[北科大]通用学术英语2Unit3Mini-lecture

[北科⼤]通⽤学术英语2Unit3Mini-lecture
Questions on mini-lectures in Unit 3
I. Critical Thinking
1. What is the definition of analysis?
To analysis means to break a topic or concept down into its parts in order to examine and understand it further and then to restructure those parts in a way that makes sense.
2. What is the relationship between analysis and synthesis?
People analyze(to break up) things to synthesize(to put together).
3. What is the purpose of analytical writing?
The purpose is to explain and evaluate possible answers to research questions, choosing the best answer based on specific criteria.
4. How is analytical writing different from descriptive writing?
Analytical essays explain how something can be applied to a situation, draw comparisons between two or more items, discuss outcomes, and show how and why these outcomes occurred.
Descriptive wirting gives definitions, lists details, outlines methods used, identifies a component of a theory and describes what occurred. It can also atate what, when, how, or where something happened.
5. Does analytical writing involve descriptive writing?
Analytical writing involves descriptive writing, presenting facts or information.
6. What are the three types of analysis? What is the definition of each type? In what disciplines/courses are they usually used?
① rhetorical analysis (in humanities course)
Rhetorical analysis is used to analyze the rhetoric of a text.
② process analysis (in science course)
Process analysis explain how to do something or how something works.
③ causal analysis (in social science course)
Causal analysis is typical of science writing which focuses on why an event happens.
7. What are the two subcategories of process analysis?
① directional (explain how to do something)
② informational (explain how something works or happened)
II. Reading
8. What are the effective ways to engage with an analytical essay?
The best way is to read the text more than once, and try some reading strategies.
9. What does the thesis statement of an analytical text usually cover?
Identify the paper’s major argument.
Provide an answer to the question the paper explores.
Cover three components in the body parts.
10. What are the components of the body parts of an effective analysis?
① assertions ② evidence and explanations ③ significance or interpretation
11. What are the functions of each component?
○1The assertion states the specific point that you will be making in each paragraph.
○2Evidence(primary/secondary sources) is information that is used to support an assertion.
○3Statements and significance explains why the point made in the text is important in light of the thesis.
12. Can you give examples of evidence in humanities courses and scientific courses respectively?
① in scientific courses:
data collected from an experiment, cited from a scientific journal article
② in humanities courses:
a quotation from the text, published information from academic critics, a theory that supports your claims
13. How do you understand the phrase “so what”? Which component of an analysis answers the question “so what”?
so what = why the point made in the text is important in light of the thesis
the 3rd one: significance or interpretation
III. Listening and Speaking
14. What should you include in the introduction, main body and conclusion of a presentation respectively?
①introduction: introduce yourself, generate an effective opening, reveal your topic, give a brief outline of the major points
② main body: explain your points, use transitions, use analogies and stories to explain complicated ideas
③ conclusion: signal your conclusion with a transition, summarize your points, thank the audience
15. Can you name some methods of opening a speech or presentation?
Use a powerful quote, ask the audience to imagine a scenario, ask a rhetorical/literal question, state a shocking statistic. IV. Writing
16. Can you name the six steps for composing an analytical writing?
Step 1. Brainstorm and decide on a topic
Step 2. Create a strong thesis
Step 3. Find supporting evidence
Step 4. Creat an outline
Step 5. Write the first draft
Step 6. Revise, proof-read and submit
V. Vocabulary and Structure。