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BUSINESS MAIL
More than most types of reading, business mail and correspondence
require the related skills of discrimination and flexibility. Unless you
master these skills, you may find yourself playing a never-ending
game of catch-up. Here are some tips to effectively handle incoming
mail and correspondence:
Academic Material
The five-paragraph essay is used in writing classes to teach concise writing. Thus, it
provides an excellent model to understand the way chapters in larger academic works are
often organized.
Introductory Paragraph
Starts with something to motivate you to read on.
Includes a thesis sentence, stating the main point of the essay. This sentence may
include a “map” of the main thoughts that will be developed to support the essay
thesis.
Fifth Paragraph
Iterates the thesis.
Concludes.
Book chapters and sections within chapters are often variations on this theme.
The first one or two paragraphs usually tell you the main ideas that will be developed.
Read these carefully.
Subsequent paragraphs often state, within the first two sentences, the idea each will
be developing. Read on as far as you need, in order to understand the author’s
viewpoint and argument.
Concluding paragraphs usually recap the overall theme.
News Articles
First paragraph contains the key points.
Subsequent paragraphs add additional details.
Opinion Articles
Introduction and summary usually encapsulate core ideas.
Body paragraphs develop the author’s point of view, usually with examples.
Tips:
If you are stressed, or the assignment looms larger in your mind than God, worship
before you study! Remember that He is delighted in your discovery and study,
watching to see how you process what you read. (from Veronica Karaman, Behold
Your Teacher)
Choose a comfortable, quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
You will need a highlighter and a timer.
As after any reading session, recite the main points of what you’ve read.
Turn the main points into a mnemonic device. Write your mnemonic in the margin of
your text, or in a notebook.
If the topic is one you expect to refer back to in future research, type up notes on key
thoughts, with page citations. If you use a PDA, enter these notes into your PDA to
facilitate review.