DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCES & HUMANITIES

Lecture Notes On

Technical Communication (BAS-301)

B.Tech. / 2nd Year / 3rd Sem.

AKTU

ABHAY AGARWAL

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
C.V./ Résumé writing:
CURRICULUM VITAĔ (C.V.): It is a Latin word which means ‘Course of Life’. It represents the full
academic history of an individual. It emphasizes academic accomplishment and achievement.
2.It is prepared for the fixed position.
3.It can be as long as required.
4.It is submitted to the fellow academics of one’s field.
5.Reference can be the included part of it.

RÉSUMÉ: It is a French word which means ‘Summary’. It provides the concise picture of an
individual’s skills & qualities. It emphasizes or highlights the skills.
2.It is prepared for the different job position or suitable for those who hire an individual for a wide
variety of post.
3. It can be hardly one or two pages.
4.It is submitted to general employer who looks for multi-dimensional people (employee).
5.Reference is not required.

TYPES OF RÉSUMÉS:
Chronological Résumé
The chronological résumé seems to be the most popular format used. They are straightforward
and easy to scan. It contains a chronological listing (from most recent to the past) of all your
employment along with related accomplishments. Education information is included along with
certification and special skills.

Note: A chronological résumé is particularly useful for people who:

Have extensive, uninterrupted employment in the areas you are seeking employment
Format:

o Lists positions in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent and works
backwards)
o Job achievements and skills are listed under each position
o Presents experience under headings by job title, company, location and dates of employment
o Format allows employers to easily determine work performed at each company

Disadvantages:
· May be hard to communicate your skills and general strengths/qualities
· Emphasizes gaps in employment
· Dramatizes short-term employment
· Most dependent upon past experience
Functional Résumé
Functional résumé highlights your abilities rather than your chronological work history. Your skills
are organized into categories. You'll still need to summarize your work history, but this is usually
done at the bottom of your resume. By the time the reader has gotten to that point he/she is
usually sold on bringing you in for an interview.
Advantages: A functional résumé is particularly useful for people who:
· Have gaps in their work history that they would like to minimize
· Are re-entering the workforce
· Have frequently changed jobs
· Are looking to transition into a new career
· Need to emphasize transferrable skills
Format:
· Focus is on skills and experience, rather than on chronological work history
· Responsibilities, accomplishments, and quantifiable achievements are described under each
applicable heading
· Typically opens with a summary or profile detailing your, education and strengths or work history
in 1-3 sentences
· Demonstrates how you ideally match the requirements of a particular job for which you are
applying, by including relevant achievements and accomplishments
Disadvantages:
· Some employers are not accustomed to this format, and it can be confusing for employers to
follow
· It tends to play down direct work experience with specific employers.

SEMINAR / CONFERENCE PAPER WRITING:

A Seminar is a small group of students and teachers. A seminar paper is a recordof what you
say to the group about a topic you have studied. Preparing a seminar paper gives you practice
in technical writing which will help you when you write your thesis.

Conference papers refer to articles that are written with the goal of being acceptedto a
conference: typically, an annual (or biannual) venue with a specific scope where you can
present your results to the community, usually as an oral presentation, a poster presentation,
or a tabled discussion. The review process for conference papers is typically within a fixed
window: everyone submits for a certain deadline, then the review committee (program
committee) collaborates to review and discuss papers, then all authors are notified with
accept/reject at the same time. Since the review process has a fixed schedule (to meet the
schedule of the physical meeting), conference review times are quite predictable.

NOTE:

A. Conference papers are typically published in collections called

"proceedings":

B. Conference papers are often both a written document and an oral

presentation.
Conference Paper Writing:
There are several factors to consider as we get started on our conference paperwriting.

 Sign up for e-mail for subfields and organizations you are interested in. Throughout the
year you will getcall-for-paper announcements offering panel discussions to be a part
of.
 Pay attention to the deadline and guidelines. Read their panel description closely.
 Many conferences also accept individual papers. You submit your abstract and they will
 place you withother presenters.

Write a strong abstract

 Most conferences want you to participate (and want your conference fees payment),
but they do havelimits and criteria for accepting papers.
 You usually have 200-300 words to work with, so you don‘t have space to
elaborate sophisticatedconcepts, nor to tell everything about your project.
 HAVE A POINT your paper will advance. Even if you don‘t yet know what that point
is, make aconcise and intelligible claim. Emphasize the innovativ

Organizing the paper

There are numerous ways to effectively organize conference paper, but we shouldhave a
focused message that fits the time constraints and meets the needs of audience. we can begin
by connecting research to the audience’s concerns, then share a few examples/case studies
from research, and then conclusion.

A presentation is typically limited to 15 minutes. It takes roughly 2 minutes to read a

double-spacedpage of text. So, anything more than 7 or 8 pages is more than you can say
in the presentation.
Signal early on what your intentions with the paper are. Map out the argument so your
audience can geta sense of what is to come.
Write a data-driven essay. If you are a historian or literature scholar, delve into the
primary texts. This will give your discussant a better chance at assessing your analytical
points.
Most importantly, you only have time in a presentation to develop ONE maybe two
points. In any case, no one will remember more than two points, so keep it tight. It is
always more effective to go in depth into one particular aspect of your research than try
to sketch together many pieces in one showcase.

