with attending lectures so that the one reinforces
the other.
▪ A careful reading about a topic before attending the lecture – lectures
will be much more meaningful
▪ Several readings of the information and notes may be necessary and
helpful.
▪ Spend some time on the different sections – or follow related links
and other resources to extend your knowledge search.
▪ Seek to understand the information, not to memorize it.
▪ Course outlines specify which chapters/sections and topics are to be
discussed in which lectures – helps to devise plan of study which
coordinates reading about the topics and before you attend lectures.

5. Reading an Encyclopedia
(or other Academic Textbooks)
▪ All reading exercises in Engl 101 can be done using a simple two- step
procedure.
▪ Single exposure to complex information is usually insufficient for the
material to be understood.
Two-step approach to reading of difficult subject matter will bring
better results.
Two steps:
1. overview
2. close study

6. Reading Encyclopedia articles…
Overview Close Study
• Ask yourself what you already
know about the topic
• Skim the article looking for main
ideas, important secondary
ideas, the article structure, any
helpful features (typography,
web links, bibliography, sidebars
with additional info).
• Scan the article for special
names
• Read the introduction and
conclusion or summary.
• Read the text closely for
specific details. (“active”
reading)
• re-read and take notes
• Ask yourself questions and make
connections with previous
knowledge and learning making
• Look up new words you think
are important.
• Explore the given links or
related topics.

7. Assignment 1
Chapter Overview
Overview questions on pg. 4 of Unit 1. (questions (1-19)
▪ Type your answers in Microsoft word.
▪ Include your name and details on top the left corner of your paper:
Name
ENGL-101
Section #
Date
▪ Type the assignment # on the top right corner:
Assignment 1
▪ Type a title (centered) on the top line:
Chapter Overview
▪ When you are finished, save your work and go to the class website: bit.ly/englbnc. Click on the link
that says” Homework Assignments” and open Assignment 1. You will see a link where you will need
to upload your assignment.
▪ Assignment 1 is DUE on Monday, 25 September 2017.