In-Sessional English Language Programme INU9151_2A

INTO Newcastle University

INU9151_2A – Academic Style II

Aims

This session covers:

 Ways to combine information
 Using connecting words
 Using useful summarising words

Section 1 – Improving Texts

Activity 1.1

Read the text below and try to improve it. You have 15 minutes to re-write it.

A robot is a mechanical device that can perform boring, dangerous and difficult tasks. Robots can perform
repetitive tasks without becoming tired or bored. They are used in car factories to weld and paint. Robots can
function in hostile environments. They are useful for exploring the ocean bottom and outer space. They can
perform tasks requiring pinpoint accuracy. Robotic equipment can assist the surgeon in the operating room. A
robot can operate on a brain tumour. It can operate on an unborn baby with great precision. The field of artificial
intelligence is giving robots a limited ability to think and to make decisions. Robots cannot think conceptually.
Robots cannot function independently. Humans have to program them. If humans do not program them, they are
useless.

Created: Sharon Pointer (2008)

(Updated: JL, 2011)
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In-Sessional English Language Programme INU9151_2A
INTO Newcastle University

Section 2: In what ways can we connect information?

Activity 2.1: Variation in connecting sentences

Use the table below to make notes (if necessary), based on the power point slides

Connected but Connected, combined & Connected, combined

Function
separate equal & unequal

Created: Sharon Pointer (2008)

(Updated: JL, 2011)
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In-Sessional English Language Programme INU9151_2A
INTO Newcastle University

Activity 2.2: Practising variety

Look at the pairs of sentences given below. Re-write them using the variety of sentences just
seen.

1a) Renewable energy sources are considered environmentally friendly.

1b) Renewable energy sources can have a negative environmental impact.

Step 1:
What is the relationship between the two sentences? (i.e. function)

Step 2:
Is the information in one part more important than in the other (or are both parts equally
important)?

Step 3:
If equally important, choose the first or second type

Step 4:
If one side is more important, choose the third type and place the most important piece of
information in the side that does not contain the function word

Now try these sentences, each in 3 different ways:

2a) Nuclear power relies on uranium as its fuel

2b) Nuclear power cannot be regarded as truly sustainable.

3a) France and Sweden are least reliant on fossil fuels.

3b) France and Sweden will not need to greatly change their productions methods

4a) Fossil fuels appear to be an unattractive long-term option

4b) Fossil fuels account for 50% of fuel used in electricity generation

5a) There will be a short-fall in energy production.

5b) It is not known how the short-fall will be addressed.

Created: Sharon Pointer (2008)

(Updated: JL, 2011)
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In-Sessional English Language Programme INU9151_2A
INTO Newcastle University

Section 3: Flow (Summary Phrases)

Activity 3.1

Look at the sentences below. What do the underlined phrases refer to?

1. Overseas students coming to study in the UK need to get used to the

differences between their own culture and that of the UK. This situation can
be both positive and negative.

2. Since last year, the virus has affected 300 premature babies, and this problem
is further compounded by the fact that the babies’ parents have not been
educated to recognise the symptoms.

3. Conversational skills can be acquired. However, this acquisition can take

time.

Activity 3.2

Think of suitable summary phrases for the sentences below.

1. In mid September each year large numbers of students come to study at the
two universities in Newcastle. _________________ increases the population
of the city dramatically.

2. 65 out of 100 people interviewed believed that their opinions would be

ignored. _______________ means that they have no faith in the survey.

3. The common cold appears in the form of a runny nose, a cough and a sore
throat. ________________ usually, but not always, appear together.

4. Teenage smoking is on the increase, possibly because teenagers are

influenced both by peer pressure and celebrities who smoke.
__________________ seem to influence girls rather than boys.

5. Over 2,000 cases of cancer each year are probably caused by approximately
6% of all airborne toxins. While __________________ is a very low
proportion, it is still a worrying statistic.

Section 4 – Re-writing Practice

Activity 4.1

Go back to the text on robots you re-wrote in Activity 1.1 Can you improve it further using
the techniques you have looked at in the lesson?

Created: Sharon Pointer (2008)

(Updated: JL, 2011)
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