Academic Skills E-Portfolio: Expectations, Skills, and Reporting

This e-portfolio assignment showcases a student's exploration of academic skills, beginning with personal expectations upon entering college and how the institution can help enhance them. The assignment then delves into formal language usage, providing examples of unacceptable phrases and their justifications, along with exercises on improving sentences for academic writing. Reporting verbs are analyzed within a given paragraph, and exercises on comparing sentences are provided. Additionally, the assignment covers the analysis of graphs and charts. It includes exercises on matching informal and formal terms, and correcting in-text Harvard referencing errors. The assignment culminates in a PowerPoint presentation demonstration on college expectations and a reflective learning journal, demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of academic writing principles and practical skills.

Unit Title Academic Skills E-Portfolio
Table of Contents
1. What is your expectation in coming to the college?....................................................2
2. Communication: Formal language..............................................................................2
3. Reporting verbs..........................................................................................................4
4. Analysing graphs and charts.......................................................................................9
5. Harvard Referencing Style Exercise...........................................................................12
5. PowerPoint Presentation Demonstration..................................................................13
6. Reflective Learning Journal..............................................................................................14
1.What areyour expectations in coming to the
college?
(250-500 words)
Every high school graduate has certain short term and long term goals which they wanted to
fulfil when joining college. I also had my short term and long term goals when joined the
college. There were also certain expectations which I really wanted to fulfil. I expected from
the college to enhance my various academic skills so that in future it become really easier
for me to achieve my professional career goals. I was really enthusiast when first joined the
college. I expected that joining college will be good for my career and I will be able to get
the job which I really wanted. I wanted to learn something and grow big. By joining college, I
also joined various programs which were started by university; This has assisted me in
enhancing my team working skills. Now was been able to work in group and teams. This was
the first thing which I improved when I joined the college. I also expected that by joining
college my communication skills will also be improved. This will assist me in my career and

also when I will join certain company communication skills will be really helpful in making
bond. I also expected that college will help me in adjusting to diverse culture environment.
This is because in University there students from all around the world and studying with
them will develop my habit of working and studying with diverse culture people. This will
help me in future career growth. I also expected that from college that they will provide me
best guiding facilities to help me select best career. My tutors will also help me in enhancing
my grades by better learning and coaching facilities. I also expected that college will also
assist me in enhancing my communication skills. I will be able to know how to speak by
making use of correct forms of verbs. This will assist me in achieving my personal and
professional goals which was set by me. I also expected from college and University that by
going in to workshops organised by college I was also been able to enhance my decision
making skills. I will be able to solve my own problems and issues and can take better
decisions and judgements related to my life. All these were the things which I expected from
the college. I also wished that college would help me in adjusting to different environment
and also I will be able to know how people from different culture think, act and react. I also
expected from college that after joining it my personality will be enhanced. This will assist
me in achieving the goals and objectives which was been set up by me. I also expected from
college that after joining it I will also be able to engage in extra curriculum activities. This will
assist me in enhancing my personality and also I will be able to achieve objectives. I also
expected that after joining college I will be able to improve my time management skills.
2.Communication: Formal language
1. Explain why the below phrases are unacceptable in formal writing
example justification
1. The findings were kind of significant. This sentence is
unacceptable as
it includes run on

expressions
which is
unacceptable in
formal writing
2. It is a good example. This is also
unacceptable as
adverbs are
placed within the
verb
3. This topic has interested researchers for a long
time.
It is also
unacceptable as
there is rhetorical
questions placed
within it
4. This theory is extremely important. It is also
unacceptable as
it includes
colloquial
vocabulary
5. The article mentioned many good points. It is also
unacceptable as
it does not
include active
voice
6. This part serves to explain… In this the user
has not made
use of literal and
concrete
language
7. The study could of consider… In this sentence
contractions
have been used.
2. Match the informal words and phrases with their more formal synonyms
informal formal /
neutral
informal formal /
neutral
tremendous major turn down reject
get better improve talk about discuss
get higher increase start commence
get become look for seek
people say It is said look into investigate
discuss Increase reject major investigate
improve Seek it is said commence become

3. Improve the sentences below, especially their underlined
parts, so they are more suitable for academic report writing:
1. The interviews were a bit difficult to schedule.
The interviews were difficult to be commence
_____________________________________________________________________
______
2. A lot of studies.
So many studies
_____________________________________________________________________
______
3. A researcher in America…
_____A researcher in some part of the world
_____________________________________________________________________
_
4. You can clearly see the results.
______Results are in front of
you_________________________________________________________________
____
5. Also, the participants were in agreement on the third question.
___ participants were in agreement on the third question
_____________________________________________________________________
___
6. So it can be concluded that the model needs further refinement.
___________It can be summarised that the model needs further
assessment_________________________________________________________
_______
7. A bad result.
_____________________________________________________________________
______Result was disappointing
8. This model gets attention.
_____________________________________________________________________
______Lay emphasis on this model
9. This chapter gives an overview.
________This chapter provides an
overview____________________________________________________________
_______
10. The below diagram shows.

