Reading and understanding science. I have got all the answer right and found it easy to do.However, I had to use the dictionary for the word "Foul";example: foul-smelling.
Identifying points and expressing ideas. It was not a problem at all. I could understood the text quite well without use of dictionary and was available to pick out the main ideas in order to make notes. I understood the task and here is a summary of the article in my own words: (ongoing)
Express concepts and ideas in your own words. It has not been as easy as the previous tasks. Convey my ideas in my own words takes time and I consider that there is a long way to go on it. What factors can be seen to affect health? (about 175 words;ongoing)
Organise your writing so that the meaning of your argument or description is clear. Sometimes I have difficulties connecting different sentences and paragraphs. I can see that in English they just flow on each other using an appropiate linking word.There is always "signspots" at the beginner of each paragraph "the topic", with all other sentences leading on from this. I could understand and fill in the gaps in the text quickly and correctly. Here is a list of useful linking words taken from the text and own search.
- Add points which are similar, or form points to make an argument: For one thing, In addition, Also, What is more, Moreover,
- Or contrasts points in an argument: In other words, In fact,
- Other useful linking words and phrases are: Rather, But, Furthermore, Yet, Whereas, However, On the other hand, In conclusion,As a result, The consequence of, Therefore, For this reason, Thus, Nevertheless, Firstly, Another similarity is that, Consequently.
- This link shows useful information about Review of Cause and Effect Linking Words http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/570/pulp/hemp5.htm
Using appropriate grammar, punctuation and spelling. I was able to identify grammar errors easily and could rewrite the sentences correctly with no difficulty. I managed to correct most of the punctuation but had problems with three or four.
Having completed the language self-assesment from the Open University gives me a a fairly clear idea about the areas of language I feel more confident and those that need to be improved further.It is clear that I have a wide understanding of scientific text and I do not have problems dealing with them. Vocabulary and taking notes were the less dificultest tasks. However, expressing clear concepts and ideas in my own words is my biggest challenge in academic writing. Grammar, puntuation, verbs, linking words were quite OK, although. I consider that a further revision on prepositions, gerunds and hedging should be done.
