英语应用文写作课件：Unit+6_B_ 37页

Unit 6 （ B ） Personal Statement Sample Reading Read the given personal statements with these questions in mind: ① What are the proper things to include in a Personal Statement? ② What makes a good personal statement? What do university admission officers look for in a Personal Statement? ③ What tone is proper for a Personal Statement? Contents of a personal statement The things may include in a personal statement : Your reasons for choosing the course / award The background to your interest in the subject (academic qualifications & professional training); The work experiences (employment, work shadowing, voluntary work…etc.) and / or personal developments which have been most important to you and which are relevant to your application; Research (experience, skills, scope of study, achievements…etc) to demonstrate your potential; Future career plans. 1.What you'd like to study or on which field you want to concentrate. 2.Why you choose to such field. 3.What background you have in the field. 4.Why you choose a particular school. 5.What you plan to do after you graduate. Advice from the admission committee The PS is an opportunity for applicants to stand out. How well does the applicant address the assigned question? If no specific topic is assigned, how well does the applicant manage the ambiguous assignment and construct an essay that is relevant and informative? How well does the applicant write? Does the applicant attend to details, such as spelling and presentation? Does the applicant demonstrate abstract and complex reasoning? Is the essay appropriate? Is it too informal? Does the applicant reveal appropriate personal details and avoid sharing irrelevant and overly personal information Is the essay free of careless errors? How well is the essay organized? Is it easy to read and to follow the author’s idea? Steps: consider the topic plan your points organize and structure your argument draft the essay evaluate seek feedback write a final version How to organize your graduate admission essay There are several different ways you can structure your essay but the most common format includes an introduction, a body, and a concluding paragraph. 1.Introduction especially the first sentence.. Keep the readers interest The first sentence unique and compelling (attractive), thought-provoking or attention-grabbing State the first sentence in a creative manner. The sentences following the first sentence should provide a brief explanation that supports the claim stated in the first sentence. 2. The body several paragraphs that provide detailed evidence to support the statement made in the introductory paragraph. Each paragraph should have a transition , which starts each paragraph. Each paragraph should have a resolution, which ends each paragraph with a meaningful sentence that provides a transition to the next paragraph. A) Summarize what you did in the past It includes ： Your academic background Your research background Your working experience B) Focus on the topic you wish to pursue for graduate school and your future career plan indicate your interested area Even indicate the professor whose research field you are interested in. 3. Conclusion State the key points mentioned in the body End on a positive note with one or two attention –grabbing sentences. Preparation of your PS Conduct a personal assessment the first step is to conduct a thorough self-assessment. consider: Hobbies Projects that you’ve completed Jobs Responsibilities Accomplishments in the personal and scholastic arena Major life events that have changed you. Challenges and hurdles you’ve overcome People who have influenced you or motivated you Traits, work habits, and attitudes that will insure your success. 2.Do your research Research the programs that interest you. Read the brochure Check the website Gather all information possible to help you. 3.Consider the questions posed Essential qualities of good personal statement Pay attention to style and tone. in a direct, personal voice . fluently modulating between styles shorter sentences and more ordinary language. As for tone avoid sounding arrogance false humility avoid the temptation to provide a biography or list straightforward and authentic b) Keep your audience in mind. try to be as specific and detailed as possible about the things that you love studying and want to pursue further. c) Work for depth and focus , not a biography or a list. d) Choose anecdotes or examples carefully . ways to craft a good Personal Statement: you should choose the one that feels best to you, or develop your own variation. Some people begin with a brief anecdote Some people begin with a concept that fascinates them e) Keep one eye on the future. Talk not just about what you've already done and thought, but about what you hope to do next. What ideas do you want to pursue further, and how? Now go back to the three personal statements given and see whether the things mentioned above have been included. Are the details provided substantial or vague? Do they show high motivation? Is there anything you can do to make the statement more powerful? Q & A with PS Students often wonder how to approach writing the graduate PS. What will you include? What will you exclude? Read and think the common questions: How do I choose a theme for my admissions essay? It may be helpful to make a list of all your experiences and interests at first and then try to overlapping theme or connection between the different items on the list. However, your underlying theme should be why you should be accepted into graduate school or specially accepted into the program to which you are applying. Your job is to sell yourself and distinguish yourself from other applicants through examples. 