_______the below diagram explains
____________________________________________________________________
11. The report presents many things.
________the report focuses on many
aspects_____________________________________________________________
______
12. Researchers alwaysargue that…
_____________________________________________________________________
______researchers has argued that
13. The perfectsolution to the problem…
_____________provide better solution to
porblem____________________________________________________________
__
14. The results obviouslyindicate…
_____________________________________________________________________
______results has interoperated
3.Reporting verbs
1. Look at the paragraph below and evaluate it in terms of
academic writing.
Dickson (1999) said that chocolate is the best motivator that employer can use
to encourage their staff to work hard. And then Brown (2001) said that it is not
true, because chocolate is not healthy. Smith (2003) said: “Chocolate makes you
fat and if you are fat, you become lazy and don’t want to work”.
Dickson indicated that chocolate is the best motivator which can be
possess by employer in order to encourage staff members so that they
can work hard. On the other hand Brown argued that chocolate is not
healthy for staff members. Smith also said that chocolate makes an
individual fat and lazy.
2. Look at the sentences below and discuss the difference in
their meaning

1. Brown (2001) claims that a far more effective approach is…
2. Brown (2001) points out that a far more effective approach is…
3. A far more effective approach is… (Brown, 2001)
Which of the above phrases in bold indicates…….
a. ...your point of view which is supported by Brown? In this first
point Brown full agrees that approach is more effective
b. Brown’s point of view which you agree with?
In this I agree to when Brown points out about the effective
approach
c. Brown’s point of view with no indication of yours?
A far more effective approach is no indication for me.

4. Report Writing Language of instructions Exercise
Complete the definitions with the verbs below the chart
Essay
term
Definition
Analyse Break an issue into its constituent parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and evidence for and against
as well as how these interrelate to one another.
Justify Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also
remember to point out any flaws and counter-arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with
the original proposition.
Clarify Literally make something clearer and, where appropriate, simplify it. This could involve, for example, explaining in simpler
terms a complex process or theory, or the relationship between two variables.
Compare Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena. Say if any of the shared similarities or differences
are more important than others. ‘Compare’ and ‘contrast’ will often feature together in an essay question.
Contrast Concentrate on the dissimilarities between two or more phenomena, or what sets them apart. Point out any differences which
are particularly significant.
To what
extent
Give your verdict as to what extent a statement or findings within a piece of research are true, or to what extent you agree
with them. Provide evidence taken from a wide range of sources which both agree with and contradict an argument. Come to a
final conclusion, basing your decision on what you judge to be the most important factors and justify how you have made your
choice.
Critically
evaluate
To give in precise terms the meaning of something. Bring to attention any problems posed with the definition and different
interpretations that may exist.
Illustrate Show how, with examples to illustrate.
Explain Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens.

Explore Essentially this is a written debate where you are using your skill at reasoning, backed up by carefully selected evidence to
make a case for and against an argument, or point out the advantages and disadvantages of a given context. Remember to
arrive at a conclusion.
Critically
evaluate
Look in close detail and establish the key facts and important issues surrounding a topic. This should be a critical evaluation
and you should try and offer reasons as to why the facts and issues you have identified are the most important, as well as
explain the different ways they could be construed.
Clarify Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs, or what is meant by the use of this term in a particular
context. Your writing should have clarity so that complex procedures or sequences of events can be understood, defining key
terms where appropriate, and be substantiated with relevant research.
assess Adopt a questioning approach and consider a variety of different viewpoints. Where possible reconcile opposing views by
presenting a final line of argument.
Illustrate Determine what are the key points to be addressed and implications thereof.
Compare A similar instruction to ‘explain’ whereby you are asked to show the workings of something, making use of definite examples
and statistics if appropriate to add weight to your explanation.
Describe Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas and points of view. In order to present a balanced
argument, consider opinions which may run contrary to your own before stating your conclusion.
Review Look thoroughly into a subject. This should be a critical assessment and not merely descriptive.
Illustrate To specify in clear terms the key aspects pertaining to a topic without being overly descriptive. Refer to evidence and examples
where appropriate.
State Give a condensed version drawing out the main facts and omit superfluous information. Brief or general examples will normally
suffice for this kind of answer.
define Evokes a similar response to questions containing 'How far...'. This type of question calls for a thorough assessment of the
evidence in presenting your argument. Explore alternative explanations where they exist.

