Task 18. Compose informative and descriptive abstracts (1200 and 300 symbols accordingly) related to your Magister paper using as more results as you have already investigated.

 

Task 19. Make up an annotation of the article according to the plan and useful phrases given below.

Annotation plan

1. The title of the article.	§ The article is headlined… § The headline of the article I have read is… § As the title implies the article describes...
2. The author of the article, where and when the article was published.	§ The author of the article is… § The author’s name is... § Unfortunately the author’s name is not mentioned... § The article is written by… § It was published in … (on the Internet). § It is a newspaper (scientific) article (published on March 10, 2012 / in 2010).
3. The main idea of the article.	§ The main idea of the article is… § The article is about… § The article is devoted to… § The article deals (is concerned) with… § The article touches upon the issue of… § The purpose of the article is to give the reader some information on… § The aim of the article is to provide the reader with some material on…
4. The contents of the article. Some facts, names, figures.	§ The author starts by telling (the reader) that… § The author (of the article) writes (reports, states, stresses, thinks, notes, considers, believes, analyses, points out, says, describes) that… / draws reader’s attention to... § Much attention is given to… § According to the article… § The article goes on to say that… § It is reported (shown, stressed) that … § It is spoken in detail about… § From what the author says it becomes clear that… § The fact that … is stressed. § The article gives a detailed analysis of… § Further the author reports (writes, states, stresses, thinks, notes, considers, believes, analyses, points out, says, describes) that… / draws reader’s attention to... § In conclusion the author writes (reports, states, stresses, thinks, notes, considers, believes, analyses, points out, says, describes) that… / draws reader’s attention to... § The author comes to the conclusion that… § The following conclusions are drawn: …
5. Your opinion.	§ I found the article (rather) interesting (important, useful) as / because… § I think / In my opinionthe article is (rather) interesting (important, useful) as / because… § I found the article too hard to understand/ rather boring as / because…

Note: Not all of these points are necessary for every annotation, and they certainly do not have to be noted in the order listed here, but they at least ought to be kept in mind when writing an annotation.

 

Task 20. Discuss the successful presentation paying attention to the main stages – preparation the talk in advance, rehearse the presentation, speech processing and methods for catching attention. Single out additional steps if necessary.

Task 21. To be a more effective presenter, it is useful to evaluate your own presentation skills. The following self-evaluation form can help you identify areas you should try to improve. Please read each item below and rank yourself from 1 to 5 based on how frequently you believe you adhere to the item (1=never and 5=always). Then concentrate on the points that you have ranked with low numbers when you are trying to improve your oral presentation skills.

Question	Rank
1) I determine some basic objectives before planning a presentation.
2) I analyze the values, needs and constraints of my audience.
3) I write down some main ideas first, in order to build a presentation around them.
4) I incorporate both a preview and review of the main ideas as my presentation is organized.
5) I develop an introduction that will catch the attention of my audience and still provide the necessary background information.
6) My conclusion refers back to the introduction and, if appropriate, contains a call-to-action statement.
7) The visual aids I use are carefully prepared, simple, easy to read, and have impact.
8) The number of visual aids will enhance, not detract, from my presentation.
9) If my presentation is persuasive, arguments are used that are logical and that support my assertions.
10) I use anxiety to fuel the enthusiasm of my presentation, not hold me back.
11) I ensure the benefits suggested to my audience are clear and compelling.
12) I communicate ideas with enthusiasm.
13) I rehearse so there is a minimum focus on notes and maximum attention paid to my audience.
14) My notes contain only "key words" so I avoid read up from a manuscript or technical paper.
15) My presentations are rehearsed standing up and using visual aids.
16) I prepare answers to anticipated questions, and practice responding to them.
17) I arrange seating (if appropriate) and check audio-visual equipment in advance of the presentation.
18) I maintain good eye contact with the audience at all times.
19) My gestures are natural and not constrained by anxiety.
20) My voice is strong and clear and is not a monotone.

Evaluate your score:

• If you scored between 80-100, you are an accomplished speaker who simply needs to maintain basic skills through practice.
• If your total score was between 60-80, you have the potential to become a highly effective presenter.
• If your score was between 40 and 60, this resource can help you significantly.
• If you scored between 30 and 40, you should show dramatic improvement with practice.
• If your total was below 30, roll up your sleeves and dig in. It may not be easy - but you can make excellent progress if you try.

At the end of the course, take this evaluation again and compare your scores. You should be pleased with the progress you have made.