Module 2 English Enhancement
Module 2 English Enhancement
Module 2 English Enhancement
MODULE NO: 2
Date: _____________
Subject: ENGLISH ENHANCEMENT AS BRIDGE PROGRAM
Subject Code: ENG_001
Topic: WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Reference: Internet Sources *See References at the last page
Instructor: Mr. JOSEPH T. CERVANTES, LPT.
This topic gives you an overview of communication and introduces you to the main elements
in the communication process. It also highlights the importance of clear writing, positive messages
and offers you some basic tips and guidelines on this form of communication so that you may
become more proficient in the kind of writing needed at home as well as in the college and
workplace. You will also learn about some of the common pitfalls which may impede the
effectiveness of written communication.
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, the student will complete the following objectives;
• To highlight some basic tips on writing,
• To differentiate between oral and written communication,
• To list down common pitfalls to avoid in written communication.
Things to ponder.
A well-written piece of work requires you to pay attention to the following three stages
in the writing process.
• Planning
• Writing
• Editing
PLANNING
• Plan what you want to say.
• List down all the points and arrange them in a logical and suitable sequence.
Writing
• The writing stage requires careful planning. It includes a pre-writing stage where
you gather all the information necessary to ensure that there is substance to your
writing.
• Start writing in simple and plain English and move from something concrete to
something more abstract and expressive.
• Once you start writing, the words, sentences, paragraphs, and lay-outs become
writing tools which you can use to convey your message concisely courteously
and confidently.
• Adopt a plain, straightforward style when writing as this makes your work easy to
understand and reduces the chance of misunderstanding arising from ambiguity.
Writing
• The third stage in the writing process is editing. It is crucial to check for
grammatical errors and ensure that there is smooth language flow.
• The longer the report, the more editing is usually required.
• It can be useful to get someone else read through the written piece for you.
Pitfalls to avoid
There are four types of errors that you must try to avoid in written communication.
• Confusing language
• Verbosity
• Poor Sentence Structure
• Information Overload
Confusing language
This refers to words that mislead the reader and cause communication breakdown. It may
also result in barriers being erected between the writer and the reader. Avoid words which are
ambiguous, bombastic, vague, exaggerated, inflated, and archaic. Remember to write in plain,
good English.
verbosity
Verbosity means the sue of too many words, so much so that they interfere with
understanding. If verbosity persists, it may antagonize, confuse, and bore the reader.
Information overload
Information overload means giving so much information until you feel overwhelmed and
confused. This may cause frustration and cast doubts on the writer’s credibility.