Contrast Identify Demonstrate Summarise Assess
To what extent Analyse Explore Describe Illustrate
Examine State Define Discuss Critically evaluate
Compare Justify Clarify Review Explain

5.PowerPoint Presentation Demonstration
Use a computer to create a PowerPoint Slides on ‘Your expectation and that of your
college in your academic programme’
(5-10 slides)
(covered in ppt)
6 Harvard Referencing Style Exercise
In-text Referencing
Identify the errors in the following in-text citations according to Harvardreferencing conventions.
(Write in front of the item)
1. (Sheret, Sultana and Sotir 2016) there is use of no comma after the last name
2. (Yeo, Oh, Pyke, McDonald 1998) No end is their between three names
3. (Charman2007)
4. (Smith 2009 p 7)
5. (Brown nd) year has not been mentioned
6. According to Sotir (2016), academic literacy is ‘critical for survival’ at university
7. (Turnbull in Shorten 2003)
8. (Minogue 1968, Lopez 1971)
9. (Dickinson 2009, a)
2. Reference List
Find and correct the errors in this reference list according to Harvard referencing conventions.
Clegg, S., ‘Managing organization futures in a changing world of power/knowledge’, in H. Tsoukas &
C. Knud (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of organization theory, Oxford, Oxford University Press, pp.
536-567, 2003.
Irvine, J. 2005, Commodity boom is over: Access, ‘Sydney Morning Herald’, 27 July, p. 19.
A.J. Kim, 2002, Community building on the web, Safari Tech Books, Boston, Mass.,
http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com/0201874849.
Duffield, C., Macneil, H.F., Bullock, C., & Franks, H. 2000, ‘The role of the advanced casualty
management team in St John Ambulance’, Australian Health Review, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 191-199.
5 Analysing graphs and charts

1. Complete the table with the words and phrases from
below:
Movement up Went up, lead to a rise, grew, rose
Movement down Sank, went down, declined, decreased
No movement Remained constant, remained level, levelled off, did not changed,
remained stable, unchanged, stabilised
Top Reached their highest level, reach a peak
Bottom Reached a bottom
declined rose plummeted rocketed fell went up went down
grew levelled
off
dropped unchanged increased lead to a
rise
remained
level
plunged surged decreased stabilised sank peaked remained
steady
remained
constant
reached a
peak
reached a
bottom
reached their
highest level
fell into a
low
remained
stable
did not
change
2. From the adverbs below choose the ones that describe
small and the ones to describe big changes:
drastically step by step little by little slightly sharply
Suddenly gradually gently steeply
Adverbs to describe big
changes
Adverbs to describe small
changes
Drastically
Sharply
Little by little
gradually
suddenly
Step by step
Steeply
Gently
Slightly

3. Analyse each of the charts below using words and phrases from
the above tables.
____________From the above graph it has been summarised about the number of
men and women who have studied engineering in the year 1192, 2002, 2012. It has
been summarised that in year 1992 there were 14000 men which studied engineering
while on the other hand there were 2000 females who studied engineering. It has also
been analysed that in year 2002 there were 12000 males who have studied
engineering while on the other hand there were 4000 females only. The other year in
2012 there were 12000 males who are studying engineering and 6000 females who
studied
engineering_____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

_______From the above pie chart it has been summarised that 33% of people work by
making use of smart phones as they found it easy. It has also been analysed that 30%
of them was working on a laptop. It has also been evaluated from the pie chart that
only 14% of the people used desktop and computer. It has also been evaluated that
19% of them make use of
tablet._________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

From the above graph it has been summarised that the usage of pizza and
hamburgers have been increased with the pace of year. It has been analysed that
the usage of pizza was 85 in the year 2000 while in the year 1975 it was only
10%. It has also been analysed from the graph that fish and chips was 100% in
the year 1975 but now in 2000 they are at 40. It has also been evaluated that
hamburgers has reached 100 in the year 2000.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

6 PowerPoint Presentation Demonstration
Use a computer to create a PowerPoint Slides on ‘Your expectation and that of your
college in your academic programme’
7 Reflective Learning Journal
Name and ID NO:
Date:
The main points I have learnt from the Academic Skills sessions:
There were several points which I have learnt from the academic skills session. I have learnt about how to put Harvard
references and what is the correct form of references. I have also learnt about how to make use of formal and informal
language when working. There were so many things which I have learnt from the academic skills sessions. I have learnt
about skills to enhance my communication and also I have improved my decision making abilities. I have also able to learn
about the correct form of grammar. This has assisted me in enhancing my English language too. I have also been able to
enhance my skills and abilities. I have also analysed that because of participating in academic sessions, I have also been
able to enhance my team working skills. I have developed my skills of problem solving. It has also assisted me in growing. I
have also developed my integrated communication skills.
How will this course be useful in my academic writing?
This course will be really useful in my academic writing as now I have knowledge about how to make perfect use of
English grammar. I also got an idea about how I will make use formal and informal language where it is
appropriate. This has assisted me in achieving my personal as well as professional goals. I have been able to grow
because of this. I have also analysed that my academic writing has been improved because of joining this session.

Signature: ………………………………………………………… Date: ………………………………………