A document that is well-written and reasonably easy to follow should have the qualities of cohesion and balance. What do we mean by these two terms? Cohesion in writing In an academic context, ‘cohesion’ means that a text hangs well together. It is clear, the writer’s point of view (or argument) follows logically, and the […]
Forgotten punctuation
One of the side effects of the ever-increasing take-up of electronic communication is that punctuation is being overlooked and forgotten. That might be alright for mobile phone users – but is not so if you are communicating in more formal contexts or in academic writing. Punctuation is essential because, above all, it clarifies and shapes […]
How to pitch your message
It is generally acknowledged that successful speakers and writers have a way of reaching their audience that makes them successful, or better than others who would claim to be good communicators. After all, what is the secret of being a good communicator? It’s getting your message across to an audience in a convincing and/or interesting […]
Politeness & the English language
How polite are you? Ways of being polite are often expressed through language. However, different cultures and languages have different ways of doing this. In the English language, and particularly in an Australian context, the words ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are extremely important. One often hears parents encouraging young children to say please and thank […]
Becoming a critical thinker
In the current climate of the COVID 19 context, many of us are drowning in a sea of media and news reports, yet too afraid to ignore what is being reported. News is coming at us at speed, and from all sorts of different sources, and not many of us are undertaking a careful analysis […]
Written English tips for ESL* learners
Having worked closely with English as a second language (*ESL) students over many years, I have found some common difficulties they experience, irrespective of their first language or cultural background. Some common issues for ESL students, particularly in written English, include the following: Use of articles – wrong use or omission of a/the Verb endings/agreements […]