2.What type of tone (attitude towards the subject) should I incorporate in my essay? The tone of the essay should be balanced or moderate. Don’t sound two cheerful or too depressed but keep a serious and ambitious tone . When discussing positive or negative experiences, sound open-minded and use a neutral tone. Remember not to hit the extremes (too high or too low) and remain in balance. Additionally, do not sound too casual or too formal. Portray confidence and use an active voice. 3.Should I write the first person? You are encouraged to speak in the first person on your personal statement. Your goal is to make your essay sound personal and active. However, avoid overusing “I” and, instead, alter between I and other first person terms, such as “my” and “me” and transition words, such as “however” and “therefore”. 4.How should I discuss my research interest in my personal statement? First, it is not necessary to state a specific and concise dissertation topic in your personal statement. You are only to state, in broad terms, your research interests within your field. The reason you are asked to discuss your research interests is because the program would like to compare the degree of similarity in research interests between you and the faculty member you wish to work with. Additionally, your aim is to show your readers that you have knowledge in your proposed field of study. 5. What if I don’t have any unique experiences or qualities? Everyone has qualities that can distinguish themselves from other individuals. Make a list of all your qualities and think of how you utilized them in the past. Discuss the ones that will make you stand out but will still have some connection to your field of interest. If you do not have many experiences with your field, then try to make your other experiences relate to your interests. For example, if you are interested in applying to a psychology program but only have experience working at a supermarket that can show your interest in and knowledge of the field and portray your ability to become a psychologist. By providing these connections, your experiences and you will be depicted as unique. 6. Should I mention which faculty members I would like to work with? Yes, it makes it easier for the admissions committee to determine if your interests match with the faculty members you’re interested in working with. However, if possible, it is recommended that you mention more than one professor you wish to work with because it is a possibility that the professor you are interested in working with is not accepting new students for that year. By mentioning only one professor, you are limited yourself, which can decrease your chances of being accepted. Additionally, if you only wish to work with a specific professor, then you are more likely to be rejected by the admissions committee if that professor is not accepting new students. Alternatively, it may be helpful to contact professors and find out if they are accepting new students before applying. This reduces the chances of being rejected. 7. Should I discuss all volunteer and job experiences? You should only mention volunteer and employment experiences that are relevant to your field of study or have helped you develop or acquire a skill that is necessary for your field of interest. However, if there is a volunteer or job experience that is not related to your field of interest yet has helped influence your career and academic goals, discuss it in your personal statement as well. 8. Should I discuss flaws in my application? If yes, how? If you think it may be helpful, then you should discuss low grades, low GRE scores, etc., providing an explanation. However, do not whine, blame others, or try to explain away three years of poor performance. When you discuss flaws, make sure you aren’t giving unreasonable excuses, such as”I failed my test because I went out drinking the night before.” provide explanations that are reasonably excusable and comprehensive to the academic committee, such as an unexpected event happened in your family.. 9. Can I use humor in my personal statement? It depends. Humor may keep the reader entertained but at the same time it may hurt you if it is not taken in a light manner. If you do plan on using humor, do so cautiously, keep it limited, and make sure it is appropriate. The last thing you want to do is to offend the admissions committee. Instead, aim to leave a smile on the readers face. 10. Is there a limit in the length of the personal statement? Yes, there is a limit, but it varies depending on the school and the program. Usually, personal statements are between 500-1000 words long. Do not exceed the limit. More importantly, remember to answer all the questions being asked. Do's Demonstrate your considerable dedication to earn a master's and even a doctorate degree. Clearly state your reasons to choose a particular school. Have someone else proofread your essay. Don'ts Bring up topics or something of no interest to a prospective admissions committee. Excessive words on your extracurricular activities. Reuse the same statement of purpose for each school you apply to.