Written Productions | Active Summary

Objectives

1.  Master the writing in English with cohesion and proper grammar for different contexts and text genres.

2.  Express ideas clearly and effectively in English, adapting to various themes and situations.

3.  Develop self-assessment and critical reflection skills about your own written productions.

Contextualization

Did you know that English is considered a global lingua franca, used by more than 1.5 billion people as a first or second language? Mastering writing in English not only opens doors to academic and professional opportunities on an international scale but is also crucial in digital communications, from formal emails to social media posts. In this lesson, we will explore how to efficiently and adaptively apply your English writing skills, preparing you for a globalized scenario where clear and effective communication is the key to success.

Important Topics

Formality and Context

When writing emails or formal documents in English, it is crucial to understand the importance of formality and context. Adjusting the tone and structure of the language according to the recipient and the situation is fundamental for effective communication. For example, an email to a university professor should be more formal than a message to a friend.

• Identifying the recipient and the intent of the text is the first step to deciding the level of formality.

• Use an appropriate greeting and closing in formal emails, such as 'Dear' and 'Sincerely', respectively.

• Avoid using slang and prefer more polite forms and technical vocabulary when appropriate.

Cohesion and Coherence

Cohesion refers to how words, sentences, and paragraphs are linked to create a logical flow, while coherence relates to the clarity and internal logic of the text. These elements are essential to ensure that the text is understood without ambiguity. The use of connectives and the logical organization of ideas are practices that contribute to cohesion and coherence.

• Use connectives like 'however', 'therefore', and 'furthermore' to guide the reader through the argument.

• Keep one paragraph per main idea to avoid confusion and improve text clarity.

• Review the text to ensure that all parts contribute to the central argument and are logically connected.

Style and Vocabulary

The writing style and choice of vocabulary can vary significantly depending on the text genre and target audience. For example, a travel guide requires a more descriptive style and a vocabulary rich in adjectives, while an argumentative text needs a persuasive style and the use of technical and formal vocabulary.

• Adapt the writing style to the purpose of the text, whether it is to inform, persuade, or entertain.

• Enrich the text with specific vocabulary related to the topic to demonstrate knowledge and authority on the subject.

• Avoid unnecessary repetitions and look for synonyms to make the text more dynamic and interesting.

Key Terms

• Formality: Use of an appropriate tone and language for the situation and the interlocutor, essential in professional and academic contexts.

• Cohesion: Use of linguistic elements that connect parts of the text, facilitating fluid and logical reading.

• Coherence: Clarity and internal logic of a text, ensuring that it makes sense as a whole.

• Writing Style: The way the text is composed, varying according to purpose and target audience.

• Vocabulary: Set of words used in a text, which should be appropriate to the context and content.

To Reflect

• How can the choice of vocabulary alter the reader's perception of your text?

• In what way can you apply formal writing skills in your personal and professional life?

• Which strategies did you find most challenging during the writing activities, and how do you plan to overcome them in future tasks?

Important Conclusions

• Today, we explored the art of writing in English, covering everything from formality and context to cohesion, coherence, style, and vocabulary. The ability to write effectively and adaptively is crucial in a globalized world, where clear communication can open doors to international opportunities.

• Understanding how to adjust the tone and structure of the language according to the recipient and the situation is fundamental to ensure that your message is received as intended.

• The use of appropriate vocabulary and the logical organization of ideas are just some of the aspects that can transform your text from good to excellent, highlighting the importance of every choice we make when writing.

To Exercise Knowledge

Write a formal email to a fictitious professor asking for information about a course that interests you. Then, draft an informal post on a blog about your vacation. Compare the two texts, reflecting on the differences in tone, style, and vocabulary used.

Challenge

Create a three-minute video blog explaining the importance of effective writing in English in the global job market. Use personal or fictitious examples to illustrate your point of view. Share the video with the class in the next session!

Study Tips

• Read a variety of texts in English, from academic articles to blog posts and social media notes. Try to identify the style, vocabulary, and structure used in different contexts.

• Practice writing regularly, experimenting with different genres and styles. This not only improves your skill but also increases your confidence when writing in English.

• Use online tools like thesauruses and grammars to expand your vocabulary and improve your grammatical accuracy.