Citing sources
Since conference paper will be part of an oral presentation, there are special considerations for
citations. You should observe the conventions of your disciplinewith regard to including citations
in your written paper.

Don’t confuse your audience

You should limit the information that you present. Don’t attempt to summarize many details.
Instead, try selecting main points and provide examples to supportthose points. Alternatively,
you might focus on one main idea or case study anduse 2-4 examples to explain it.

Check for clarity in the text

One way to anticipate how your ideas will sound is to read your paper out loud. Reading out
loud is an excellent proofreading technique and is a great way to check the clarity of your
ideas. Help readers to understand your ideas by makingsure that subjects and verbs are clear
and by avoiding unnecessarily complex sentences.

Include verbal cues in the text

A. Use of transitional phrases like however, therefore, and thus, as well as signpost
words like first, next, etc.
B. If you have 5 main points enlist those 5 ideas. Refer back to this structure frequently
as transition between sections (“Now, I will discuss my fourth point, the importance
of plasma”).
C. Use a phrase like “I argue” to announce thesis statement. Be sure that thereis only
one of these phrases—otherwise audience will be confused about your central
message.
D. Refer back to the structure, and signal moments where you are transitioningto a new
topic: “I just talked about x, now I’m going to talk about y.”

Prepare the presentation

To keep people ‘s attention for the time you are talking. People generally stay more
tuned in when they sense that someone is speaking to them, not reading to them. Some
reduce their presentation to a series of points they talk through. This has the advantage
of being "live".
You might run out of time without a prepared text. Remember that by going overtime
you are antagonizing your audience and colleagues on the panel.
Be courteous.
Practice reading your paper aloud for flow, emphasis, and timing. Replace unnecessary
jargon or technical terms in speech. You want to be familiar enough with the writing that
you can pick your head up and speak to people.
Rules of PowerPoint (PPT): Your PPT slides should absolutely NOT replace your paper; i.e.,
you should
not simply read bullet points and text excerpts off the screen to your audience.
At the event
If you are using audio-visual equipment, get to the room of your panel session early
to test out theprojector, software compatibility, etc.
Listen to your co-presenters ‘talks and take notes. Show the same undivided attention
and respect youwould expect from others when you speak.
Graciously thank the organizers and/or sponsors before you set off into your paper.
A basic tenet of all public speaking: whether you are reading or not, look up from your
paper regularly to make eye contact with the audience.
 EXPERT TECHNICAL LECTURE (E.T.L): A lecture is an oral presentation intended to present
information or teach people about a particular subject. Lectures are used to convey critical
information theories and equation. Lectures delivered by an expert speaker can be highly
effective. They are the experts in the field, informing the audience about the subject matter.
These experts are the people who have a wide knowledge of the subject. It is a form of
communication (convey scientific, engineering or other technical information with the help of
an expert) in a professional or formal setting. It is deliveredafter research, observation,
processing and analysis of topic. Modern/expert technical lectures incorporate writing,
exercises, chalk, marker, board, question, answer session discussion or website etc. These
lectures are simple in form and use technical style and language.

Note: These lectures may be delivered in a conference seminar, or in a

workshop.There is certain pre-requisite which can make the lecture (E.T. L)

more effective:

1. Theme clarity: lectures should be captivating and informative. Expert has to maintain a
balance between all these in order to deliver a technical lecture successfully. The
introduction section should setthe theme and tone of the lecture. It should include all the
points clearly so that the information can be conveyed.

2. Analysis: In order to make these lecture more captivating an expert has to analyze the detail
availableat that time. He/she can go for certain observation or research in order to collect fact,
figure to prove his/ her point. Analysis of the information may make the theme clearer which
will result in improved understanding.

3. Finding: These lectures should be prepared keeping the finding or some sort of result in
find so thatdesired effort can be made in order to achieve it.
 UNITED INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Writing the Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Admission in Higher Studies

Introduction:
 The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a crucial component of your application for higher
studies. It's your opportunity to articulate your goals, experiences, and reasons for
pursuing a specific program or degree. This lecture focuses on mastering the art of
crafting an effective SOP that can significantly impact your chances of admission.
I. Understanding the SOP:

A. Definition and Purpose:

1. An SOP or a Statement of Purpose is a letter written by the applicant conveying their
intent for choosing a particular course, their interests, goals and career plans. It is
addressed to the admission committee. It is also known as a research statement or a
letter of intent.

B. Importance of the SOP:

1. Differentiation: Helps you stand out among applicants with similar qualifications.
2. Showcasing Fit: Demonstrates that you are a good fit for the program.
3. Personalization: Allows you to convey your personality and unique story.

