Unit 0

The Basics

Introduction:
This unit prepares students for the future reading activities designed for this course. Students will acquire basic reading skills such as using the dictionary, guessing word meanings from context, looking for main ideas, outlining an essay, summarizing an article, and synthesizing information. Another part of the basics covered in this unit is computer/Internet knowledge. Students will be introduced to the computer and web terms, emailing skills, web surfing techniques, and etiquette people follow on the web.


Reading Skills:
      1. Dictionary Skills:  A guideline of  how to use the dictionary effectively.

        2.  
      2. Vocabulary in Context:  A brief instruction showing examples of how to find the meaning of a word by studying the context clues.

        3.  
      3. Looking for the Main Idea:  An explanation with exercises that teach students how to identify the main idea of a written passage.

        4.  
      4. Outlining:  Some web pages explaining the outlining process and the outlining format.

        5.  
      5. Summarizing:  A PowerPoint file introducing the essentials of a good summary. (NB: This file is prepared in WinZip format.)

        6.  
      6. Synthesizing:

        7.  
    Internet Literacy:
     
      1. A Beginner's Computer and Web Glossary:  A list of important terms associated with computer and Internet.

        2.  
      2. Harness E-Mail:  Learn the Net's step by step instruction on how to send and receive emails. Please pay attention to the following links:

        3. (1) "Understanding Email Addresses"
        (2) "Step by Step: Sending an Email"
        (3) "Step by Step: Sending E-Mail Attachments"
        (4) "Smileys"
         
      3. Surf the Web:  Learn the Net's teaches all you need to know about surfing the net. Please pay attention to the following links:

        4. (1) "Web Browsers"
        (2) "Domain Names"
        (3) "Understanding Web Addresses"
        (4) "Bookmarks and Favorites"
        (5) "Top Ten Tips"
         
      4. Netiquette:  An exerpt from Virginia Shea's The Core Rules of Netiquette that explains the rules people should follow on the Internet.