WRITTEN / ORAL ENGLISH Obvious differences derived from the different “formats” of composition and/or delivery of discourse. Independently from the level of usage of a language, tone and rythm (cadence) and gesture are particular to orality while the tracing of sets of characters pursuing specific meanings, on a surface (i.e.: piece of paper) pertains to the act of writing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0czX-soerE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AykYRO5d_lI

Dear Mr. Vanderbilt, Thank you for your letter of November 1st notifying us about (communicating, telling us about) a problem with order No. 8552. It seems that there has been an error (confusion) with our customer database. That is why one of our boxes had the wrong goods in it. We would appreciate if you could send it back. Packing and postage will, of course, be covered by our company. We will send a new box as soon as possible (without further delay). Please, accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused (you) and the promise that it will not happen again. We look forward to the confirmation of the safe arrival of the correct goods (of the ordered goods). With apologies, once again, Yours sincerely, Josefa Hernández Sales Manager, PC Computers Ltd.

FORMAL/ACADEMIC VS. INFORMAL/SOCIAL/ COLLOQUIAL

ACADEMIC ENGLISH (ORAL AND WRITTEN) The formal English you need for reading and understanding your study materials and writing about any scientific subject. It is focused on effectively (achieving a purpose) and efficiently (in the best possible way) expressing and/or communicating (reach an audience) the relationship between (scientific) ideas.

According to Clancy and Ballard (1992), cited in Jordan (1997, p According to Clancy and Ballard (1992), cited in Jordan (1997, p. 244): Your writing should be “objective” not “subjective”, “intellectual” not “emotional”, “serious” not “conversational”, “impersonal” not “personal”, and “formal” rather than “colloquial”.

Draw information and evidence from your sources (materials, empiric experiments, bibliography, etc.) Data should be valid, accessible, verifiable, homogeneous. Use a specialized/specific vocabulary/terminology. The discourse should be coherent (consistent) and logical (reasonable). It should also be clear, simple and precise. Structure it into INTRODUCTION, BODY (a core part), and CONCLUSION. It should be impersonal in style (do not use first persons “I”, “me”; use third instead), avoid contractions (don’t, won’t), too many conjunctions, slang, regional nomenclatures and phrasals (put up, give up); use passive forms of verbs (“it has been said”, “it has been established”), cautious ways of explaining things/ “hedging” language (“it is possible that …”, “this could mean that …”), and a correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and pronunciation. Your honesty is taken for granted. Avoid plagiarism (imitation of the language and thoughts of others without their authorization or credit).

INDEX TABLE OF CONTENTS

www.amazon.com

JOURNALS VS. MAGAZINES

TITLES . HEADINGS

REPORT A systematic, well-organized document which defines and analyses a particular subject or problem.

IMRAD