Assess your skills

This exercise will help you to think about your academic skills and your current abilities. Choose the category that best represents your current level of skill or understanding - you might find it helpful to print the Word document so you can tick the appropriate boxes. Along with most of the skills listed, you will find relevant on-line exercises to help you assess yourself and practise the skill. Im good at this 1) Learning style a) I know myself and how I learn best http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/styles.htm x I need more practice Im not good at this I dont know what this means

b) I can change the way I learn to suit different situations x http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/strategy.htm#Thinking %20Strategies c) I m good at organising my time http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/1_Stud ySkills/study_tuts/time_manage_LL/index.html d) I can study independently http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/whatsILL.htm http://www.warwick.ac.uk/EAP/study_skills/tests/t est.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/howplan.htm 2) Finding information a) I can locate books and journals in my field in the library http://www.lib.gla.ac.uk/welcome/index.shtml b) I can locate web based materials in my field http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/ x x x

c) I can conduct primary research x http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/559/01 /

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Im good at this d) I can evaluate material for academic credibility x http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/02 / e) I can determine the relevant part of a book, journal or website http://www.uefap.com/reading/readfram.htm x

I need more practice

Im not good at this

I dont know what this means

f) I have good dictionary skills x http://www.warwick.ac.uk/EAP/study_skills/diction aries/index.html http://dev.elc.polyu.edu.hk/DictionaryUse/index.ht ml g) I can keep an accurate bibliographic record of where I find information http://www.warwick.ac.uk/EAP/study_skills/compil ing_a_bibliography/index.html 3) Thinking skills a) When I study I usually have a clear purpose b) I can ask questions about the topics Im studying http://www.uefap.com/reading/readfram.htm (select Efficient from the menu, then click on Using the title at bottom of page) c) I understand the difference between fact and opinion d) I am aware of bias e) I can read critically, that is, evaluate the quality of evidence and arguments http://www.uefap.com/reading/readfram.htm (select Critical from the menu) f) I consider issues from a variety of points of view x x x

x x x

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4) Reading skills a) When I read I usually have a clear purpose and suitable method http://www.uefap.com/reading/exercise/types/intr o.htm http://www.uefap.com/reading/readfram.htm (select Efficient from the menu, then try the exercise: select Exercises from the menu, then click on Introduction)

b) I try to predict something about what I am going to X read http://www.warwick.ac.uk/EAP/reading/anna1.htm c) When I read I can find the main ideas quickly http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/1_Stud ySkills/study_tuts/reading_LL/skim.html http://www.uefap.com/reading/readfram.htm (select Efficient from the menu, then click on Skimming a text at bottom of page) http://www.uefap.com/reading/readfram.htm (select Understanding from the menu, then try the exercises: select Exercises, click on Efficient, then choose the following Surveying the text, Using the title and Skimming from the list) d) I can read quickly for specific details http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/1_Stud ySkills/study_tuts/reading_LL/scan.html http://www.uefap.com/reading/readfram.htm (Select Efficient from the menu, then click on Scanning at bottom of page; then try the exercises: select Exercises from the menu, click on Efficient, chose Scanning from the list) e) I can guess the meaning of unfamiliar words http://www.uefap.com/reading/readfram.htm (select Understanding from the menu, then click on Difficult language; try the exercises: select Exercises from the menu, click on Understanding, then try the exercises listed under Understanding difficult language X

f) I can read between the lines, that is, I can understand X the writers message even when it isnt clearly stated

College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/international/preparingforstudy The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

g) I can take effective notes while reading http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/1_Stud ySkills/study_tuts/notetaking_LL/index.html http://www.uefap.com/reading/readfram.htm (Select Exercises from the menu, then Note-taking 5) Listening skills http://www.uefap.com/listen/exercise/standex/standex.ht m http://www.esl-lab.com/ (select Listening quizzes for academic purposes a) I usually concentrate well when listening to a lecture b) I think about the topic before the lecture c) I can catch the main ideas http://www.uefap.com/listen/listfram.htm d) I can catch specific details e) I can understand how the information is linked together http://www.uefap.com/listen/listfram.htm (select Reference from the menu) f) I cope with unfamiliar words http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish /newsenglish/witn/archive_2004.shtml g) I can take effective notes while listening to lectures X http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/1_Stud ySkills/study_pdf/notetaking_lecture.pdf http://www.uefap.com/listen/listfram.htm (select Structure from the menu, then try the exercises: select Exercises from the menu, then choose Listening and notetaking) http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/elsc/material/Listening/not e-taking.html http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/EAP/Activities/idealLearner .htm 6) Discussion skills X X X

X X

College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/international/preparingforstudy The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

a) I take an active and responsible part in discussions http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/elsc/material/Speaking/dis cussion_skills.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/EAP/Audio-visual/ (select Analysing seminar discussions Clips 1 and 2) http://www.uefap.com/speaking/spkfram.htm (select Functions from the menu, then Arguing and discussing) http://www.uefap.com/speaking/spkfram.htm (select Groupwork from the menu) b) I critically evaluate all positions c) I can illustrate or support my ideas with examples and evidence d) I can communicate my ideas clearly e) I can ask questions http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/elsc/material/Speaking/ask seek.htm#Introduction f) I can agree and disagree with other speakers politely

