STUDY TIPS
How to do research work Knowing how to gather information relevant to a specific topic is an important part of a student's skills. When you have to do a written assignment about a certain subject it is essential to gather information about it. Where should I look? Which books should I read? How should I organise the information? Is the information gather from the net enough? Am I addressing the topic correctly? Have I forgotten a special feature of the topic? Here are some tips on how you should proceed. 1. Make sure you are fully aware of the subject you are going to research. If you are gathering information about a person, check if you have the right name. If it's about an event, be certain you have the minimum information to get you started. 2. Make sure you have access to the means of research. 3. The first place to start looking for information is obviously a library. There you will find dictionaries, encyclopaedias and books, which specifically focus on the topic you are working on. To find the latter, you might have to look in the library files with the aid of a keyword. 4. If you are working on a current subject you can always gather information from other sources such as the media, field trips, conferences and even interview someone specialised in the area you are researching. 5. Nowadays, you can also use the Internet to do your research. In this case, make sure you have specific questions or keywords to guide your search; otherwise you might get a lot of information that isn't specifically linked to the topic. 6. Sometimes, if you have too many sources of information, you might not know where to start. Begin by gathering some general information about the topic. Then narrow down your research to specific details.
Study Tips: Research Work
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A REVIEW This is a critical appraisal of a book, play, film, exhibition, etc, published in o newspaper or a magazine. Example: 'Meet the Parents!' directed by Jay Roach postulates When writing a film or a book review, you can follow the ultimate nightmare for a man meeting the prospective in- these steps: laws for the first time and making a fool of himself. And not
1st: Note down the facts of the film or book you want
only making a fool of himself, but almost destroying the to review. girlfriend's sister’s upcoming wedding, losing the girlfriend's
2nd: Collect general information on the author/film
father’s much-loved pet cat. and setting fire to the potential director. in-taws' house in the process.
3rd: Start by giving information about the film or
Ben Stiller stars as Greg Focker, a male nurse who book. wants to propose to his girlfriend Pam (Teri Polo), but he puts this off until he can ask her traditional father’s permission on their upcoming trip to her parents’ New England home. Her
4th: Write about the setting, the main characters and a brief description of the plot. 5th: Finish by expressing your opinion about the film
father (Robert DeNiro) turns out to be an overprotective and or book, giving reasons for liking it or not liking it. troy odd ex-CIA agent looking for a reason not to like Greg. The comedy comes from Greg's repeated attempts —and Useful adjectives to describe e a book/film outrageous failures — to make a good impression. He can't
appealing
innovative
underrated
seem to do anything) right. And every circumstance works
brutal
lively
compelling
against him as things go from bad to worse to really terrible.
exquisite
enticing
subtle
horrific
powerful
intense
those who like light comedies and don't have high
trivial
thrilling
stunning
expectations. You will find yourself laughing pretty hard in
gloomy
pretentious
threatening
certain scenes, mainly when Greg leaps from one disaster to
moving
unconvincing
From my point of view, 'Meet the Parents' appeals to
another. The ending may be happy, but there is the sense that Jack is still unsure about Greg.
AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY This is an essay where you present arguments for and against an issue or the advantages and disadvantages of it. Example: Many people have dreamed about being able to work from home at some point in their lives. But like everything else in life, working from home has both its advantages and disadvantages. If you work from home, you can structure your day to suit your personal needs, as you have control over when you do your work. Moreover, home-based businesses are typically blessed with a number of business savings that would otherwise not be available to you. Assuming you are not meeting customers all day long, you will not have to buy expensive 'work clothes' or use the drycleaners as often. You also save money on telecommuting costs and you will not have to rent or lease office space. That alone will save you a great deal of money. On the other hand, because you are working at home, it may be difficult for both you and your family to adjust to the fact that you must work while you are at home. If you work from home, you might miss social interaction. At times it can be difficult to motivate yourself when there are household chores to be done and plenty of distractions. In conclusion, "being your own boss" is gaining popularity but not everyone is cut out to run his/her home-based business. Before deciding, you must weigh up the pros and cons and check if it really is the right solution for you. Most of those who have tried it claimed it was really worth while. When writing an argumentative essay, follow these steps: 1st: Make a list of the main arguments (for and against, or advantages and disadvantages). 2nd: Start by summarising both sides of the issue and try to draw the reader's attention to it. 3rd: Present the reasons against first if the ones for are more convincing. 4th: Write the conclusion, giving your own opinion.
A DESCRIPTION A description must have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. The description may be of a person. Example: Robbie Williams is a 30 year-old British When writing a personal description you can singer, born in Stoke-on-Kent.
follow these steps:
He has got mischievous green eyes, dark
1st: Start by naming the person you are
brown hair and a cheeky smile. He is 6 feet tall,
describing, giving his/her age and profession.
weighs 154 pounds and has several tattoos: a
2nd: Describe the person, giving physical traits,
Celtic-cross at the upper part of his right thigh. a
special characteristics.
Maori design on his left shoulder that goes across
3rd: Describe his/her personality, likes and
his back and down his other arm, a lion and a 'Born
dislikes, hobbies, clothes.
To Be Wild' tattooed on his right arm.
4th: Write the conclusion. You may explain why
Robbie loves backgammon. He has got two
you have chosen to describe this person.
habits he just can't get rid of; joking and biting nails. His gigs are the ultimate thing. He certainly knows how to please the fans. Robbie's singing career began at 16 with the band Take That. His first solo album "Life Thru a Lens" was released in 1997. Nowadays he is famous worldwide. Useful adjectives to describe character aggressive
arrogant
mean
ingenious
determined
offensive (in-)
boastful
outgoing
considerate
eccentric
deceitful
conceited
polite (im-)
expansive
likeable
reliable (un-)
flexible (in-)
obsessed
organised (dis-)
patient (im-)
pompous
self-assured
The description may be of a place. Example: The place where I spend my summer When describing a place you can follow these holidays is a small fishing village by the sea in the steps: south of the country.
1st: Start by identifying what you are going to
When you get there you are struck by the
describe. You may refer briefly to size, shape,
little white houses with red roofs and tiny flower-
location, objects.
beds along the streets. Everything looks very tidy
2nd: Describe your first impressions.
and well-organised. You see a lot of bicycles
3rd: Describe what is to be seen and what can be
around and the locals are very friendly people,
done there.
always willing to help you.
4th: Write the conclusion. You may explain why
It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the pleasures of the sea. There is a beautiful beach
you have described this place or summarise the most important points of your description.
with white sand and rocks at the end. The water is crystal-clear and fabulous for swimming, diving or fishing. When the tide is out you can walk along the rocks and cross to another beach. In spite of being in all the guides, this place has been spared the negative aspects of tourism.
Useful adjectives to describe a place confined
derelict
high-tech
claustrophobic
full-sized
decrepit
historical
spectacular
isolated
oppressive
lively
spacious
neglected
luxurious
magical
classical
overcrowded
peaceful
run-down
restored