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Modern Languages Study Skills

Modern Languages Study Skills. Dr Helen Abbott and Dr Anna Saunders. Study Skills. How Things Work in Bangor General Skills for Linguists Preparing Written Language Work Preparing Oral Presentations Essay Writing. How Things Work in Bangor.

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Modern Languages Study Skills

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  1. Modern LanguagesStudy Skills Dr Helen Abbott and Dr Anna Saunders

  2. Study Skills • How Things Work in Bangor • General Skills for Linguists • Preparing Written Language Work • Preparing Oral Presentations • Essay Writing

  3. How Things Work in Bangor • Attendance: Classes begin at 10 minutes past the hour & attendance is compulsory (registers are taken) • Absence: let the lecturer know in advance if possible (email is best) & catch up on missed work • Deadlines: if you are unable to submit work on time, request an extension in advance (see lecturer in person) • Email etiquette: When emailing lecturers, use appropriate language (not “hi there”…)

  4. General Skills for Linguists • Take notes in all types of classes (conversation, grammar, listening etc.) and keep them organised • Keep a notebook for new vocabulary and review it each week • Maintain your Self-Study Portfolio • Use the SML DVD library (Moira’s office) • Use the Bangor Main Library • Use the e-resources (see links in Blackboard) • Assessment schedules for coursework are published at the start of each module (noticeboards and online). Note these dates in your diary now!

  5. Preparing Written Language Work • Presentation: All language work must be double-spaced. Word-processed work is preferable, although it may be hand-written – but must be legible! • Carefully proof-read all work before submission (e.g. agreement of nouns and adjectives, accents etc.) • Use your dictionary and grammar reference book (pay particular attention to spelling, gender, conjugations…) • Language work is assessed according to a range of criteria, including subject matter, textual features, vocabulary & idiom, grammar & structure (see Marking Scheme on SML website)

  6. Accents • Keyboard shortcuts (MS Word) • Using the Character Map (usually stored under Programs / Accessories / System Tools)

  7. Preparing Oral Presentations • Oral presentations should be clearly structured, with a clear overall argument • Check the timing of your presentation – practice it at home, and keep to the time limit • Speak clearly and confidently • Make eye contact with your audience • Do not read from a script • Be enthusiastic!

  8. Essay Writing • Presentation: Essays must be word-processed and double-spaced • Essays should contain evidence of secondary reading, and include a bibliography (see Blackboard for layout guidelines, and SML website for MHRA Style Guide) • An appropriate register should be used (avoid ‘I’…) • All essays should be printed and accompanied by a cover sheet available from the SML office or downloaded from SML website AND submitted electronically via Blackboard • Essays are assessed under a categorical marking scheme (see Marking Scheme on SML website)

  9. Preparing an essay • Answer the question, nothing but the question, and the whole question! • Types of question: “Discuss”, “Analsye”, “To what extent…” • Plan and structure your essay before you start writing, including preparing suitable secondary reading material • Avoid Wikipedia at all costs! • Be wary of internet sources, and make sure you reference reliable internet sources correctly • Use online journal access through Bangor University Library website • Use a range of books from the Library! • You may quote in your target language (translation not normally required)

  10. Structuring an essay • Introduction • Outline general background • Signpost the structure / arguments • The middle bit! • Develop a logical structure (think of order, pacing and links between ideas) • Each paragraph should have a clear direction and lead to the next • Examples are vital to support the argument (make sure you analyse examples rather than just describing them) • Conclusion • Draw the strands of your essay together • Sum up your argument and underline your main point(s)

  11. Submitting an essay • Before submitting: • Re-read your essay • Check for spellings, grammar, register, factual inaccuracies etc., paying particular attention to any quotes in foreign language • Check referencing (including format) • Remember! • Consider both sides of the argument • Beware of plagiarism

  12. Spot the Problems!

  13. Spot the Problems! Font: turns out this is just copied & pasted from Wikipedia!! (Plagiarism…) Needs double-spacing Film title needs to be in italics “I think” is too familiar; Needs outline of main points of argument (“lots of different ways” is too general) Quote not referenced (needs footnote with film title, director’s name, distributor & date) Quote should not be in italics, and the syntax flow from English to French is wrong Quote is just ‘translated’ so there is no analysis (needs “This demonstrates that…”)

  14. Closing remarks • Follow guidelines • If in doubt, check SML website and/or speak to your lecturer / tutor

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