X X X X

7) Oral presentation skills a) I know how to plan and prepare an oral presentation X http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/2_Asse ssmentTasks/assess_pdf/oral %20presentations.pdf b) I can organise my information logically and effectively http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/EAP/Audio-visual/ http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/presentations/ordering_ question.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/CILL/tools/presplan.htm http://www.uefap.com/speaking/spkfram.htm (select Functions from the menu) c) I can keep within time limits d) I can speak clearly, at an appropriate volume and pace http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/pronunci.htm X X

College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/international/preparingforstudy The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

e) I can illustrate my presentation with visual aids http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/EAP/Audio-visual/ (select using visual aids from the menu) f) I can handle listeners questions http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/EAP/Audio-visual/ (select Handling questions Version 1 for a poor example and Handling questions Version 2 for a good example) 8) Writing skills a) I am familiar with the types of writing I may be required to do http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/2_Asse ssmentTasks/00assesstasks.htm http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/Assignmen ts.html b) I can correctly interpret assignment titles & instructions http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/functionsexplanatio n.htm c) I understand how my writing will be marked http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl _essay.html d) I can select relevant ideas and information to develop the topic

e) I can organise ideas and information logically and X effectively http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/544/01 / http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/01 / http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/exercises/categorisatio n.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/tools/orgtool.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/tools/ideaweb.htm f) I can write clearly organised paragraphs http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/writing_tuts/paragraphs_LL/index.html http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/essayparas.htm http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/606/01 / X

College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/international/preparingforstudy The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

g) I can integrate information I have read into my writing X http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/writing_tuts/summarising_LL/index.html http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/writing_tuts/synthesising_LL/index.html http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/synthesis.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/2001/egacademice ssay.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/2004/U4/beliefs_op inions_attitudes.htm h) I can quote correctly (without plagiarising) and write a bibliography or list of references http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/1_Stud ySkills/study_tuts/plagiarism_LL/index.html# http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/writing_tuts/paraphrase_LL/index.html http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/05referencing.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/referenc.htm http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/source s.htm http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/QuotingSo urces.html http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/referenceMachineCity.h tm i) I can write critically http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/critical. htm Pros and Cons Calculator i) I can write an effective introduction http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/essayintro.htm http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/introdu ctions.htm X X

k) I can write an effective conclusion X http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/essayconc.htm http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/conclus ions.htm

College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/international/preparingforstudy The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

l) I can link paragraphs and sentences together X http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/09linkingwords.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/2004/u3/contrastse ntences.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/2004/u2/purposere asonresultclauses.htm http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/574/01 / m) I can define terms clearly X http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/CILL/exercises/functionsco rrection.htm http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/622/01 / n) I can describe numerical information appropriately http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eiw/approximation.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/exercises/trends.htm X

o) I can critically assess my own writing X http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/writing_pdf/editing_writing.pdf http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/assessment2checklist.h tm p) I can proof read my own work for mistakes http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/CILL/errordetector.htm http://www.warwick.ac.uk/EAP/correcting_your_w ork/index.html http://www.uefap.com/accuracy/accfram.htm (select Check and Proofread from the menu) q) I can punctuate correctly http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/index2.ht ml#punctuation X

College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/international/preparingforstudy The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

r) I can use correct grammar http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/06sentences.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/grammar.htm#Needs %20Analysis http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/index2.ht ml#construction http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/index2.ht ml#parts http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/index2.ht ml#esl s) I can spell correctly http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/08spelling.htm http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/index2.ht ml#spelling t) I can use an appropriate academic style X http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/academicstyle.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/2004/u6/pg137ex3 precisewords.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/2004/u6/pg135ex2 modals.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/book/tentativity.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/suggestingsolution s.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/2004/u6/pg136ex1f ormal.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/matchingformality.htm http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/eap/matching-errorsformality.htm http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/ http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_Writi ngSkills/writing_pdf/Academic%20style.pdf http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/608/01 / Learning goals

There are a couple of things that need more practice for me. First of all, I need to organize my time better and plan more ahead. Second, I have never really been to a school library, but I think if someone could show me the ropes, that is shouldnt be that difficult at all, I guess. Third, sometimes I do look a bit
College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/international/preparingforstudy The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

too easy at some problems or situations, yet it is rather important to take a closer look and to study those phenomenon from different directions. Fourth, I have to be aware of a time limit more often. Another thing is to be able to write down effective notes, while you are reading. I have also some difficulty with that. Moreover, these are some writing & reading improvements: Correct spelling Correct grammar use Correct punctuation Quote the right way Organize paragraphs effectively Be able to cope with unfamiliar words while reading

College of Social Sciences University of Glasgow http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/socialsciences/info/students/international/preparingforstudy The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401