II. Structuring Your SOP:

A. Introduction:
1. Hook the Reader: Begin with an engaging anecdote or a compelling introduction to grab
the reader's attention.
2. State Your Purpose: Clearly state your intent for pursuing higher studies.
B. Educational Background:
1. Academic Journey: Highlight your academic achievements, including degrees, GPA, and
relevant coursework.
2. Relevant Experience: Mention any research, projects, or internships that are pertinent
to your field of study.
C. Professional Experience (if applicable):
 Discuss any work experience and how it has contributed to your decision to pursue
higher studies.
D. Research Interests (if applicable):
 If you're applying for research-based programs, outline your research interests and how
they align with the program's offerings.
E. Program Specifics:
 Explain why you're interested in the specific program or institution. Discuss faculty
members, courses, or facilities that attract you.
F. Career Goals:

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT, NAINI , PRAYAGRAJ

 UNITED INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
1. Short-Term Goals: Describe your immediate career objectives upon completing the
program.
2. Long-Term Goals: Explain your long-term aspirations and how the program contributes
to them.
G. Personal Motivation:
 Share personal motivations, experiences, or events that have shaped your decision to
pursue higher studies.
H. Conclusion:
1. Summarize: Recap the key points of your SOP.
2. Future Outlook: Express your enthusiasm for the program and your optimism for the
future.

III. Writing Tips for an Effective SOP:

A. Clarity and Conciseness: Be clear and concise in your writing. Admissions committees often
have many SOPs to review.
B. Professional Tone: Maintain a professional, formal tone throughout the document.
C. Show, Don't Tell: Instead of stating qualities, demonstrate them through examples and
experiences.
D. Avoid Clichés: Avoid overused phrases and clichés; be original in your writing.
E. Proofread and Edit: Carefully proofread your SOP for grammar, spelling, and coherence.
Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors.
F. Be Honest: Present an authentic picture of yourself. Exaggeration or falsehoods can harm
your application.
G. Tailor Each SOP: Customize your SOP for each program and institution. Highlight what makes
each one a great fit for your goals.

IV. Ethical Considerations:

A. Plagiarism: Never plagiarize content from other sources. Your SOP should be your unique
work.
B. Honesty: Be honest about your qualifications, experiences, and intentions.
C. Respect Word Limits: Adhere to word or page limits set by the institution.

Conclusion:
Writing an effective Statement of Purpose is a critical step in the admission process for higher
studies. It's an opportunity to present yourself, your qualifications, and your aspirations to the
admissions committee. By following the structure and tips discussed in this lecture, you can
create a compelling SOP that increases your chances of securing admission in your chosen
program. Remember that honesty, clarity, and personalization are key to crafting an impactful
SOP.

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT, NAINI , PRAYAGRAJ

 UNITED INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

What makes a good SOP?

 It Should be original. There are plenty of sample SOPs available on the internet and it
is not advisable to copy them verbatim.

 Your Statement of Purpose should be free of grammatical errors

 Your SOP should have answers to some crucial questions that the admission
committee might have about you.

 If the institution has requested the SOP in a particular format, make sure you follow it.

 A good SOP will demonstrate your passion for the subject, your potential and your
purpose for choosing the particular course.

The Dos: Tips for writing a good SOP or Statement of Purpose

1. Font style and size are vital while drafting an SOP. These are often missed or not
followed by students while drafting an SOP.

2. Write your SOP in the active voice and let it have a positive feel altogether.

3. The SOP should have a formal tone, but keep it conversational.

4. It should have continuity.

5. Follow the instructions, if any, given by the institution. For example, you might be
asked to limit your SOP to one page.

6. Use examples in your SOP to garner the attention of the reader. These will stand out
more than generic statements.

7. Keep editing and rewriting, till the last date you send it across. The more you edit, the
better your work becomes. If you are running out of words, let the draft sit in one corner
for a few days, and then get back to it with a fresh mind.

8. Your SOP should be tweaked based on the institution or course that you are applying
to.

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT, NAINI , PRAYAGRAJ

 UNITED INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The Don’ts: Common mistakes to avoid while writing an SOP

1. Avoid using commonly used adjectives while writing an SOP. For example, hard-
working and challenging

2. Do not make vague and generic statements. It should be followed by specific instances
from your life.

3. Do not repeat the information in your SOP. Also if you have mentioned something in
your resume, please do not copy-paste or repeat it in your SOP. Let the information in your
resume be distinct from that in your SOP.

4. It is difficult to pull off humor and sarcasm in writing. Hence, it is safe to stay clear of
those.

5. Most importantly, never copy anyone’s SOP and share it as your own. There are tools
that can catch plagiarism, which is a serious offence.

6. Though your confident persona should show through the SOP, make sure you won’t
be mistaken as an arrogant and self-obsessed person.

7. Do not draw attention to your drawback or failures, unless you highlight that those
were your learning experiences and you did something about it.

8. Do not include information that is not necessary or relevant to your college education.

ABHAY AGARWAL, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UIT, NAINI , PRAYAGRAJ