Overview

National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Chennai's SWAYAM course on ‘English for Research Paper Writing', a meticulously designed program aimed to serve as a comprehensive guide to augmenting language proficiency in the specialized domain of academic writing for research papers. Throughout the course a diverse spectrum of linguistic skills is presented, encompassing foundational principles to advanced techniques tailored explicitly to the demands of academic research. This 40-hour course is mapped to the needs of postgraduates, doctoral scholars and teachers of all disciplines who desire to enhance their English Language Skills concerning research paper writing. Crafting key sections of a research paper by formulating a strong introduction, presenting research findings with precision, and gaining insights into effective communication with journal editors are discussed for successful research writing skills. Honing language skills for research presentations is another area of focus of the course. This course transcends conventional language learning by offering a transformative journey towards becoming proficient in academic English. Participants will not only gain theoretical insights but will also actively apply these skills, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful learning experience. Welcome to a program that seeks to elevate your language proficiency for unparalleled success in academic research

Syllabus

WEEK 1: FOUNDATIONS OF ACADEMIC ENGLISH IN RESEARCH

Academic English - MAP (Message-Audience-Purpose) - Language Proficiency for Writing - Key Language Aspects - Clarity and Precision - Objectivity - Formal Tone - Integrating References - Following Academic Conventions

WEEK 2: EFFECTIVE WRITING STYLE FOR RESEARCH PAPERS

Word Order - Sentences and Paragraphs - Link Words for Cohesion - Avoiding Redundancy / Repetition - Breaking up long sentences - Structuring Paragraphs - Paraphrasing Skills – Framing Title and Sub-headings

WEEK 3: ADVANCED READING SKILLS FOR RESEARCHERS

Reading Academic Texts - Critical Reading Strategies - Skimming and Scanning - Primary Research Article vs. Review Article - Reading an Abstract - Analysing Research Articles - Identifying Arguments - Classifying Methodologies - Evaluating Findings - Making Notes

WEEK 4: RESEARCH VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT

Formulaic Expressions - Synonyms and Nuances - Academic Phrase Bank - Discipline-Specific Vocabulary - Formal Expressions and Idioms - Language for Describing Results - Commonly Misused Words - Effective Use of Adjectives and Adverbs

WEEK 5: GRAMMAR REFINEMENT FOR RESEARCH WRITING

Advanced Punctuation Usage - Grammar for Clarity - Complex Sentence Structures - Active- Passive Voice - Subject-Verb Agreement - Proper Use of Modifiers - Avoiding Ambiguous Pronoun References - Verb Tense Consistency - Conditional Sentences

WEEK 6: MASTERY IN REVISING, EDITING, AND PROOFREADING

Effective Revisions - Restructuring Paragraph - Editing vs Proofreading Editing for Clarity and Coherence - Rectifying Sentence Structure Issues - Proofreading for Grammatical Precision – Spellings - Tips for Correspondence with Editors

WEEK 7: PRESENTATION LANGUAGE SKILLS

Written vs. Spoken English - Dynamic Vocabulary for Presentations –Expressive Language for Audience Engagement - Q&A Session Preparation Strategies - Language for Clear and Impactful Slides - Adapting Language Style to Different Audiences

WEEK 8: TECHNOLOGY AND LANGUAGE FOR RESEARCH

Digital Literacy and Critical Evaluation of Online Content - Technology and Role of AI in Research Writing – Assistance in Generating Citations and References - Plagiarism and Ethical Considerations – Tools and Awareness – Fair Practices